Neck Pain

Neck Pain

Neck pain can either be a dull constant pain or a sudden sharp pain, and is usually aggravated by movement. Apart from pain, you may also experience muscle spasms, clumsy hand movements, gait and balance disturbances, numbness or tingling sensation, stiff neck, and swelling and tenderness over the affected region. Neck pain may also be associated with headache, dizziness, jaw pain, ringing sensation in the ears, and rarely bowel or bladder problems.

Neck pain may either be localized to the neck or may radiate to the shoulders, upper back - or arms. Cervical radiculopathy refers to pain that originates in the neck and radiates to the arms.

Causes

Neck pain can result from muscle strain or sprain, trauma, poor posture and body mechanics, degenerative diseases, nerve compression, osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, infection of the cervical spine, and spinal tumors.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of neck pain is based on your medical history, along with a physical and neurological examination. Your doctor will test your sensations, reflexes - and the strength of the muscles. Other imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and detect any spinal fractures.

Treatment

In most cases, neck pain can be resolved without surgery. Conservative treatments, such as activity modifications, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, muscle relaxants, spinal injections, physical therapy, braces, and chiropractic care, may help alleviate pain and associated symptoms. Your doctor may recommend combining two or more therapies to maximize the chances of a successful treatment outcome.

Surgery may be necessary for those who do not respond to conservative treatment or have cervical spine instability or neurologic dysfunction.

Prevention

Sometimes neck pain can be prevented or improved by following these simple steps:

• Perform relaxation exercises to reduce the undesirable stress on the neck muscles.
• Stretching exercises should be performed before and after exercise.
• Maintain - a good posture. -
• When working on a computer, adjust the computer monitor to eye level. Stretch the neck frequently.
• When using the telephone often, use a headset.
• Use a pillow that keeps the neck straight.
• Wear seat belts and use bike helmets to reduce injuries while driving or riding.