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Pain in the Neck

As is typical with many body aches and pains, neck pain can be the result of many different conditions. Some are readily treated by you at home, and others require expert medical advice from a pain treatment clinic to diagnose the issue, and then to provide you with excellent care. You do not need to suffer from neck strain, treatment is readily available.

Pain in the Neck? | Find out about symptoms, causes, and neck strain treatment.

Pain in the Neck? | Ask an Expert

Symptoms

The many different symptoms signal different issues. Some are the result of soft tissue injury, and others indicate problems with the bones of the cervical spine that extend into the neck.

  • Pain in just the Neck Area: neck strains are usually restricted to the back of the neck or very close to that spot in the head, back or shoulders
  • Sharp Pain: this pain can seemingly subside and then during every-day life movements appears again with a sharp, specific pain
  • Aching: The dull pain never seems to disappear as it is felt deep into the neck muscle. It can interfere with a good night’s rest.
  • Sharp Intense Pain: Pain that increases significantly with movement.
  • Neck Muscle Spasm: This pain is the result of overuse or an injury occurring in the neck muscles.
  • Stiff Neck: Here there is not only a dull pain but difficulty in moving the neck. The strain may be the result of swelling or tight muscles.
  • Chronic Neck Pain: this pain occurs in a dull form all the time but worsens throughout the day. Often people with poor posture suffer in this manner.

Causes

There are many causes. Some issues begin with the soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Other problems stem from the bones. Sometimes the soft tissues that prevent wear and tear of the bones have become damaged, causing pain. At other times, the cartilage that protects the bones from rubbing against each other is so worn that there is no protection any longer. Her are some common causes.

  • injury from a car accident or repeated movement for a work task or a sport activity
  • poor posture
  • disease of the bones such as osteoporosis
  • arthritis

Home Remedies for Neck Strain Treatment

Mild neck pain can be treated at home in most cases. The following are some suggestions, you can try.

  • Over the Counter Pain Medication: Take pain medication and anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants for the relief of neck sprain.
  • Pillow or Cervical Collar: Support your neck with a small pillow or cervical collar. This is very helpful when sleeping.
  • Bed Rest: Bed rest may relieve the pain by allowing the area to heal. Short stints of bed rest will improve your comfort level.
  • Heat: Dry or moist heat can ease muscle spasms.
  • Rubs: Rubs that have active ingredients for muscle spasms may be useful.
  • Physical Activity Level: Continue normal daily activities after a period of rest, unless you are required to perform heavy labor.

When to Seek  Help at A Pain Specialist Clinic

There are several reasons to seek professional help from a well-qualified neck sprain specialist, instead of relying on home remedies.

  • if your neck pain is the result of an accident
  • if the pain shoots down your back, arms, and legs
  • if you are suffering from headaches, tingling or numbness as the result of your condition
  • if the pain is causing visual problems
  • if you cannot hold your neck properly
  • if the pain causes any issues with your fingers
  • if you cannot swallow
  • if you cannot balance properly
  • If you cannot control your bladder or bowel movements
  • if the pain lasts for more than a week
  • if you are experiencing fever or chills
  • if you suffer from sudden weight loss

Diagnosis at the Pain Treatment Clinic

There are two clear paths of inquiry to diagnose neck pain: medical history and a physical examination.

Medical History: The well-trained pain doctor in New York or the pain doctor in New Jersey will first ask you about your pain and when it occurs. By examining your complete medical history, your physician is looking for any patterns to bring a complete understanding of your condition. For example, do any family members suffer from similar problems?  The doctor will also ask about the type of medications you are taking.

Physical Examination: The pain doctor in NY or the pain doctor in NJ will observe the area as you try to move it. They may investigate the area by feeling the area for any abnormalities. Another possibility is that the doctor will gently push down on your head (a Spurling test) to see if the condition can be replicated. Further testing may include some imaging techniques, especially if the problem seems to exist beyond the soft muscle tissues.

Once the core of the problem has been established, your excellent pain doctor from the pain treatment clinic will explain several different treatments and through discussion can guide you through a process to fit your lifestyle. The following are some options that the pain doctor may discuss.

Medical Neck Strain Treatment

Physical Therapy: Your physical therapist will consult with your pain doctor specialist to determine the best treatment options for you. These can be specific exercises for your condition as well as ultrasound treatment. Your physical therapist will also train you to continue the exercises at home to build muscle strength and promote healing.

Manual Manipulation (Chiropractor): Your chiropractor will move the bones in the cervical spine to realign them properly. Once the bones are back into place, healing can take place.

Massage Therapy: Massage takes the knots out of muscles, allowing them to relax. Blood flow is also increased in the area which promotes healing.

Surgery: Your certified pain doctor will suggest less intrusive methods before suggesting surgery to reduce your pain. If your pain is the result of a stubborn pinched nerve or bone spurs, then surgery may be an option.

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF)
  • Artificial Disc Replacement
  • Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy

All of these surgical procedures deal with any bone imperfections which can pinch the nerve in your neck. The exact surgery will depend on your condition. Your qualified surgeon from the pain treatment clinic will explain the appropriate procedure in detail.

Key Concepts

  • There are many home remedies for neck strain treatment.
  • If home remedies do not bring the satisfactory results, then medical intervention from a pain treatment clinic may be necessary.
  • The pain specialists at the clinic will start with the least intrusive methods to relieve your pain.
  • Only as a last resort will surgery be an option.
Pain in the Neck? | Neck Strain Treatment ultima modifica: 2018-10-19T01:20:02-04:00 da JJ Madrigal