Neck Pain
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Is Neck Pain?
• What Causes Neck Pain?
• What Are The Symptoms Of Neck Pain?
• How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
• What Is The Treatment For Neck Pain?

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a very frequent ailment. Poor posture can strain neck muscles, whether it’s leaning over the computer or sleeping in an awkward position. Many people suffer from neck discomfort regularly. Neck pain can sometimes also be caused by a fall, contact sports, or whiplash.

Neck pain, for the most part, isn’t a major problem and can be resolved in a matter of days. On the other hand, it can sometimes signify a serious injury or sickness that necessitates medical attention.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Because the neck is flexible and bears the head’s weight, it is susceptible to injuries and disorders that cause pain and limit movement. The following are some of the reasons for neck pain:

• Muscle strain: Muscle strains are frequently caused due to lying in an awkward position for a long period. Neck muscles can be strained by even simple activities such as reading in bed or grinding the teeth.
• Worn out joints: Like the rest of the body’s joints, the neck joints deteriorate with age. The cushions (cartilage) between the bones (vertebrae) degrade due to osteoarthritis.
• Nerve compression: The nerves in the neck might be compressed by herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae.
• Injuries: Injuries due to jerking the head can put a strain on the neck’s soft tissues.
• Diseases: Neck pain can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?

The following are some of the symptoms:

• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Limited capacity to move the head.
• Moving, twisting, or extending the cervical spine from side to side or up and down might aggravate neck pain.
• Headache.

How is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

To gain a better picture of the neck pain, the doctor may conduct imaging studies.

• X-rays: X-rays can indicate places in the neck where bone spurs or other degenerative changes may be compressing the nerves or spinal cord.
• MRI: MRI creates detailed images of bones and soft tissues using radio waves and a strong magnetic field.
• CT scan

What is the Treatment for Neck Pain?

The treatment includes;

Medications
Over-the-counter pain killers can be prescribed during mild to moderate neck pain.

Therapy
Physical therapy involves using a physical therapist who can teach proper posture, alignment, and neck-strengthening exercises and utilise heat, cold, and electrical stimulation techniques to relieve discomfort and prevent it from returning.

Surgical procedure

• Steroid injections relieve pain near the nerve roots or in the muscles in the neck. Neck pain can also be reduced by injecting numbing drugs like lidocaine.
• Surgery is rarely required for neck pain; however, it may be necessary to relieve nerve root compression.

Home remedies

• Alternative heat and cold: Applying an ice pack or heating pad for up to 20 minutes many times a day can reduce inflammation.
• Exercising at home also helps a lot.