The Link between Seasonal Allergies and Neck Pain

Winter is finally over. The flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and you are… miserable; seemingly endless cycles of itchy sneezing, sinus congestion and sinus congestion. If seasonal changes trigger your allergies, you’re certainly not the only one. According to Healthline, around 17.9 million adult Americans are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) every year. That equates to around 7.8% of the country’s population.

While some people only have to deal with allergy symptoms during seasonal changes, others have to put up with the additional distress caused by neck pain. If you’re one of these people, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a connection between the two. Over the course of this blog, we’ll discuss some possible reasons behind this pattern.

What Causes Allergies?

At the start of each summer, spring and fall, the plants release pollen which is carried the wind and ends up lodging in your respiratory tract and eyes. This triggers allergies. While allergies are mostly caused by grasses, mold spores are another common source.

Allergic reactions began when the inhaled pollen encounters the mast cells, which act as the body’s sentries. Found in the mucosa lining inside your nose, the mast cells activate the immune system when they detect a foreign organism entering your body. This triggers a number of responses, including:

• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Itchy & watery eyes

Why is Neck Pain so Prevalent?

According to the NCBI, roughly 20% of Americans experience neck pain at some point in their lifetime. Your neck contains the top most part of your cervical spine, which is a finely tuned instrument comprised of multiple components that work in combination to produce precise movements. If any of these components suffer injuries or wear out, it’s likely to lead to pain and stiffness.

In older people, neck pain is most commonly caused by worn joints or arthritis. Young people, on the other hand, can experience neck pain due to injuries or excessive strain. The most prevalent causes of neck pain include:

• Pinched nerve
• Worn joint
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disc degeneration

Possible Links between Seasonal Allergies and Neck Pain

Some individuals experience neck pain at the same time their allergies flare up. If you’re one of these people, some possible explanations include:

• Changes in Weather May Induce both Neck Pain & Seasonal Allergies: When allergic reactions are triggered, your body is taken over by a general state of inflammation. While it’s the allergies that cause the inflammation, it can also increase joint pain in people who’re more sensitive to seasonal changes. Inflammation also causes fatigue and stress, which can worsen your pain if you have underlying neck problems.
• Tense Muscles Can Cause Neck Pain: Allergy symptoms such as constant wheezing, coughing and sneezing combined with the lack of sleep can lead to increased muscle tension in your neck, which can cause pain.
• The sphenoid sinuses becoming congested:There are four pairs of air-filled cavities in your head are known as sinuses. The deepest of these, known as the sphenoid sinuses, are located in the middle of the skull. Allergic reactions can lead to congestion in the sphenoid sinuses, causing them to enlarge and press against the occipital bone in the back of your head. This can lead to neck pressure and pain.
    

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