Neck pain is a very common condition that affects tens of millions of Americans every year. It has become one of the most common problems in our society. Its so prevalent that we have come to accept it as a normal part of a busy life.
One study estimated that in any year, at least one-third of adults have an episode of neck pain. Unfortunately, approximately 15% of those people have chronic or recurrent neck pain.
The pain can vary from a simple neck spasm to a burning pain that shoots from the neck into the arm. Neck and shoulder pain can be classified in many different ways. Some people experience only neck pain or only shoulder pain, while others experience pain in both areas. Information is readily available on the way to stop neck pain. The challenge is to tailor it to the particular patient. For example, its said that using certain kinds of pillows and/or mattresses can help neck pain. Many believe that certain kinds of exercises or braces relieve neck pain. But the question is, does the information apply to every kind of neck pain?
Using the telephone improperly is said to create problems in the neck. But what is the proper way to use a phone? And if a special piece of equipment is necessary, which is the right one?
The list goes on: cold or hot applications; rest or activity?
What Kinds of Problems Might Cause Neck Pain?
Causes of neck pain include: muscle strain, trauma, poor posture, arthritis, abnormalities in the bone or joints and tumors. A pinched nerve, often from a herniated disc, causes pain down the arm thats often described as an electrical and burning feeling.
An aching pain in muscles of the neck is associated with poor posture, sitting at a computer or other job-related tasks. Patients can become sore in different parts of the body like the neck and arms, and often patients report they have difficulty sleeping.
A narrowing of the nerve openings around the spinal cord causes symptoms similar to a pinched nerve, known as spinal stenosis. The pain is described either as an aching or an electrical feeling down the arm.
Increased motion between bones in the spine or Spinal Instability, usually results from neck injury. The pain typically feels like tingling in the neck or arms.
An injury that occurs from chronically used neck muscles, either in a normal or abnormal way is known as a repetitive strain injury. These problems are often found in people who sit at desks and work at computers.
There are certain non-spinal causes of neck pain that may imitate a neck injury, but from another cause. Shoulder and elbow injuries and gall bladder disease are examples of problems that can refer pain to the neck area.
Treatment Options
Treatment for any neck condition is recommended as soon as possible to minimize the danger of further aggravation. The rehabilitation of neck injuries occurs in three phases. During the first phase, called the acute phase, treatment includes therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, medication, ice and even specialized neck injections. Injections of local anesthetic combined with a corticosteroid, may be injected around nerve roots or into muscles and joints in the neck to relieve irritation, swelling, and muscle spasms in the neck.
In the second phase of treatment, neck flexibility and strengthening exercises get the neck into proper alignment. The goal of this phase is to get you back to your usual work, sports and leisure activities. This goal is achieved through specially designed exercises that rebuild the neck muscles.
The main goal of the third phase of treatment, the maintenance phase, is to minimize recurrence of the problem and to prevent further injury. This often consists of a total body fitness program, designed to maintain body mechanics and increase endurance after symptoms have resolved.
Preventing Neck Pain
Exercise, good nutrition and staying well hydrated are not only important to stay healthy, but vital in the healing process. Treat your body to a consistent regimen of stretching and strengthening to balance your muscle groups. This protects your neck as well as helping your whole body. Walking at any pace is excellent exercise for your neck. The rotation of the spine provides a great natural workout for the neck muscles.
Dont sit in one place for a long time, such as your car or at your desk. Try to take frequent breaks at work. Arrange some of the items in your office so that they are inconvenient. This will force you to get up, stretch or walk around. Use a speakerphone or headsets and try not cradle the phone in your neck.
Good neck posture is essential. It is important to adjust the seat of your desk chair so your hips are slightly higher than your knees, your head and neck will naturally follow in the correct position. When traveling in a car, airplane or train, place a small pillow between your neck and a headrest to keep the normal curve in your neck. Avoid sleeping with too many pillows or falling asleep in front of the television with your head on the arm of a couch.
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Dr. Isaac Kreizman MD is a board certified pain management specialist and Dr. Charles Suede MD is a board certified anesthesiologist, trained in pain management.
