Diagnosing and treating left-sided neck pain requires understanding its causes. Left side neck pain can be caused by musculoskeletal issues, nerve compression, trauma, inflammation, or medical conditions. Neck pain is often caused by muscle strains, poor posture, and stress. Left-sided neck pain can also result from cervical disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. Global estimates show that many people have neck pain. About 10% to 15% of Americans have neck pain. Every age group can get neck pain, but adults are more likely to.
Why Is Your Left Neck Painful?
Structures on the left side of the neck support and facilitate head, neck, and upper body functions. Left-sided neck muscles include the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, trapezius, levator scapulae, and platysma. Seven vertebrae (C1-C7) make up the cervical spine in the neck. The cervical spine’s left-sided facet joints allow neck movement and stability. Many nerves supply the left neck. The cervical nerves, which branch from the spinal cord, supply sensory and motor innervation to the neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back. The common carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, face, and neck, and the internal jugular vein drains blood from the brain and neck.
The immune system relies on tiny bead-like lymph nodes. Throughout the neck, including the left side, they filter lymphatic fluid and fight infections. In the neck, salivary glands like the parotid and submandibular glands produce saliva. The neck houses the windpipe and esophagus, which carry food and liquids to the stomach. Several risk factors can cause or worsen neck pain. Poor posture can strain neck muscles, ligaments, and discs, and occupational factors like repetitive neck movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting in an unergonomic position can increase risk.
Computer programming, construction, and desk work are examples. Risk factors for neck pain include age-related changes in the spine, previous neck injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, emotional stress, obesity, and smoking. rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spine issues.
How Does Left Neck Pain Feel?
Left neck pain symptoms vary by cause. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain: Left-sided neck pain is the main symptom.
- Pain may manifest as sharp, stabbing, dull, or aching sensations.
- Pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and severity.
- Many neck pain sufferers also experience stiffness. This can restrict neck movement, reducing range of motion.
- Radiating pain: Pain may radiate from the left side of the neck to the shoulder, arm, or head. This can happen when neck nerves are compressed.
- Muscle spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions can accompany neck pain. These spasms can worsen pain.
- Headaches: Tension or cervicogenic headaches can result from upper neck pain. The base of the skull or behind the eyes often hurts with these headaches.
If a neck nerve is compressed or irritated, the left arm or hand may feel numb or tingly. Severe neck pain can make turning the head, driving, and sleeping difficult.
Common Medical Treatments
Medical treatment for left-sided neck pain depends on the cause and severity. An accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan require a medical professional. Consider these common medical treatments:
Medicines for Pain
Ibuprofen or naproxen, over-the-counter NSAIDs, may help reduce neck pain and inflammation. In severe cases, prescription painkillers may be prescribed. Muscle relaxants may relieve neck pain caused by muscle spasms or tension. Localized relief can be achieved by applying menthol- or capsaicin-containing creams or ointments to the painful area.
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 left side neck pain and promote healing.
Corticosteroid Injections
In severe 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. Avoid corticosteroid risks by using caution and limiting injections to 1 or 2!
Neck Brace
A neck collar or brace may be recommended by a neck pain doctor in Dallas to support and restrict movement while neck muscles and tissues heal. To avoid neck muscle weakness, wear these for short periods.
Ortho-Biologics
Platelet-rich plasma injections often help. The injections reduce inflammation and strengthen the area. World-class interventionists can evaluate and inject into these critical spine areas with 100% accuracy. PRP is better than corticosteroids (2-18) and may help you fix the problem and avoid high-risk surgeries.
Surgery
Left-sided neck pain is treated surgically depending on the cause. Surgery is usually recommended by pain management in Dallas, 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.
- Foraminotomy can relieve nerve compression in the spinal cord’s foramen. This procedure removes bone around the foramen to relieve nerve compression and increase nerve space.
- For certain conditions, artificial disc replacement may be considered instead of fusion. This involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one to preserve motion and relieve pain.
- In cases of spinal stenosis or foraminal narrowing, decompression surgery may be performed. This procedure removes or trims nerve-compression structures to relieve pain and restore nerve function.
Stay Strong and Healthy Neck
Healthy habits like stress management, postural correction, exercise, hydration, and mobility can prevent left side neck pain. Remember to consult a musculoskeletal expert if you have persistent or severe neck pain or neck health concerns. After evaluating you, they can create a comprehensive pain-relieving plan!