Neck pain is common these days and one of the causes of this is poor posture. Yes, we all have become so busy in our lives that we don’t even have time for ourselves. Sitting for long hours in front of a TV or computer with poor posture over time can result in neck pain. Another common cause of the same is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects joints including the spine.
In rare cases, neck pain could be a symptom of a serious problem. In this post, we will have a detailed look at neck pain causes along with the symptoms and treatment.
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What Are the Symptoms?
Here are the common symptoms associated with neck pain:
- Pain becomes worse while keeping the head in one position for a long time. For e.g., while driving or watching a movie.
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Limited range of motion of the head
- Headache
What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors, and it is important to identify the right cause before treatment. Some of the common causes of the condition include:
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is the cause of overuse. Working non-stop for hours on the computer, using a smartphone, reading on the bed, and driving regularly for hours could cause muscle strain in the neck.
Wearing of Joints
Aging can cause wearing of the neck as well just like other joints. Now, as a result of wear & tear, the body often forms bone spurs. This causes pain and irritation.
Nerve Compression
Sometimes, herniated disks or bone spurs press onto the nerves coming out of the spinal cord.
Injuries
When the head and neck jerk suddenly due to trauma, this could cause strain in the soft tissues of the neck. As a result, neck pain occurs. This could also cause severe complications.
Diseases
Some diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and meningitis could also cause neck pain.
How is the Right Cause for Neck Pain Diagnosed?
The healthcare service provider will examine the medical history of the patient and do a physical examination during the diagnosis of neck pain. During the examination, the patient will be asked to move his/her neck in different directions to check the range of motion. Besides this, the doctor will also check for numbness, muscle weakness, and tenderness. After this, certain imaging tests may be ordered to confirm the cause. The tests may include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
Sometimes, other tests like electromyography and blood tests are also required.
What is the Treatment for Neck Pain?
Maximum cases of neck pain improve with self-care and pain medication, only if needed. When the condition becomes severe, other treatments may be required. Let us have a brief look at the treatments available for neck pain.
Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often given to improve pain and swelling. Most people with neck pain show a good response to this.
Therapy
Physical therapy may be given to teach correct posture and improve pain and muscle strength surrounding the neck. TENS therapy may also be sometimes suggested to improve pain.
Injections
Steroid injections are given to provide quick pain relief, especially in severe cases.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely performed to treat neck pain but may be required to relieve nerve root or spinal cord compression.
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