Common Reasons for Neck Pain and How to deal with them
Neck pain is one of the common problems that many people complain about. Neck pain can occur due to several reasons such as bad posture, stress, physical strain, etc. Neck pain can last for a few days to some years based on its causes. In some cases, neck pain can be an indication of some underlying medical conditions. If the neck pain becomes severe, it can even disturb your daily activities and will have an impact on your quality of life.
However, most neck pains are not dangerous and can be treated effectively using medicines, exercises, etc.
What are the Signs of a Neck Pain?
The following are the common signs of neck pain:
- Headache
- Difficulty to turn the neck
- Tingling sensation in the arms and shoulders
- Stiff neck
- A sharp or stabbing pain in the neck
- Muscle spasms
What are the Common Reasons for a Neck Pain?
Each of you may experience neck pain at some point of time in your life. Neck pain occurs when you hold the neck in the same position for a long time. However, neck pain can also occur due to several other reasons such as:
- Aging: As you get older, the parts of the cervical spine can get deteriorated due to wear and tear. As a result, you experience neck pain.
- Muscle strain: Certain repetitive and strenuous activities can exert pressure on your neck leading to neck stiffness and pain. For example, looking at the computer for long hours can cause neck pain. Being over-weight, bad posture can also lead to neck pain.
- Stress: When you are under stress, you tighten your neck muscles and this can lead to stiffness and neck pain.
- Injuries: Trauma and some accidents can injure vertebral joints, disks, ligaments, etc. It can further lead to neck pain. A whiplash injury due to a rear-end auto collision is a common cause of neck pain.
- Certain diseases: In some cases, neck pain can be a sign of some underlying health conditions such as meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc.
- Fibromyalgia: It is a condition that causes severe muscle pain in the body including the neck, shoulder, and arms.
- Spinal stenosis: This condition leads to the narrowing of the spinal column and this exerts pressure on the spinal cord. This condition occurs due to disk degeneration because of aging.
- Other conditions: In some cases, neck pain can also be due to an infection, tumours, or spine cancer.
How Can I Prevent Neck Pain?
In most cases, neck pain can be due to bad body posture, and wear and tear due to aging. The following are some of the measures that can help prevent neck pain:
- Always keep your shoulder aligned and back straight while sitting or standing. Always adjust your car seat while travelling.
- If your work involves sitting at the computer for a long time, take regular breaks and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects on your shoulders as it can put pressure on your neck.
- Always adjust your chair, and computer to ensure that the monitor is at eye level.
- Maintain a good posture even while sleeping. Ensure to keep the neck and shoulder aligned with your body while sleeping.
How is a Neck Pain Diagnosed and Treated?
The doctor will conduct a physical exam to know the muscle weakness and tenderness. He will also ask about your medical history such as previous neck injuries, etc. If your neck pain is severe or if the doctor suspects a serious injury, then he will conduct an imaging test to determine the cause. The possible imaging tests include the following:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Imaging tests are effective at determining the cause of neck pain. In some cases, an X-ray or an MRI scan can show some structural problems in the neck and they may not show any signs.
Treatment for a Neck Pain
Mild to moderate neck pain can reduce over time with self-care such as pain relievers and heat or ice therapy. The other treatment options include:
- Pain medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen your neck muscles and improves flexibility
- A neck collar can be used to provide support to the neck and reduce pressure on the neck
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A TENS unit will be placed under the skin at the site of pain. The unit sends electrical impulses to reduce the pain
- Steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
- Surgery is considered as the last choice. Most neck pains do not need surgery. Surgery is performed to relieve spinal cord compression
Suffering from Severe Neck Pain? Contact Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Today
If your neck pain is not reducing with self-care and is affecting your daily activities, it is the right time to seek medical assistance. Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy has been helping patients suffering from various neurological issues in Hyderabad for over 14 years. He determines the treatment based on the severity of your condition. Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy focuses on offering his services at a reasonable price so that everyone can afford them. To discuss your condition, call us or drop us an email.