5 Reasons of Neck Pain and Treatments to Overcome

The neck is an integral part of the spine. It has a rare yet complicated structure that is constituted by vertebrae between the head and upper body. The neck robustly supports the head carrying its weight and allows it to move in several directions. This unique capability in freedom of movement, however, makes the neck prone to pain and injury.

Usually neck pain or cervical pain is not a serious medical condition. It subsides within a couple of days. But if it persists or is accompanied by other related symptoms, it is advisable to consult the physician.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

• Neck stiffness hampering  neck movements

• Sharp localized pain (commonly in the lower neck)

• Radiating pain along a nerve in the neck

• General soreness/pain in neck area

• Feeling of numbness,  weakness  or tingling sensation

• Difficulties in  lifting objects or getting a firm grip

• Episodes of headaches.

Causes of Neck Pain

• Injury or strain in the neck region

• Bad body  postures including incorrect sleeping positions or  hunched sitting during long work hours

• Inflamed lymph nodes triggered by  common infections or viruses or Pinched Nerves

• Existence of  Fibromyalgia(musculoskeletal pain) or Degenerative Diseases  like Cervical Osteoarthritis and  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis or Metabolic Bone Disorders in the spinal column

• Mental Stress

Treatment for Neck Pain

Usually neck pain may be treated with non-surgical interventions either by adopting self -care measures at home or seeking medical help from professional therapists. 

Home Remedies

• Taking sufficient rest can heal simple neck strains and sprains. Any strenuous activity or neck movement must be avoided.

• Application of cold packs initially for reducing inflammation. This may be alternated with application of controlled heat packs.

• Massages which reduce neck muscle spasms and tension

• Making lifestyle changes including correcting sitting postures and avoiding activities that aggravate neck pain like continuous talking or texting over smart phones.

• Consuming over the counter medications like pain relievers.

Non- Surgical Care with Professional Help

• Using the soft cervical collar (or neck brace) as recommended by the physician. It is a medical device that supports the neck and keeps it in a neutral position to limit head movements.

• Physiotherapy is one of the common treatment routes for neck pain. It involves doing neck muscle strengthening exercises under the supervision of a trained therapist for multiple sessions. Subsequently these exercises may be done at home for improving neck strength and flexibility.

• Prescribed medications and injections may be used strictly under medical supervision for chronic conditions. Opioids are prescribed for neck pain but should be avoided in long term due to risk of complication and addiction. Cervical epidural steroid injections, cervical facet injections and trigger point injections may be given for reducing neck inflammation and providing relief. However these injections may not give long term cure.

• Manual Manipulation is done to improve neck mobility and reduce pain. Here, health professionals/chiropractors make manual adjustments to the patient’s spine.

• Acupuncture techniques which must be done by licensed professionals. It is well tolerated and considered patient-safe.

Surgical Treatment
Surgical intervention may be considered in cases of compression in nerve roots or spinal cord. Some common neck surgery techniques include

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) which involves removal of problematic disc and subsequent cervical spine fusion for stability.

• Cervical Artificial Disk Replacement wherein an artificial disc replaces the damaged disc.

• Spinal Decompression used to increase the spinal canal space.

• Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy where the herniated disc or bone spur causing the nerve irritation is removed.

Summarizing, neck pain can be easily prevented by following healthy habits like maintaining right postures and abdominal muscle tone, exercising , controlling stress and preventing obesity.