Neck pain right side usually goes away on its own. However, if it doesn’t you should see a specialist because it may be signaling towards something serious.
Is your neck pain right side a sign of something serious? Well, in most cases, pain in the right side of the neck is not anything more than a sprain or strain – and can be cured with some self-care. However, if the pain persists, you better see a specialist for it. Here, in this blog, we are going to discuss what causes neck pain and can it become a serious issue. Scroll down and you’ll also find some self-care measures that can help relieve the pain.
What Causes Neck Pain Right Side?
Neck pain is caused by a lot of factors. Fortunately, most causes cure on their own and you don’t have to go for any extensive list of prescriptions or surgical treatment. Here are some common reasons why you may have neck pain right side:
“Poor lifestyle habits usually trigger chronic neck pain that can lead to serious health problems.” – Dr. Frank Pedlow, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Yes, that’s right! Whatever reasons we are discussing, they all circle back to poor lifestyle habits. Even if there is an injury involved and we don’t care for it by taking proper measures, the pain can worsen. Anyhow, let’s get back to the common causes.
- Muscle Sprain
Do you have neck pain right side? Do you use a mobile phone or computer for an extended period of time? Well, prolonged use of gadgets while sitting in the same position can lead to neck pain. Moreover, you may feel pain in your neck after long-distance drives. Apart from the pain, you may feel stiffness in your neck. In other words, a sprain affects your neck muscles and nerves. As a result, this hinders your neck movement.
- Poor Posture
A bad sitting posture (slouching) is the most common reason why you feel neck pain right side. A sustained posture leads to strain and stiffness – which is usually painful. Furthermore, you may also feel pain in the right side of your neck due to a poor sleeping position. Also, sleeping with too many pillows or a very soft mattress can result in neck pain too. Therefore, you must maintain the right, healthy posture and sleeping position. After all, a bad posture if not fixed for a prolonged period can worsen the pain.
- Mental Stress
Don’t turn a blind eye to the fact that your mental health impacts your physical health too. If you are in a constant state of stress or anxiety, it can also cause pain in different areas of your body. The reason behind this is that people tend to tighten their muscles when they are stressed. And they don’t realize it until their neck starts hurting. Therefore, seeking relief for stress is important for both your mind and body.
- Whiplash
Whiplash is another name for neck strain that results from muscle or ligament injury. It happens when an accident causes your neck to suddenly overextend and snap back. Moreover, it causes trauma leading to pain and stiffness. It usually gets better in a few weeks. However, some patients experience pain for years because of whiplash. Besides, you should seek professional treatment for fast relief.
When is Neck Pain Right Side Serious?
As aforementioned, neck pain right side hardly signals something serious. But you should still not ignore it. After all, your neck pain may be because of a medical condition for which you may require professional treatment. Here are some reasons why neck pain on the right side can be an indication of something serious:
| Medical Conditions Causing Neck Pain Right Side | |
| Acute Torticollis | It is usually marked by the painful twisting and rotating of the neck on the right side. |
| Spondylosis | It results in the degeneration of spinal discs. This puts stress on the joints of the spine. |
| Osteoarthritis | Cervical facet osteoarthritis can cause pain in the middle or right side of the neck, shoulders, and jaw. |
| Herniated disc | A vertebral disk that has slipped out of place can also lead to pain in the neck region. |
| Cervical Radiculopathy | This condition occurs when a nerve root in the neck region is compressed. |
| Fibromyalgia | It is a chronic medical condition leading to pain and fatigue throughout the body. |
How to Treat Neck Pain Right Side?
In most cases, neck pain goes away with some rest and self-care. Also, neck pain can be an indication of poor living habits. Fixing them can also make the pain go away. Neck pain disturbing your quality of life? Seek Neck Pain Care by Dr. NaPier! Besides, here are some treatment options you can consider for different types of neck pains:
Self-Care Measures
If you neck pain, the best thing to do is take some rest. Mild neck pain goes away with rest and some at-home care measures. Here is what you can do at home to get rid of discomfort and pain in your neck:
- Icing the affected area
- Using a warm compress
- Stretching the muscles
- Opting for a massage
- Fixing your posture
- Taking OTC painkillers
Medical Treatment
If your pain persists for weeks or worsens instead of going away, it means that you need to see a doctor as immediately as possible. It is because neck pain can be due to a medical condition that needs professional attention right away!
Diagnosis:
The first step of any medical treatment is usually a diagnosis of the root cause. Moreover, diagnosis is the backbone of an effective treatment. This involves a physical exam and the assessment of health history. Afterward, your specialist will suggest diagnostic tests like MRI, CT scan, or X-rays to identify the source of pain.
Treatment:
After identifying the cause of neck pain, the doctor devises an effective treatment plan. This can include several methods and measures such as injections, medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Most doctors aim at treating the pain (and the issue) with therapy and medication. Plus, they keep surgery as their last resort. However, the method of treatment they choose totally depends on the severity of your neck pain right side.
