When the Left Side of Your Neck Hurts: Causes, Treatments, and Management Strategies

The left side of my neck hurts. Why does it hurt, and what can I do about it? This article addresses both of those questions. Neck pain affects 203 million people each year, with up to 80% of people reporting neck pain at some point in their lives. The reasons for this pain range from simple nerve pinches to more serious conditions that require surgery. Proper knowledge of what to do in each situation is vital to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

Why Does the Left Side of My Neck Hurt?

The left side of your neck may hurt due to muscle strains, cervical joint or disc issues, pinched nerves, injury, a headache disorder, pain syndromes, and possibly more severe problems like cancer or a tumor. The following list expands on each, giving you insight into what may be causing your problem.

1. Muscle Strain

• Overusing the neck, improper posture, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position may strain neck muscles, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing with bad posture puts strain on neck structures and upper back.

2. Cervical Spondylosis

• Age-related wear and tear commonly refers to cervical spondylosis, which affects the disks and joints of the cervical spine. This condition occurs due to the natural degeneration of the cervical spine, leading to changes in intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Bone spurs ligaments thickening ligaments can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal, potentially contribbuting to neck pain, stiffness, and potentitally compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

3. Herniated Disc

• The degeneration of the intervertebral discs and the development of bone spurs narrows the spinal canal and can put pressure on nerve roots. Pain that radiates, tingliness/numbness, and muscle weakness may follow. Over time is can lead to decreased coordination and difficulty walking.

4. Whiplash

• Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are rapidly accelerated and decelerated due to a car accident or a physical impact. This rapid back-and-forth movement can damage the soft tissues in the neck, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms following this type of injury often include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.

5. Cervical Radiculopathy

• Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by compression of a nerve in the neck region. This causes pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the arm and into the neck. Common contributors include herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the bones and cartilage of the neck.

6. Pinched Nerve  

• Pinched nerves often create pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. This can happen anywhere in the body but is more common in the lumbar and cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or repetitive motions can cause pinched nerves.

7. Infections

• Certain infections, such as meningitis or lymphadenitis, can lead to neck pain. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord that can create complications. These include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and light sensitivity. Lymphadenitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of the lymph nodes that can also result in neck pain, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

8. Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia can cause neck pain due to the sensitization of nerve fibers that transmit pain signals into the brain. Fibromyalgia leads to an increased sensitivity to pain, and this can manifest as chronic discomfort in various parts of the body, including the neck.

9. Migraines and Headaches  

• Migraines and headaches are often associated with neck pain, especially on one side of the neck. The pain from migraines and headaches can usually radiate down the neck and shoulders, causing discomfort and tension. This type of pain is called cervicogenic headache and originates from the cervical spine.

10. Torticollis

• Torticollis, also known as wry neck, can cause neck pain due to the involuntary contraction or spasm of neck muscles, leading to the neck being twisted or tilted to one side. This abnormal positioning and muscle tightness can cause severe pain in the neck joints. Additionally, torticollis can restrict normal neck movement, making it difficult to turn or tilt the head, further exacerbating the pain.

11. Post Concussion Syndrome

• It’s common to have lingering neck pain following a concussion, especially in the first 2 phases. Familiar sources are direct trauma to the neck itself and compensations for other injuries. The neck will compensate for eye movement deficits and vestibular issues, leading to stubborn neck pain that is unresponsive to traditional treatments.

12. Heart Attack

• During a heart attack, the heart muscle has little oxygen, which leads to discomfort and chest pain. This pain can sometimes radiate to other body parts, including the neck. Due to the way nerves are interconnected in the body, neck pain associated with a heart attack is often felt more commonly on the left side.

13. Tumors

• The development of benign or malignant tumors can sometimes cause localized pain in the neck region. However, such occurrences are rare, but its important to be aware of their potential to cause neck pain.

Diagnostic Imaging Modalities

When you consult a healthcare provider about your neck pain, they might suggest one or more of the following imaging tests to diagnose the problem accurately:

1. X-ray: This is often the first imaging technique used. It can detect fractures, arthritis, and other abnormalities in the bone structure.

2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of bone and soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s beneficial in diagnosing issues like herniated discs or pinched nerves.

3. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan uses X-rays from various angles to create a cross-sectional image of the cervical spine, offering a more detailed analysis than a regular X-ray.

4. Ultrasound: When healthcare providers suspect soft tissue abnormalities, they may use ultrasound to obtain a better view of muscles and tendons.

Treatment Options

1. Medication

   – Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

   – Prescription pain medications for more severe pain

   – Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms

   – Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling

2. Physical Therapy

   – Rehab exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility neck muscles

   – Techniques to improve posture and alignment

   – Modalities like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for pain management

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

   – Applying heat packs to relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow

   – Using cold packs to reduce swelling and numb sharp pain

4. Massage Therapy

   – Therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension and spasms

5. Chiropractic Care

   – Gentle spinal manipulations to provide short term pain relief from misaligned vertebrae

6. Acupuncture

   – Inserting needles or electrical charge to stimulate various pressure points to relieve pain and promote healing

7. Ergonomic Adjustments

   – Changing workplace ergonomics to maintain proper posture and reduce strain

   – Using ergonomic pillows and mattresses to support the neck during sleep

8. Exercise

   – Regular physical activity to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness

   – Neck-specific exercises to strengthen the neck and improve the range of motion

9. Injection Therapies

   – Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

   – Trigger point injections for specific areas of muscle pain

10. Surgery

    – In cases where structural issues (like severe herniated discs or nerve compression) do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical interventions may be necessary.

11. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    – Psychological counseling to manage the pain through behavior modification techniques

12. Yoga and Meditation

    – Practices aimed at stress reduction, which can help alleviate muscle tension

Each treatment should be considered based on the unique needs of the person with neck pain, often following a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Neck pain is a common complaint with a variety of potential causes. Understanding the severity and best practices for your specific type of neck pain will help you choose the right treatment and shorten recovery time. We hope the information provided will equip you with the tools necessary to manage your left-sided neck pain effectively and confidently.

If you’re dealing with stubborn neck pain following a whiplash injury or a concussion, click the link for a consult with one of our doctors.

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*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.