Muscles, bones, ligaments and other anatomical components make up the anatomy of the neck. Pain in the neck is a common symptom that can be brought on by damage to any of these components. The pain can develop on either the right or the left side of the neck; there are two distinct categories of neck pain: acute and chronic. If the pain is acute, it will only endure for a brief period of time, but if it is chronic, it will continue for a considerable amount of time.
Pain in the neck being diagnosed as ‘acute’ can be the result of a recent injury to the neck and chronic pain is the result of an underlying condition.
Pain on the left side of the neck can have a variety of root causes, including a stiff and swollen neck, poor posture, diseases like arthritis, and other conditions. The uncommon causes are a sign of something far more serious that needs prompt medical attention.
Medication, physical therapy, and postural adjustments are all components of treatment.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Left Side Neck Pain
Pain on the left side of the neck may have a variety of signs and symptoms, depending on the person experiencing it.
It could be mild discomfort, or it can be a strong pain that stings, and the pain could move to the shoulder and the arm as well. Neck pain caused by meningitis makes it difficult to move the chin to the chest.
Causes of Pain in the Left Side of Neck
Tension in the Muscles – Muscles in the neck and shoulders that are tight or tense can have an effect on the nerves, which can lead to neck pain, which can also lead to a severe headache.
Arthritis – Deterioration of the bones and joints is one of the signs that someone has arthritis. When it happens on the left side of the neck, it causes chronic pain on that particular side of the neck.
Injuries – Pain in the neck and shoulders can be caused by several different injuries, including those to the spine, pulled and torn muscles, and joint disorders.
Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile, which can result in pain in the shoulders and neck.
Inflammation of the carotid artery: Inflammation of the carotid, also known as temporal arteritis, can be the cause of headaches on one side of the head. Additionally, there may be a physical lump felt in the neck at the area where the artery is obstructed or inflamed. The outcome of this is neck pain.
Incorrect or improper posture – The wrong placement of the neck when sitting for a very long period or sleeping for a very long time can strain the neck muscles and result in pain on the left or right side of the neck.
Compression of the nerves – Trauma to the bony structures of the neck can place pressure on the nerves of the neck, leading to discomfort and pain in the region of the neck.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis -This is a disorder that is characterized by aberrant calcification in the ligaments and tendons that run down the cervical spine. This condition causes stiffness and hardening of the tissues in the body.
Its primary effects are felt in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine, and symptoms include acute discomfort in the neck, swelling, and loss of motion.
Fibromyalgia – In patients with fibromyalgia, pain is experienced not only in the neck but throughout the entire body. Pain on the left side of the neck is another one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, and in some cases, it is the sole symptom that a fibromyalgia patient has.
Whiplash Injury – A whiplash injury can be the result of a traumatic event, such as an accident, that has an effect on the movements of the cervical spine. The two most prevalent symptoms of a whiplash injury are discomfort in the neck and a lack of movement in the neck.
Swollen lymph nodes– A sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes are two symptoms of an illness that can cause pain on the left side of the neck.
Cervical Spondylosis – Cervical spondylosis is a condition that can develop as a result of sudden degenerative changes in the soft tissues, discs, or vertebrae of the cervical spine. Cervical spondylosis is also known as cervical spondylolisthesis.
These alterations cause a gradual reduction in the space between the discs, which in turn results in the loss of normal bone structure and the development of bone spurs. Because these spurs put tension on the surrounding tissues, the pain in the neck is excruciating.
Cervical strain – When the neck muscles become inflamed, this places strain on the cervical muscle, which then causes the upper and cervical back muscles to spasm.
This can occur because of an abnormally high level of both physical and mental stress, injuries, or poor sleeping habits, further contributing to the development of neck pain.
Left Side Neck Pain – Treatment
The treatment is different for each underlying cause for the condition.
In the event of severe injuries, emergency medical attention should be sought out.
It is not something that should be taken lightly because it has the potential to cause long-term neck difficulties, particularly on the left side of the neck.
The following are some of the available treatments:
When you have strained the muscles in your neck, getting a massage is a good method to relax those muscles and take the edge off any pain you might be experiencing.
However, a neck massage should only be performed by a trained expert.
The application of a heat pack, a warm bath, acupressure, and aromatherapy are all effective treatments for neck pain.
Applying an ice pack to the left side of your neck may also help reduce swelling, while applying a heat pack may assist in relaxing tense muscles and easing discomfort.
To relax the muscles and prevent future injury, light stretching and exercise may be helpful in certain circumstances.
Pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve) may be administered by a doctor in order to alleviate the discomfort caused by the injury.
If one has lymph swelling, one might choose to get a lymphatic massage to drain the lymph nodes and reduce the amount of pain in the neck. Ibuprofen and an antibiotic treatment course are two examples of medications that may be helpful in addressing the infection that is the root cause of the pain.
A healthy posture can be maintained with regular exercise. If discomfort is experienced as a result of sitting or sleeping in an incorrect position, one can prevent the discomfort from becoming worse by adjusting their posture. In addition, physical therapy can also be helpful.
It is important to avoid using the muscles in your neck too frequently. It is not uncommon to wake up with pain or stiffness in the neck; this may be the result of sleeping in an awkward position or of using a pillow that is excessively fluffy. Both the pillow and the mattress should be comfortable while also assisting in the correct alignment of the spine. The usage of a cervical pillow may be helpful in reducing neck pain that is brought on by incorrect sleeping posture.
If you suspect that you have an inflamed carotid artery or that you have been injured in any way, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This is a very severe medical disease that can result in a decreased or obstructed flow of blood to the brain.
It is crucial to contact a back expert if your pain is constant, severe, or comes back regularly. This will allow you to determine whether you require specialized medical care.
Fibromyalgia can be helped in some individuals by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, using heat and ice packs, and engaging in physical activity. Alterations to one’s diet or the application of different pharmaceutical treatments may be effective in other instances.
Authoritative Clinical References
Neck Pain – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK338120/
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