Neck pain arises from the regions of the cervical vertebrae in your neck. Due to its location and range of movement, your neck is left unsafe and is prone to injury.
“Neck pain can be acute and quite painful,” says Dr. Sean Ataee, MD “its onset can be instant and vigorous.”
On the other hand, chronic pain lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The pain may be spasmodic or persistent. Acute pain is more common than chronic pain.”
What are the Causes of Neck Pain?
It is often hard to pinpoint the exact cause of neck pain, but in most cases, neck pain can be caused by common factors. Strenuous exercise or repetitive, heavy weightlifting brings great risk for neck pain, as does a tear in the muscle or ligaments. Outside of strain and exertion, there are many maladies including vertebrae degeneration and osteoporosis which lead to neck pain. Moreover, tumors and other abnormal growths along the cervical vertebrae often create pain as well. The varied reasons for such pain can run the range of easily addressed to concerning ailment.
What are the symptoms of Neck Strain and Injury?
In conjunction with neck pain, strain to the neck can be accompanied by headaches and shoulder pain. Sharp pains in the neck and aching, chronic pains may present tingling in the arms as well as numbness.
How is Neck Injury Diagnosed?
Your physician may perform imaging such as X-ray and MRI on the affected regions. This helps the doctor to capture a full, comprehensive view of the neck. The MRI generates images of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It also assists in diagnosing tumors, inflammation, or stress on the nerves.
What is the Treatment for Neck Pain?
If you are suffering from severe neck pain, it may be improved with simple bed rest and painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If you have chronic neck pain, your doctor may suggest any number of possible remedies before seeking surgical options. Common treatments may include the following:
- Cold or heat bags (under the instructions of your doctor)
- Stretching and flexing exercises to increase the strength of your muscles and relieve the pain
- Braces or corsets for additional support
- Anti-inflammatory medicines in case of arthritis
- Nerve blockers which inhibit pain signal transmission
How Can Be Neck Pain Managed?
For severe, crippling, or chronic neck pain, rehabilitation programs may be formed to meet your demands. The treatment program will depend on the nature and severity of your pain or injury. Active participation of the patient and a treatment team is significant for the success of rehabilitation programs.
The main target of neck rehabilitation is to assist you in managing your pain and return you to top performance, while improving your overall quality of life. The primary focus of treatment is relieving pain and increasing movement.
Preventing Neck Pain
The prevention of neck pain relies on proper positioning of the body and engaging in safety strategies when performing strenuous activities. Avoid lifting heavy weights or objects which can strain the neck and cause damage to vertebrae. When sitting at a computer or on devices, proper posture can align the spine and prevent damage. Exercising regularly is a simple, effective way to maintain flexibility and posture. Flexing and stretching is important in supporting the neck. In conjunction with physical considerations, it’s important to minimize emotional stress which can lead to tension in the muscles and misalignment of the spine and neck.
What is the Rehabilitation Team’s Approach to Neck pain?
Rehabilitation doctors diagnose your pain, review your medical history, and create a treatment plan for you. Physicians can use a variety of techniques to help you with normal movement and function:
- Dry needling: Thin needles are inserted into muscle tissues to relieve muscle spasms.
- Soft tissue and joint movements: Includes body movements and stretching of your muscles, tendons and joints with the help of special tools.
- Laser treatment: Uses light that passes deep into your skin and improves healing.
- Aquatic therapy: Uses water to build power and flexibility while decreasing effect of gravity.
- Negative pressure (vacuum) massage: By putting negative pressure on specific areas of the body to activate the lymphatic system, which helps remove metabolic waste from body.
- Occupational therapists: Work to adapt motions and body movement to pain or injury while driving, dressing, or working out.
- Rehabilitation psychologists: Help you deal with pain-related anxiety and frustration.
Neck pain is a prominent risk for office workers, laborers, weightlifters, and those who spend time in fixed positions throughout the day. While neck strain is common, it’s important not to discount symptoms that could point to degenerative disease or other ailments. Maintaining proper muscular health and addressing neck pain when it appears is important. Seek medical attention when unexplained neck pain arises.
