Everything You Need To Know About Neck Pain: Causes, Treatments, and More
Neck pain is a common problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, arthritis, and whiplash. Neck pain can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or infection. In this article, we will discuss the different causes of neck pain, the various treatments available, and ways to prevent neck pain from occurring.
How Do You Describe Neck Pain?
A neck consists of vertebrae that stretch from your skull up to your upper torso. Between each vertebra, there is a disc that absorbs shock. Your neck is made up of ligaments, bones, and muscles that support and move your head. Pain or stiffness in the neck can be caused by an abnormality, inflammation, or injury.
Neck pain and stiffness can affect many people from time to time. It's usually caused by overuse, bad posture, or sleeping in an unusual position. Whiplash, contact sports, and falls can also cause neck pain.
The majority of times, neck pain isn't a severe condition and can go away within a few days. There are times, however, when neck pain may indicate a serious injury or illness that requires a doctor's care.
Seek medical attention immediately if your neck pain continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other pressing symptoms. Chronic neck pain can be a sign of more pressing conditions. This may be a medical emergency and needs utmost medical care.
Does Neck Pain Affect Everyone?
It is very common to experience neck pain. A little over one-third of people experience it every year. The likelihood of developing it increases with age, and it is more common in women than in men.
The following symptoms may be associated with neck pain:
Stiff Neck - Neck pain can sometimes cause a decreased range of motion. It feels like you have a "stiff" neck.
Sharp Neck Pain - A sharp or stabbing pain may occur in the neck, and it may be localized to a certain area.
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Pain When Moving - The pain in your neck may be aggravated by twisting, moving, or extending your neck, either up and down or side to side.
Numbness Or a Burning Sensation - You may also experience neck pain in your head, shoulder, trunk, and arms. In case of a pinched nerve in your neck, you may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands or arms. If you have a pinched nerve in your neck, it may feel as though you're burning or having sharp pain. You need to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
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Headache - Cervicogenic headaches are referred to as neck pain that causes headaches. A headache and neck pain may also present as symptoms of migraine headaches.
Palpating Neck Pain - Palpating your cervical spine (physically examining it) may cause more pain in your neck.
What Might Cause Neck Pain?
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and injuries. The following conditions are possible causes of neck pain:
Age - Degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and osteoarthritis (wear and tear on joint cartilage) can contribute to neck pain as we age. Herniated discs and pinched nerves result in spinal disc degeneration due to stress and motion over time.
Traumatic Injury - A sudden movement of the head or neck is accompanied by a rebound that moves the head in the opposite direction. Such trauma is known as whiplash. A trauma injury can affect the ligaments, muscles, vertebrae, discs, and nerve roots in the spinal cord in the neck.
Mental Stress - Tension causes you to tighten your neck muscles and cause stiffness and pain.
Body Strain - The neck muscles can become stiff and painful as a result of repetitive actions or strenuous activity.
Spinal Imbalance Conditions - The alignment of your spinal column and neck can be affected by posture (sitting for long periods of time; keyboard, keyboard, chair position), obesity, weak abdominal muscles.
Mass Growth - The cause of neck pain can sometimes be cysts, tumors, or bone spurs.
Other health issues - Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and meningitis.
Neck Pain Remedy
Neck pain is easily treated with self-help treatments and a few days of rest. However, if your neck problem is more complicated or is continuing, a healthcare professional or a licensed chiropractor will be better able to suggest other treatments and therapies. It is also possible that your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers if your pain does not go away. However, some people may not be able to take these drugs.
Physical Treatment
Neck pain can be treated by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths. In many cases, physical therapy provided by one of these therapists and exercises performed at home is sufficient remedies. These professionals can suggest both general and specific exercises to strengthen and stretch your neck.
The right practitioners who are registered with the relevant body must administer any physical treatments.
Manipulation
Using manipulations, you can treat stiffness by adjusting parts of your body. Keeping an understanding of what's involved is crucial since it can feel uncomfortable at the time.
Be sure you explain the symptoms you are experiencing to your therapist. They will be able to determine what type of treatment is most likely to benefit you, thus making a more informed decision.
Additionally, you should consult a healthcare provider before you try manipulation because, while some people report success with it, it may not be right for everyone. You won't be able to receive some treatments if you have a condition like osteoporosis.
Using the Alexander Technique
A body awareness technique that reduces unwelcome muscle tension, Alexander's technique works by teaching body awareness. Standing and sitting posture, as well as your patterns of movement, will be evaluated by a qualified teacher. It's often not available on the NHS, but some physiotherapists are trained in this technique.
It is not suitable for people with spinal cord problems, such as slipped discs.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS machines are small battery-powered machines that can be used to relieve pain. A low-voltage electrical stimulus produces a pleasing tingling sensation when small pads are applied to the painful area. Studies suggest that this method can interfere with the nerve impulses carrying pain signals to the brain. If you wish to try a TENS machine first, you might be able to borrow one from your physiotherapist.
Collar
When suffering from more serious or complex health problems, some people find a special collar helpful in supporting their necks. These collars aren't generally necessary.
Acupuncture
The needles are inserted into the skin, virtually painlessly, at a number of sites during an acupuncture session. These aren't always the sites where the pain is. By interfering with your brain's signals and triggering a release of natural painkillers known as endorphins, acupuncture seems to alleviate pain in the short term.
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Injections
Some people do find that long-acting local anesthetics or steroid injections relieve their pain, especially if they continue to experience pain in the backs of their heads or arms. You usually receive an injection into a small joint of your neck called the facet joint. A specialist typically gives these injections in an x-ray department to ensure that the needle is positioned precisely.
Surgery
Surgical procedures rarely have to be performed for neck pain. If there is a nerve or spinal cord injury causing arm pain or numbness, this may be helpful. You'll be asked for a scan to examine the nerves and bones before the surgeon decides whether to proceed with the operation and what the risks and benefits are. If your neck hurts more than you can bear, consider other treatment options before turning to a doctor for surgery. You may ease pain by doing gentle stretches or engaging in light physical activity.
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