Neck pain is one of the most concerning issues that many individuals face. The pain can be on either the right side or the left side of the neck. Right-sided neck pain can happen due to various causes such as stress, injury, or joint degeneration. Treatments are provided based on the cause. Physical therapy and pain relief medicines are given. One may need to undergo surgery in severe cases. 

The neck is also termed the cervical spine. It consists of seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7). Pain on the right side of the neck can result from structural or functional damage to the vertebrae, facet joints, paraspinal muscles, ligamentous structures, or cervical nerve roots. 

In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of right-sided neck pain and its symptoms. At last, the solution options and when one needs to visit the doctor is also discussed.

Causes of Right-Side Neck Pain

Pain in the neck can occur due to various factors. Some of the most common causes of right-sided neck pain include:

1. Spinal Disc Degeneration

The soft discs located between the vertebrae wear down naturally with age. It is called degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration can cause neck arthritis.

The vertebrae press against each other after the soft discs deteriorate. It leads to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck.

Spine deterioration can cause subsequent bone spur growth. It can compress spinal nerves, vertebrae, and muscle tissue, causing pain. 

2. Poor Posture

Sitting in an improper posture or sleeping with poor spinal alignment can cause neck pain. It damages the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints in the neck.

3. Impact Injury

Muscles, nerves, ligaments, and vertebrae get damaged due to impact injury in the neck. Neck trauma can result in stiffness, headaches, and pain. Damaged nerves in the neck can also result in pain in other body parts.  

4. A Sudden Jolt or Whiplash to the Neck

The injury where the head jolts forward and then gets back to the position is described as a sudden jolt whiplash. It results in muscle spasms, pain, and headaches. 

5. Nerve Compression

Nerve Compression or cervical radiculopathy is referred to as a pinched nerve. It develops when nerve irritation originates in the spinal cord. It causes pain that radiates down the arm. 

6. Acute Torticollis

Acute Torticollis is a medical condition in which the head gets twisted to one side. It can occur due to various factors.

Muscle sprains or minor ligament injuries in the neck are common factors. Furthermore, exposure for a long time in cold temperatures can also be a factor. 

Generally, torticollis may be a symptom of a concerning health issue. The common factors that cause torticollis are infections, tumors, side effects of the medicines. 

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis

At first, the inflammation occurs in the joints. This results in joint pain and joint degradation as well. In the neck, Rheumatoid arthritis occurs during later stages. The neck is the most common part of the spine involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

8. Lymph Node Enlargement

Lymph Node Enlargement in the neck can occur due to various infections. It causes localised neck pain. 

9. Cancer

Cancer in the neck is rare. It typically begins with the

• Larynx
• Throat
• Oral cavity
• Salivary glands
• Nasal cavities

The tumour’s growth in and around the neck can impact nerves, muscles, and bones. It causes numbness, discomfort, and swelling. 

10. Infections

Pain and Inflammation in the throat can also occur due to bacterial and viral infections. These infections can be the flu, colds, and tonsillitis. 

Severe infections in the neck, such as abscesses and cellulitis, can also result in serious complications. 

Read More: What Is Physiotherapy and How Can It Help You?

Symptoms of Right-Side Neck Pain

It is essential to know the symptoms to get the right treatment at the right time. Here are some of the symptoms that an individual might observe. 

Aching or Sharp Pain

One may feel a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a stabbing pain on the right side of the neck.

Stiffness

It becomes hard to turn the head and look over the shoulder. It is due to tightness or stiffness. 

Spasms or Muscle Tightness

On the right side of the neck, the muscle gets tense, tight, it may suddenly contract (spasm).

Headache

One may experience headaches, especially at the back of the head or near the base of the skull. 

Tingling or Numbness

A feeling of sensation can occur in the neck, shoulder, or arm. 

Reduce Range of Motion

It might be limited or painful to turn or tilt the head.

Tenderness When Touched

One may feel sore or painful on the right side of the neck when touching or pressing it. 

Treatments

Effective Treatments for Right-Side Neck Pain

The treatment provided to the patients depends on the cause. Mild causes can be treated with home remedies, while severe or long-lasting conditions may require medical prescription. 

Home Treatments

It is possible to treat mild to moderate neck pain at home. Some cases of right-sided neck pain can be easily covered in a day. While others need a few days or weeks to resolve fully. One can try the following methods to get relief from the neck pain.

• Take anti-inflammatory and over-the-counter medicines.
• Apply heat or ice to an affected area.
• Massaging or stretching the neck.
• Maintaining good posture while standing, sitting, or performing any activity.
• Support the neck using a pillow or something while sleeping. 

Medical Treatments

Sometimes, home remedies can alleviate neck pain. In case it becomes necessary to consult the best clinic for the treatment.  The specialist may provide the following treatments:

• Physical therapy
• Muscle relaxants
• Cervical prolotherapy
• Nerve blocks
• Cervical Facet Joint Injection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes pain on the right side of the neck?

Conditions like muscle strain, age-related degeneration of neck vertebrae and nerve compression can cause right-sided neck pain. In addition, poor posture can also result in neck pain. 

Is right neck pain a serious concern?

Yes, one may need to consult a specialist if the neck pain is persistent. 

What is the best treatment for a painful neck?

Home remedies such as applying heat or ice, stretching the neck, etc., can treat the neck pain. However, chronic neck pain can be treated with physical therapy or medications. For long-standing and persistently painful conditions, non-surgical interventions such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation and epidural injections.