Dmitry Simkin, an osteopath, explained that neck pain does not necessarily arise from a problem in the neck itself, but may sometimes be linked to old injuries or previous health issues that have affected the body's balance and the distribution of loads between its parts.
Simkin pointed out that a chronic ankle injury, even if it occurred during childhood, may lead to gradual changes in body posture. As tension persists in the tissues surrounding the injured area, the body attempts to adapt to the condition, which may change the way one stands or walks, and causes some muscles to work harder to maintain balance.
He added that some injuries occurring during childbirth, particularly those affecting the pelvis, shoulders, neck, or head, may in turn affect the distribution of loads on the body and leave effects that last for years.
He noted that previous inflammations could be another factor, as some conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, or other organs can leave changes in tissue tension, prompting the body to adopt compensatory movement patterns that increase pressure on other areas, including the neck muscles and joints.
According to Simkin, the persistence of compensatory muscle tension for long periods may lead to muscle pain and increased pressure on the joints and spine, and constant stress may contribute to degenerative changes and the worsening of symptoms.
However, there are many causes of neck pain, so determining the exact cause requires a specialized medical evaluation.
