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Understanding Neck Pain: Causes and Care
Poor posture, whether induced by prolonged computer usage or a slouched
position at a
workbench, can strain the delicate neck muscles. Neck pain is the discomfort originating
in the neck region, often accompanied by radiating pain down either one or both arms.
This pain can stem from various disorders or diseases affecting neck tissues, bones,
nerves, joints, muscles, or ligaments.
Neck pain manifests as radicular neck pain, shooting into adjacent areas
like shoulders
or arms, or axial neck pain, primarily felt in the neck. It may be acute, lasting from a
few days to six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Left unaddressed,
neck pain can significantly impede daily activities and diminish overall quality of
life.
Thankfully, the majority of neck pain cases are non-threatening and
respond well to
conservative treatments, such as prescribed pain management, targeted exercises, and
effective stress management techniques. However, in rare instances, neck pain could
signal a more serious underlying condition. Seeking prompt medical attention from a
spine
specialist is crucial if experiencing neck pain accompanied by
numbness or weakness in the arms or hands or if the pain radiates into the shoulder or
down an arm.
Neck Pain Risk Factors: The Contributors
The risk factors for neck pain parallel those seen in various musculoskeletal
conditions, sharing commonalities such as genetic predisposition, psychopathological aspects
(e.g., anxiety, depression, somatisation, inadequate coping mechanisms), tobacco use,
sedentary lifestyle, and sleep disturbances. However, neck pain possesses its distinct set
of risk factors:
Warning Signs
Presence of these symptoms should alert to a more serious underlying cause and a prompt consultation with your doctor is recommended in such cases
- Arm pain > Neck pain
- Persistent pain in the legs and below the knees
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Sudden severe pain not subsiding in 2 days
- Mild to moderate pain not subsiding in 1 week
- Any pain > 6 weeks (on and off)
- Post-traumatic pain
- Pain even on lying down
- Age > 60 yr
- Associated symptoms fever, weight loss, h/o cancer, immunosuppression or steroid use
Non-Surgical Treatment Methods for Managing Mild to Moderate Neck Pain
In cases of mild to moderate neck pain, which are the most common, timely self-care measures often yield positive outcomes within a span of two to three weeks. Simple remedies such as pain relievers and the application of heat can prove effective in providing relief.
Bed rest – either relative rest or absolute rest based on the severity of pain - You may benefit from a cervical collar which stabilizes your neck.
Local application of ice packs followed 24-48 hours later by heat. In the initial phase ice reduces swelling, pain and spasms. Once acute pain subsides, switching over to heat (hot water bag application) reduces spasm and warmth relaxes the muscles.
Over the counter analgesics – (Paracetamol or Diclofenac) (It is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before self medication)
Neck Pain Diagnosis
The diagnosis of neck pain is a meticulous process overseen by a neurosurgeon, involving a thorough review of the patient's medical history, a detailed assessment of symptoms, a comprehensive physical examination, and, when warranted, the evaluation of diagnostic studies. In this methodical approach, priority lies in ruling out severe underlying causes of neck pain, such as spinal cord compression, myelopathy, infections, or malignancies. Key diagnostic tests may be pivotal in this investigative journey. They include: