Why Did My Neck Suddenly Hurt So Much?

During hot summer days, we all enjoy using air conditioning. However, if cold air penetrates into the joints, it can easily lead to joint pain or other bone-related diseases. Additionally, poor sitting posture in daily life can cause spinal deformation, which may compress nerves and trigger pain. If you suddenly experience neck pain, the first thing to consider is whether it is caused by cold or dampness penetrating into the bones. Another common cause is cervical spondylosis. There are many reasons for neck pain, and the mechanisms behind various types of neck pain also vary. Some common causes include:

1. Cervical Spondylosis: This condition often occurs due to prolonged periods of hunching over work, computer use, sleeping with a high pillow, and extended driving. Over time, this can lead to degenerative changes in the cervical spine, resulting in bone hyperplasia and protrusion of cervical discs. These conditions can compress the nerves, muscles, and ligaments in the neck, causing pain.

2. Neck Muscle Strain: Also known as cervical myofibrositis, this condition is caused by repeated acute or chronic injuries to the soft tissues of the neck. This can lead to inflammatory pain and muscle spasms, resulting in persistent muscle contraction and tension. Long-term muscle spasms can cause vasospasm in the local soft tissues, leading to insufficient blood supply and nutritional disorders, which can further exacerbate the inflammatory process and increase pain.

3. Neck Trauma: Neck trauma can occur due to various reasons such as car accidents, falls, or impacts. These injuries can damage the neck muscles and bones, leading to neck pain.

4. Stiff Neck: This condition is caused by misalignment of the small joints in the cervical spine. It can occur due to neck strain, improper sleeping posture, or exposure to cold and dampness. The resulting misalignment of the cervical joints can cause neck pain. This pain is often sudden and intensified by movement of the neck.

The symptoms of neck pain are generally similar to those of cervical spondylosis. The main manifestations include local pain, discomfort in the neck, and limited range of motion. Patients often complain of difficulty finding a comfortable position for their heads. The symptoms often worsen in the morning, after exertion, with improper posture, or upon exposure to cold. Early symptoms may include pain in the head, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes the pain can be severe, and patients may avoid touching their necks due to tenderness. Some patients may have difficulty moving their heads or may hold their heads in a fixed position. There may be muscle spasms and tenderness in the neck area. After the acute phase, patients often experience soreness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. They may also complain of easy fatigue in the neck, making it difficult to read or watch TV for extended periods. Sometimes, patients may experience headache, pain in the back of the head, or a sensation of tightness or stiffness in the neck, with limited movement or clicking sounds when moving the neck. A few patients may also experience brief episodes of radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the upper limbs and hands.