Neck Pain On Left Side – Is It a Heart Attack?

Neck pain on the left or right side is very common among people. Does that mean you have a heart condition that needs examination because that is where your heart lies? Not necessarily. Usually, neck pain is temporary and can be a result of fatigue, improper sleeping pattern, bad sleeping position, etc.

You must know that neck pain is commonly caused by inflammation of the neck muscles, the strain on the muscles of your neck, or tension.

We can’t put all the blame on a single or two causes of pain behind the neck on your left side; however, constant pain means it is time to take a look at it.

Neck Pain on Your Left Side – Causes

Here are some common reasons why your neck is cramping on either side.

Muscular strain

Usually, neck pain on your left or right sides is often due to muscle tension or strain. Straining is basically when your tendons or muscles stretch more than they should. At the same time, muscle tension is when the tissues are unable to release completely after contraction.

A brief list of muscle strain or tension causes:

  • Hunching for long hours while working.
  • Keeping the phone between your ear and shoulder while talking.
  • Exerting extra pressure than normal on your muscles while exercising.
  • Trauma or injury
  • Bruxism or teeth grinding
  • Stress
  • Anxiety

Whiplash

When you meet an accident, the sudden forceful back-and-forth head motion is known as whiplash. Other than road accidents, it commonly happens during sports like football.

Whiplash results in pain on the left of your neck, causing headaches and muscle stiffness. Usually, OTC pain medications are good for dealing with whiplash.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Sometimes the nerve fibers suffer from irritation or get squeezed on the left side of your neck to cause pain there; additionally, it numbs the shoulders too.

Cervical spinal stenosis

It is the narrowing of your spinal canal on the neck side. This puts immense pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition shows up with the following medical issues:

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Degenerative joint disease
  3. Spine injuries
Meningitis

In this condition, the inflammation of the meninges by viruses, bacteria, or fungus takes place, which results in intense neck pain. Meningitis shows up with characteristic symptoms such as headaches and muscle stiffness. If you leave this condition untreated, the symptoms will level up, and seizures with brain swelling can happen.

Neck Pain on the Left Side – Treatment

The right treatment plan depends on the severity of your case and its root cause. If you are suffering from pain discomfort or pain, even as simple as a hot bath can work.

Other than that, try doing a neck massage to release pressure. Make sure to use a neck pillow all the time to help relax the neck muscles.

Final Words

Pain on the left side does not necessarily mean that it is related to your heart; however, it is best to get your pain checked if it is persistent and does not get better with time and remedies. In case you want to know more, experts from Atrial Fibrillation Centers of America can help you a great deal. Dial (832) 478-5067 to get in touch with us right away!

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