HEALTH - NECK PAIN
The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments (which are comparable to thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. For many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve their symptoms
NECK PAIN CAUSES
There are several possible causes of neck pain, although it is often difficult to know with certainty what is causing pain. This is because the examination, and even imaging tests, are not able to easily differentiate among the various causes.Cervical strain Cervical muscle strain can occur when there is an injury to the muscles of the neck, causing spasm of the cervical and upper back muscles. Cervical strain may result from the physical stresses of everyday life, including poor posture, muscle tension from psychologic stress, or poor sleeping habits. Typically, symptoms include pain, stiffness, and tightness in the upper back or shoulder, which may last for up to six weeks.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can include neck pain or weakness, numbness or abnormal sensations of the arms or shoulders, headaches, or limited ability to move the neck. Cervical discogenic pain Cervical discogenic pain may be the most common cause of neck pain. It is caused by changes in the structure of one or more of the cervical intervertebral discs. Common symptoms of discogenic pain include pain in the neck when turning or tilting the head. Pain may be worsened when the neck is held in one position for prolonged periods, such as occurs with driving, reading, or working at a computer. There is often associated muscle tightness and spasms. Discogenic pain can also refer pain or odd sensations into the arm or shoulder.
Cervical facet syndrome The facet joint, which is located on the left and right side of the vertebrae, is the most commonly affected area in whiplash-related neck pain and headaches. Another potential cause of cervical facet syndrome includes a job that requires a person to repeatedly extend the neck . Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome include pain in the middle or side of the neck; some people also notice pain in the shoulders, around the shoulder blades, at the base of the head, or in one arm.
Cervical myofascial pain Myofascial pain causes tight and tender areas of muscle that are sensitive to pressure. Myofascial pain in the neck can develop after trauma or with other medical conditions, such as psychologic stress, depression, or insomnia. Diffuse skeletal hyperostosis Diffuse skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a syndrome in which there are abnormal calcifications in the ligaments and tendons along the cervical spine, causing these tissues to become hardened. Many people with DISH have no symptoms while others develop stiffness, loss of mobility, and pain. This condition can also involve the thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) spine. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy Cervical spondylotic myelopathy occurs when there are degenerative changes that narrow the central (middle) spinal canal. This narrowing can injure the cervical spinal cord or cause it to function improperly. In addition to pain and loss of motion, signs of cervical spondylotic myelopathy may include a variety of neurological complaints. Weakness, difficulty walking or coordinating movement, inability to empty or control the bowels or bladder, and sexual dysfunction may occur as a result of irritation of the spinal cord.
NECK PAIN TREATMENTS
Ice:- For some people, ice can reduce the severity of neck pain. It can be applied directly to the sore area of the neck. Ice can be frozen in a paper cup, and then the upper edge of the cup can be torn away. The ice should be moved continuously in strokes on the neck muscles for five to seven minutes.
Heat:-Heat can help to reduce pain in the neck muscles. Moist heat can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes in a shower, hot bath, or with a moist towel warmed in a microwave. However, acute injuries should utilize ice as the initial treatment if there is cold intolerance to ice.
It is important to avoid overheating the towel and potentially injuring the skin, especially in people with poor skin sensation. The skin can become pigmented (discolored) in a blotchy pattern in people who use heat frequently.
Massage:-Massage can be helpful for relieving muscle spasm and can be performed after heating or icing the neck. Massage can be done with the hands by applying pressure to both sides of the neck and the upper back muscles, or with an electric hand-held vibrator. The neck muscles should be relaxed during massage by supporting the head or lying down.
more information
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
www.aapmr.org