Chronic neck pain is a prolonged and persistent sensation of discomfort or pain in the neck area, lasting for weeks, months, or even longer. This condition can be due to a variety of causes and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Causes of Chronic Neck Pain:
Muscle Strain or Overuse: Often results from poor posture or prolonged activities like sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone.
Injuries: Such as whiplash or other trauma to the cervical spine from sports, car accidents, or falls.
Degenerative Diseases: Including osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, which involve the wear and tear of cartilage and discs in the neck.
Impact on Life: Chronic neck pain can severely limit mobility and flexibility, making daily activities and head movement difficult. Persistent discomfort can disrupt sleep and increase fatigue, impacting overall health and well-being. The constant pain may also lead to decreased work productivity and social withdrawal, affecting mental health and quality of life. This condition is often treated by cervical medial branch blocks, cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation, trigger point injections, or occipital nerve blocks