What Are Possible Causes Of Front Neck Pain

Front of the neck can be very irritating and uncomfortable as it can deprive you from moving your head right or left. So, it always needs to be addressed within time. Many factors can lead to front neck pain, some are minor and some are major. Muscle cramps and sore throat are often the possible causes of this condition. When front neck pain becomes persistent and does not relieve within time try to consult a pain management specialist in dallas.

Reasons Related to Front Neck Pain

Here are possible causes of front neck pain.

• Swollen lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are also considered to be the cause behind pain in front of the neck. Lymph fluid is also part of lymph nodes along with small, oval shaped structures having immune cells. They remove germs including viruses and bacteria to keep your body healthy. Your lymph nodes can become ill upon fighting with germs. As a result, it can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, resulting in pain and discomfort.

• Carotidynia 

Neck, scalp, face, and brain are supplied with blood with the help of carotid arteries. On each side of the neck carotid artery is present. Pain and tenderness in the carotid artery is a symptom of carotidynia. Rarely, this type of condition may lead to pain in the front of the neck. Still more research is needed to find the exact cause of Carotidynia 

• Premature ventricular contractions

A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is a heartbeat that occurs during a preterm contraction in the lower abdomen of the heart. Typically, these extra beats can interfere with the regular rhythm of the heart resulting in a skipped heartbeat. Palpitations, however seemingly harmless, can be hard to distinguish from more serious health issues. Try to book an EKG appointment immediately in this condition.

• Goiter

It is actually an enlarged thyroid gland. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism and sits in the shape of a butterfly at the front of the neck. Hoarseness, an uncomfortable feeling in the neck, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and cough could be the possible symptoms.

• Tendonitis 

Tendonitis can also occur in the neck along with knee, shoulder and elbow. Exercises involving neck and shoulder muscles cause the tendons to irritate and result in pain. Swelling and tightness are prominent symptoms you can feel suffering from tendonitis.

• Whiplash  

When a force causes your head to move backward and forward result in injuries to tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the neck. This cluster of injuries which mostly occur in automobile accidents is referred to as whiplash injuries. Whiplash may also result in neck tenderness and soreness.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a health issue that causes joint pain in the neck as well as jawbone. Symptoms of TMJ include tenderness and soreness in the temporomandibular joint.  It has been reported previously that 39% of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders experience neck pain. 

Diagnosis of Pain in Front of Neck

Diagnosis of pain in the front of the neck can be done with the help of different tests.

• Electromyography (EMG)

This test is mostly used to find the functioning and speed of nerve conduction. As neck pain can also occur due to pinched nerves, so EMG is very useful.

• Blood Tests

Normally, blood tests can show infections or inflammation markers that may be contributing to neck pain.

• Imaging Tests

Neck pain may be diagnosed using imaging tests. The following are examples:

• X-rays

 When X-rays are performed on the neck, they can reveal areas where bone spurs or other changes may be inflicting pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

• CT scan

CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional views of structures in the neck by combining X-ray images from many different angles.

• MRI

 An MRI produces detailed images of soft tissues or bones  by using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. 

Treatment of Pain In Front Of Neck

Pain Management clinic Plano recommends effective treatment to deal with front neck pain. Some of them are as follows. 

• Hot and Cold Treatment 

A cold treatment can help limit pain and inflammation  if your pain is severe and you feel swelling as well. During this time, heat can promote the flow of blood to the injured area and promote healing.

• Physical Therapy 

Exercises can be prescribed by a physical therapist that are targeted to the front of the neck and the muscles surrounding it. There are also a variety of techniques and technologies available to physical therapists, including dry needling, that can be used to alleviate neck pain within a short period of time. 

There are ways to manage neck pain:

• Make sure that your working environment meets your needs. Your hips and knees may need to be leveled with the aid of a footstool. 

• To avoid stretching your neck, it may also be necessary to balance the height of your body according to your computer screen. Maintain eye level while reading in order to avoid hunching over.

• Unless advised by your healthcare professional, neck supports (braces and collars) should not be worn.

• Provide yourself with a comfortable and supportive pillow. Rather than sleeping with a soft pillow, try sleeping with a firm support pillow.

• Practicing Pilates or yoga can strengthen your body muscles and improve posture as well.

• When you suffer from front neck pain try to avoid performing following tasks like pulling, lifting, bending, twisting, punching, and bending. This can aggravate front neck pain. 

• Never drive until you fully recover from front neck pain and the neck becomes able to move left or right. To ensure proper head and neck support while driving, adjust your headrest.