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Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back. The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of the neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for the head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversely, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain. ==Differential diagnosis== Neck pain may come from any of the structures in the neck including: vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature / skeletal or be referred from other areas of the body. Major and severe causes of neck pain (roughly in order of severity) include: *Carotid artery dissection *Referred pain from acute coronary syndrome *Head and neck cancer *Infections: retropharyngeal abscess, epiglottitis, etc. *Spinal disc herniation – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse. *Spondylosis - degenerative arthritis and osteophytes *Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal The more common and lesser neck pain causes include: *Stress – physical and emotional stresses *Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake up with sore necks. *Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day injuries that are really minor. *Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems *Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes *Whiplash *Herniated disc *Pinched nerve Although the causes are numerous, most are easily rectified by either professional help or using self help advice and techniques. More causes include poor sleeping posture, torticollis, head injury, rheumatoid arthritis, Carotidynia, congenital cervical rib, mononucleosis, rubella, certain cancers, ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine fracture, esophageal trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, lymphadenitis, thyroid trauma, and tracheal trauma. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「neck pain」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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