Neck pain is incredibly common. In fact, it was reported that nearly three out of 10 people in the general population experienced some sort of neck pain in 2019. So, if you’re dealing with neck tendon pain, especially on the left side, understand that you’re not alone.
In most cases, neck pain indicates some sort of injury with inflammation. However, if painful symptoms, such as aching, pinching, and stiffness, are not relieved with basic at-home remedies, they could signal an underlying medical condition.
When neck tendon pain persists, it can become a draining burden, perhaps causing other symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and overall affecting your quality of life.
It is helpful to learn a bit more about the underlying cause of your neck pain. This way, you can find appropriate strategies for relief and prevent the progression of an underlying condition that could become difficult to manage if not addressed.
On this page, we’ll make the intricate physiology of the neck easy to understand, shining a light on the main causes of tendon pain in the neck. We’ll also explore the medical conditions commonly associated with neck pain that may be contributing to your uncomfortable symptoms.
Additionally, we’ll discuss the Neuragenex NFPM solution for tendon pain in the neck. We’ll share how our comprehensive approach is designed to help you manage and prevent the impact of pain without the need for long-term painkillers or invasive surgical procedures.
We aim to offer you valuable insights to overcome the challenges of neck pain so you can get back to enjoying life without constant discomfort. Let’s begin by gaining a better understanding of the intricate structures of the neck.
Anatomy And Physiology Of The Neck
The neck, or cervical spine, is the top part of the spine and is made up of seven vertebrae (C1-C7). Between each pair of vertebrae are soft cartilage structures called intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. They ensure the neck moves smoothly without causing harm to the vertebral column, which accommodates the spinal cord.
Ultimately, the neck’s primary role is to support the weight of the head and allow for a wide range of movements and flexibility. The role of the neck’s tendons is to connect muscles to bones, ensuring that those movements are both safe and stable.
Neck tendon pain can occur at any point where a muscle connects to the bone, manifesting in various locations that may include the left or right sides, as well as the front and back of the neck.
Additionally, the duration and severity of neck pain can also vary, ranging from a mildly uncomfortable sensation to persistent and agonizing pain, limiting your range of motion and potentially being accompanied by other challenging symptoms.
Understanding the intricacies of the neck’s anatomy is the first step in making sense of your neck tendon pain, identifying which part of the neck is affected, and determining the movements that either ease or worsen your symptoms. Now, let’s continue by exploring what factors can lead to neck pain.
Causes Of Tendon Pain In The Neck
Neck tendon pain can stem from various causes. However, two of the major driving factors are poor posture and ergonomics. People commonly associate poor posture with sitting at a desk, but using an inadequate pillow, maintaining improper neck positions while driving, or lounging on the couch can also be contributing factors.
In addition, two other important causes of neck pain to be aware of are injuries and repetitive strain or trauma. Repetitive movements of the neck can lead to muscle and tendon fatigue, whereas trauma and injury such as whiplash or other physical forces on the neck will contribute to sudden discomfort and inflammation in the area.
When it comes to symptoms of neck tendon pain, they can include a range of sensations, from aching, stabbing, or twinging pains to numbness and tingling. Some individuals also experience broader symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
Ultimately, each person’s unique combination of underlying causes contributes to the individual discomfort they experience. While injuries or strains may be more manageable, certain medical conditions can contribute to persistent, chronic symptoms of neck pain.
Next, we’ll delve into a more detailed discussion about medical conditions associated with neck pain.
Conditions Contributing to Neck Tendon Pain
Neck tendon pain can be associated with various conditions, and each condition will come with its own set of challenges. The underlying cause will ultimately impact the symptoms you experience, as well as your overall well-being.
In the points below, we explain how certain medical conditions lead to neck tendon pains and discomforts.
- Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that causes significant wear and tear on the spinal disks in the neck. As the disks degenerate with age or traumatic factors, they can lead to bone spurs and herniated discs. This then leads to irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tendons, contributing to neck tendon pain. Restricted movement, headaches, and fatigue are additional symptoms of cervical spondylosis. - Neck tendonitis
Neck tendonitis occurs when one or more of the neck’s tendons become inflamed. Tendonitis is known to be a significant contributor to neck tendon pain. The underlying inflammation can arise from overuse, strain, or injury, leading to irritated and swollen tendons that make the neck incredibly sore and stiff, often accompanied by aching sensations. - Disc herniation
A disc herniation in the neck occurs when the soft cartilage structures of the spinal disc begin to protrude. Following this, the protruded cartilage places pressure on surrounding nerves and tendons, resulting in localized pain, inflammation, and limitations in movement. - Tension headache
Tension headaches are characterized by persistent muscle contractions in the head and neck. They can contribute to neck tendon pain when the prolonged muscle tension and spasms lead to widespread soreness and discomfort. This is likely to lead to an exacerbated pain experience, caused by both the neck and head. - Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches, though primarily inflicting severe head pain, can also indirectly result in neck pain. The intensity of head pain can cause muscle tension to extend down into the neck, leading to stiffness and discomfort in the surrounding muscles and tendons. - Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is known to manifest widespread pain throughout the body, including the neck area. The persistent fatigue and muscle aches associated with CFS lead to an increase in tension and discomfort throughout the neck’s tendons. - TMJ
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a condition of the jaw that may also lead to neck pain. The jaw’s complex relationship with the neck muscles means that issues in this region inflict referred pain down into the neck nerves, muscles, and tendons.
Understanding the connections between neck tendon pain and its associated medical conditions can better prepare you to prevent and manage uncomfortable symptoms. This knowledge can also help you recognize when to seek a professional opinion for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatments.
Conditions Where We Can Help Manage Neck Tendon Pain
Our therapies are specially designed to offer relief for individuals dealing with symptoms and conditions that lead to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. This includes addressing the following conditions commonly associated with neck tendon pains.
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Diagnosing Underlying Causes
Pain is the body’s ultimate signal urging you to notice that something isn’t quite right. Seeking medical advice is the first step toward finding an accurate diagnosis and effective management strategy for your neck pain.
The following tests and procedures may be used during your visit with a doctor to help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
- Discussion of medical history
In an effort to better understand the circumstances surrounding your condition, doctors will start by asking you about your past medical history, as well as the nature of your current symptoms. This involves asking about details such as the duration and frequency of your symptoms, along with any remedies you may have tried previously to find relief. - Physical examination
A physical examination is commonly done to assess for any signs of structural abnormalities, infection, or other issues contributing to your pain. You can expect a doctor to move your head, neck, and shoulders in a series of movements to best understand what aggravates or improves the pain. - Imaging
X-ray, MRI, or CT scans: Various imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), or computerized tomography (CT) scans may be recommended. These tests provide a more detailed view of the intricate structures of your neck, helping to reveal any abnormalities in the bones, muscles, or tendons.
Receiving a thorough evaluation is useful to help identify the root cause of your pain and ensure you receive a personalized and effective management plan.
Conventional treatments recommended by doctors for neck pain can provide short-term relief for persistent discomfort. However, people trying to avoid long-term medication use or invasive procedures often explore alternative treatment options.
If you find yourself in this situation, exploring our treatment approaches might be the next logical step. The next section will provide more detailed information.
Our Approach For Treating Tendon Pain In The Neck
When it comes to alternative therapies for managing pain and discomfort, discover the promising benefits of Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management (NFPM).
We offer a fresh approach, where our therapies strive to target pain-related symptoms at their roots. We deliver whole-person-centered care that positively impacts your health, providing you with lasting relief from painful symptoms, and continues to benefit you long after your physical treatments.
NFPM not only relieves pain but also nourishes your body, tackles inflammation, promotes healing, optimizes organ function, and boosts your mood, utilizing the following NFPM modalities:
Electroanalgesia
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IV Therapy
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Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle counseling is an approach to managing chronic pain that involves identifying, assessing, and modifying lifestyle factors contributing to an individual's pain. For example, lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep quality...
Get Effective Relief From Tendon Pain In The Neck
If neck tendon pain is disrupting your life and causing you frustration, consider Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management for effective relief. Our innovative treatments offer a promising solution that specifically targets the pain and inflammation causing neck tendon discomfort.
We take pride in offering hope to individuals dealing with persistent pain, providing relief without resorting to painkillers, chiropractic manipulation, or invasive procedures. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve enduring comfort by embracing a whole-person approach that establishes a sustained pain management strategy through our supportive services.
Many patients with various painful conditions, such as neck tendon pain, have seen remarkable improvements in both quality of life and alleviation of pain with Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management. So contact us and join those who have found comfort in our comprehensive approach to pain relief.
Manage your pain our way!