What's Causing Your Front Neck Pain

Neck pain can happen among 23% of Singaporeans in a half-a-year period, and it can be quite uncomfortable. While it's often caused by relatively benign conditions like muscle strain or poor posture, sometimes it can be a symptom of something more serious. Let's explore some of the most common causes of front neck pain.

What Causes Pain in the Front of the Neck?

Unlike back neck pain which can manifest as muscle pain, front neck pain can feel like a sore throat. However, if the pain in the front of your neck feels tied to your body or your neck muscle suddenly contracts, it can be a sign of a musculoskeletal injury. This affects your muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

You can also experience pain in the front of your neck from certain habits or activities, such as overexertion and poor posture. Depending on the cause, neck pains can be short-lived or long-term.

Below are some common causes of front neck pain.

Sore Throat, Cold, Infection

Infections like a cold or throat infection (pharyngitis, tonsillitis) can cause inflammation in the throat and surrounding tissues. This inflammation can lead to swelling in the neck, which may cause discomfort or pain.

Additionally, when you have a sore throat, it can unconsciously strain the muscles in your neck from coughing, swallowing, or even from poor posture while you’re feeling unwell. This strain can lead to muscle pain in the front of the neck.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

When lymph nodes swell, often due to an infection or inflammation, they can press against surrounding tissues in the neck. Swollen lymph nodes are often tender to the touch. This tenderness can be felt as pain in the front of the neck, especially when moving or touching the area. Moreover, their location near various tissues and structures in the neck makes them prone to inflaming muscles and other soft tissues.

Cramps, Spasms

Neck muscles can experience sudden, involuntary contractions. These involuntary muscle tightness and shortening compress surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to sharp or throbbing pain in the front of the neck. The disruption in normal muscle function exacerbates the discomfort and restricts movement.

Factors like poor posture, overuse, or dehydration contribute to muscle cramps and spasms by causing fatigue and strain. As the muscles in the neck become strained, they are more prone to spasms.

Muscle Strain, Sprain

Muscle strain and sprain can overstretch or tear the muscles and ligaments around the neck. A strain occurs when neck muscles are stretched beyond their limits, often due to sudden movements or heavy lifting. This overstretching can cause micro-tears in the muscle fibres, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Similarly, a sprain involves the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the neck. Ligament injuries can cause pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion, affecting the front of the neck where the injury is localised.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the muscles, tissues, or glands in the neck area can be a source of pain. Common causes include inflamed lymph nodes (due to infection), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), or muscle strain. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the joints in the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis in the neck can cause pain if the tendons in the muscles connecting the neck to the shoulders or upper chest become inflamed. This inflammation, often due to overuse, strain, or injury, leads to pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Tendinitis affecting the front neck area can result in localized discomfort, particularly when moving the head or neck.

Whiplash

Whiplash can cause neck pain when the sudden jerking motion, typically from a car accident or other trauma, overstretches or strains the muscles, tendons, ligaments in the neck, and even the nerve roots in the spinal cord.

This injury often affects both the front and back of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the head. The inflammation and muscle damage from whiplash can also cause headaches and radiating pain to the shoulders or upper back.

Carotidynia

This condition inflames the carotid artery, which runs along the side of the neck. This condition leads to localised pain, tenderness, and swelling in the area around the carotid artery, often felt in the front of the neck and sometimes radiating to the jaw, ear, or face. The pain typically worsens with movement or palpation and can be triggered by viral infections or vascular issues.

Possible Major Causes

In rare cases, front neck pain can be a symptom of more serious conditions like heart attack, accident, head and neck cancers, or abscesses. Watch out for these signs:

• Heart Attack: Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, pain from the chest to the neck, jaw, or arms.
• Trauma or Accident: Severe trauma, fractures, muscle tears, and ligament damage in the neck leading to intense pain, swelling, and potential nerve involvement, which could complicate neck mobility and overall function.
• Head and Neck Cancer: Cancers of the thyroid, larynx, or nearby tissues can present with neck pain as the tumour grows and puts pressure on surrounding structures. Symptoms may also include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a visible lump in the neck.
• Abscess: A collection of pus due to infection, can develop in the tissues of the neck and cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If untreated, it may lead to further complications like airway obstruction or sepsis, making it a medical emergency.

Each of these conditions requires prompt medical attention to rule out life-threatening issues and ensure appropriate treatment.

How Is Front Neck Pain Diagnosed?

If you're experiencing persistent neck pain, it's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They will typically conduct a physical exam to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological function. They may also conduct imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out underlying conditions.

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Medical History: The doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and nature of the neck pain, as well as any associated symptoms (such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or radiating pain), and possible risk factors (such as recent injury, infection, or medical conditions like heart disease).
2. Physical Examination: The neck, throat, and surrounding areas will be physically examined for signs of swelling, tenderness, or abnormal lumps. The doctor may check the range of motion in the neck and look for any signs of inflammation or muscle strain.
3. Imaging Tests: These tests include:
   • X-rays: Used to check for structural issues like fractures, misalignments, or arthritis.
   • CT Scan or MRI: These provide detailed images of the soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and blood vessels, helping to identify herniated discs, tumours, or other abnormalities.
   • Ultrasound: Can help visualise the thyroid gland or detect vascular issues like carotid artery inflammation.
4. Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or thyroid problems. In cases of suspected autoimmune conditions, specific markers may be tested.
5. Other Diagnostic Tests: These tests include:
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG): If heart-related causes are suspected, an ECG may be done to rule out heart attack or cardiovascular issues.
   • Biopsy: If a lump or mass is found, a biopsy may be necessary to check for cancer or other diseases.

These diagnostic tools help pinpoint the underlying cause of the front neck pain and guide appropriate treatment.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention immediately if your neck pain is:

• After an accident
• Intensifies
• Accompanied by headaches, trouble moving your arms, balance, or bladder control
• Accompanied by a mass in the side of your neck and hoarseness

Moreover, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe or Sudden Pain: If the pain is intense or appears suddenly, especially after an injury or trauma.
• Radiating Pain: If the pain spreads to the jaw, arms, shoulders, or chest, it could indicate a heart-related issue.
• Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: These symptoms may suggest a serious infection, abscess, or airway obstruction.
• Persistent or Worsening Pain: If the pain doesn’t improve after a few days or gets worse despite rest and over-the-counter treatments.
• Neurological Symptoms: If you experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms or hands, or any loss of coordination, this may indicate nerve involvement or spinal issues.
• Fever or Swelling: These could be signs of an infection or inflammatory condition like thyroiditis or an abscess.
• Unexplained Weight Loss or Lumps: If there is any unexplained lump in the neck or weight loss, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like cancer.
• Hoarseness or Voice Changes: If neck pain is accompanied by a persistent change in your voice or difficulty speaking, it may indicate a problem with the throat or larynx.

Seeking medical attention early can help diagnose the underlying cause and prevent complications.

How to Treat Front Neck Pain

The treatment for front neck pain varies depending on the underlying cause, but common ones include the following approaches.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, especially if the neck pain is due to conditions like tendonitis or inflammation in the glands or tissues of the front neck.

Hot and Cold Treatment

Applying heat to the front neck can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, helping to ease pain, while cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb sharp or throbbing pain, particularly after an injury.

Stretches, Exercises

Specific stretches can help improve the flexibility of the front neck muscles, reducing strain and discomfort. Gentle exercises targeting the neck muscles can also improve support and prevent further pain.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy of the neck is a conservative treatment option that is designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function in the neck area. It is typically used for conditions such as neck strain, whiplash, cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, or chronic neck pain caused by poor posture or injury.

A physical therapist can develop a customised programme focusing on the muscles and tissues at the front of the neck, helping to reduce pain, improve posture, and restore normal function.

Skilled specialists and physical therapists at Phoenix Rehab in Singapore are highly effective in managing and alleviating neck pain through a range of targeted approaches. They incorporate pain management techniques such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the front neck area.

Dry Needling

For pain related to muscle tightness or tension in the front neck, dry needling can help release tight muscles and alleviate discomfort by targeting specific trigger points.

Chiropractic Care

While typically focused on the spine, chiropractic care can also address neck pain by correcting any misalignment or joint issues that might contribute to muscle strain or tension in the front of the neck.

Final Thoughts

Front neck pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition. While it's often caused by relatively minor issues, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With appropriate care, most cases of front neck pain can be effectively managed.

Prevent neck pain by practising and maintaining good posture, staying active, and regular stretching, among others. Stress can contribute to muscle tension in the neck. Practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and prevent tension-related neck pain. Finally, seek physical therapy treatment for a long-term and holistic approach to healing.