Left side neck pain is usually caused by muscle strain from sleeping awkwardly. Tumors and rheumatoid arthritis may be more serious causes. Cervical spinal cord, muscles, and major blood vessels supply the body from the neck. Exposure increases the risk of internal structure injury. Daily activities and tasks cause temporary neck pain for many people. Neck discomfort ranks among the five most prevalent chronic pain problems.
Left Sided Neck Pain
Globally, neck pain is a common complaint. Fatigue, poor sleeping posture, and neck-stressing activities can cause temporary neck pain, especially on the left side. The majority of individuals have neck pain due to inflammation, muscular strain, or tension. Occasional neck pain may not require an emergency room visit. However, sharp and persistent left-sided neck pain or pain that does not have a cause and does not improve with rest or home treatments requires medical attention.
What Causes Left-Sided Neck Pain?
Left-sided neck pain can range from mild to severe and rare. This could be a strained muscle or pinched nerve. Most of these causes are treatable and not life-threatening.
Following are the most common causes:
Muscle Strain/Tension
The most common causes of left neck pain are tension and muscle strain. Tendon or neck muscle tears or overstretching can cause muscle strain. Tense muscles don’t relax or release completely after contracting.
Muscle tension or stress can result from:
- Leaning forward at a desk or computer for hours
- Phone between right ear and left shoulder
- A strange sleeping position, like a bent neck
- Overworking the neck muscles during exercise
- Stress
- Age-related joint wear
- Nerve compression
- Falling or hitting someone causes whiplash.
- Neck strain from heavy lifting or exercise
Whiplash
Forceful back-and-forth thrusting causes whiplash. It can result from car accidents, football, and violent falls. Whiplash causes left-sided neck pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness that limits motion.
C-radiculopathy
Irritation, compression, or constriction of the left neck nerve fibers emanating from the spinal cord can result in intense pain. Pinched nerves result from herniated discs, bone spurs, or inflammation. Pain spreads from neck to arm and shoulder. You may also feel numb from nerve compression.
Acute Torticollis
Acute torticollis, often known as wryneck, results in the neck bending, twisting, or tilting. This results from an abrupt contraction of the neck muscles. Left neck pain can result from this condition.
Common causes of acute torticollis:
- Injury or accident
- Congenitally abnormal
- Neurological issues like strokes and nerve compression
- Cold neck exposure for long periods
- Some drugs
- Infections
- Stressful emotions
How To Diagnose Neck Pain?
The pain management in Dallas will first examine you and ask about other symptoms. He will also assess pain, range of motion, and visible symptoms like swelling, redness, and palpable lumps under the skin. The neck pain doctor in Dallas will check your medical history for preexisting conditions. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be advised to diagnose and ascertain the etiology of the discomfort.
Home Relief Treatments
The following home remedies may relieve mild-to-moderate neck pain:
- Rest the affected area and avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise during recovery.
- Heating with compresses or pads
- Take warm baths or showers.
- Using cold compresses, ice, or OTC anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation
- Neck massage relieves muscle tension, stretching improves flexibility, and gentle exercise strengthens muscles and improves posture.
- Sleeping with a neck pillow
- Practicing good standing, walking, and sitting posture
Medical Treatments
Following are the medical treatments:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can create a customized exercise and stretching program to improve neck strength, flexibility, and posture. They may use massage, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation to relieve pain and promote healing.
Corticosteroid Injections
In severe left side neck pain or inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be given directly. Injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Steroids are toxic to nerves, joints, tendons, and ligaments, but they can provide temporary relief. To reduce corticosteroid risks, use caution and limit injections to 1 or 2.
Neck Brace
A neck collar or brace may be recommended to support and restrict movement while neck muscles and tissues heal. To avoid neck muscle weakness, wear these for short periods.
Surgery
Left-sided neck pain is treated surgically depending on the cause.
Surgery is usually recommended when conservative measures fail or when a structural issue requires it. Some neck pain treatments include these surgeries:
- In unstable or degenerative conditions, a cervical fusion may be performed. To stabilize the spine and reduce pain, bone grafts, metal plates, or screws join two or more vertebrae.
- If the foramen (where spinal cord nerves exit) is compressed, a foraminotomy may be performed. This procedure removes bone around the foramen to relieve nerve compression and increase nerve space.
Summary
Left-side neck pain can result from poor posture, heavy lifting, and sleeping awkwardly. Neck pain typically improves within days. Resting and using home remedies can relieve neck pain until it heals. See a doctor for severe neck pain that lasts weeks. Left side neck pain from severe injuries or medical conditions like compressed nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, or infections can be treated.
