Your neck, also known as cervical spine, is made up of vertebrae, which extends from the skull all the way to the upper torso. Cervical disks are what absorb shocks between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck are what support your head and allow motion. Abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.
Many experience neck pain and/or stiffness in the neck occasionally. In many cases, it is due to poor posture, normal wear and tear, or overuse of your muscles. Sometimes, pain in the neck is caused by injuries from a fall, a contact sport, or even whiplash.
The majority of the time, neck pain is not an extremely serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. In some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and may require a doctor's care. If the pain in your neck continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
This is the doctor you want!
Dr. Mathew Cyriac is an orthopaedic surgeon with specialized training in spine surgery.
To read more about cervical injuries, click here.
