The pain of neck is common musculoskeletal problem that affects about 33% of people at least once per year. It could be either severe or mild, and may affect the shoulders, arms and necks. It can also cause headaches. Neck discomfort or pain can be an illness that is multifactorial and could result in lower performance and efficiency, but the healthy lifestyle of regular exercise as well as a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can help keep neck pain at bay.
Types:
Interview by HT Lifestyle, Dr Jagjit Singh, Senior Orthopaedic Specialist in Mata Chanan Devi Hospital in Delhi’s Janakpuri explained the fact that neck pain can be of various types. A few of the most frequent kinds are:
1. Occipital Neuralgia – It is a kind of headache where the upper neck and that at the back part of the scalp as well as the area behind the ears are aching. The occipital nerves that traverse the scalp can be inflamed or injured, which can cause the condition known as occipital neuralgia.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy often referred to as pinched nerve that usually arises due to a disk herniation within the neck. It can cause excruciating discomfort in the shoulder, neck fingers, arm, and neck. This is among the more painful neck ailments and is a very good diagnosis too.
3. Facet Arthropathy The term refers to arthritis of the smaller cervical vertebral joints and is well-known as a reason for neck pain. It could be due to conditions like the aging process or rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Myofascial Pain Syndrome Myofascial symptoms are a long-lasting condition of pain that affects the the neck’s muscles, fascia and muscles. The upper and lower back as well as the neck, the shoulders, as well as the chest are just a few of the body areas where Myofascial pain syndrome may be seen. This can be caused through the repetitive movements employees perform at work and stress-related muscle tension injuries to muscles or posture or the muscle group’s inactivity.
5. Cervical Spondylosis A form of wear and tear on the cervical spine which causes neck pain and stiffness is known by the term cervical spondylosis.
6. Whiplash Neck Strain – This is caused by a quick injury to your neck resulted from an accident such as a car crash.
7. Fibromyalgia is defined by a wide range of musculoskeletal pain which could be accompanied by an inability to sleep mood, memory, or sleep. Many sufferers experience extreme stiffness and pain in the cervical region and back.
Causes:
Dr. Vivek Loomba Pain Medical Doctor at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in New Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, has pointed out the most common causes that cause neck pain:
1. Physical strain is the most frequent reason for neck pain. It is caused by the overuse of neck muscles during exercises like intense physical exercise or heavy lifting and carrying large bags on shoulders and driving/travelling for long distances. These activities can result in neck pain due to a damaged neck ligament or muscle. In rare instances, it could cause a disc herniation, which can lead to neck pain that extends across the arms.
2. Poor posture is among the main causes of neck discomfort. Sitting for long periods with arched backs as well as forward-bending necks when using laptops, smartphones and tablets (text neck syndrome) causes increased strain over the cervical spine and can lead to neck stiffness, cervical degeneration, and discomfort. Dr. Loomba states that there’s been an increase in students from schools visiting his clinic with these signs. The pandemic has only increased the situation, he believes.
3. Whiplash injuries – Sudden neck movements that are jerky in vehicle accidents may cause whiplash injurythat can cause neck pain.
4. Arthritis – The inflammation of the vertebral joints in the neck can cause neck pain.
5. Neck pain could be caused by other factors such as depression, anxiety or tumour, etc.
Symptoms:
Dr Jagjit Singh has revealed that neck pain could take several forms, ranging starting with a minor, irritating discomfort to a sweltering and incapacity nerve pain that can be able to spread across the shoulder and even into the arm. Dr Singh stressed that as treatment is based on the aetiology of the illness it is essential to identify the right diagnosis before any treatment can be started.
Neck Pain can trigger different symptoms, including:
1. Headache
2. Sleep deprivation
3. Fatigue/stiffness in the neck
4. Disturbed sleep pattern
5. Tingling or numbness in fingers or the arms
6. The pain or weakness that is felt goes into the arm
7. A few times, loss of bowel control or bladder control
Treatment of neck discomfort:
The majority of neck discomfort problems will go away within a couple of days, but when you are experiencing severe discomfort, constant pain and neck stiffness that is interfering with your daily activities, it is recommended to seek medical attention for a more thorough evaluation and treatment, according to Dr. Singh. He further explained the issue and explained that a pain control orthopaedic or a pain management physician can assist you by treating your problem and offering a specific or combination of treatments.
Most neck pains are not serious and do not need surgery. Based on the reason and the severity of neck pain There are a variety of solutions available.
Treatment:
A multimodal approach to the care of neck discomfort has been proven to deliver the highest quality results. According to Dr. Vivek Loomba the most popular treatment options for neck pain include:
1. Prescribed Medications: Various medicines comprise Acetaminophen (crocin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and muscle relaxants like myoril, as well as weak opioids such as tramadol.
2. The physiotherapy is among the top commonly used treatment options for neck pain that is chronic. The main goal in physical therapy is the strengthen and stretch muscles and tendons of the neck.
3. Hot Fomentation: Applying heat to the area affected may bring relief to symptoms.
4. Injections – Another option treatment for neck pain involves minor procedures. They comprise the occipital nerve block injections to the facet joint epidural injections, or trigger points injections. Additionally radiofrequency ablations of the facet joints as well as the occipital nerves may be done for long-lasting relief. The procedures have been proven to offer pain relief in chronic neck pain sufferers.
5. Surgery – The majority of patients suffering from neck pain are able to respond well non-surgical and conservative treatment. In rare instances surgical intervention is the only alternative. Patients suffering from neck traumas, for example, those who have been injured in traffic accidents, may have a risk of developing paralysis when urgent surgical examination is not done. Similar to disk herniation, patients might develop weakness in the upper limb , which requires urgent surgical intervention. Patients and their families must be aware that urgent surgery could be life-saving in such situations, and any delay in making a decision could cause terrible and, in certain instances, fatal results.
Prevention tips:
According to Dr. Jagjit Singh, small lifestyle changes can make a difference in preventing neck pain. This includes:
1. Ergonomics – Maintain right body posture. By maintaining the correct posture, joints and bones are aligned, thereby stopping muscle strain and resultant discomfort.
2. An active lifestyle that includes 10-15 minutes of exercises for the neck every day and regular neck stretch routines when using a computer, or phone can help prevent neck discomforts.
3. Avoid lifting heavy objects they can strain your neck.
4. Consider using a seatbelt it could provide some security in the case of traffic accident.
5. Seek assistance – Consult your physician for pain or an orthopaedic physician if you experience chronic neck discomfort. Self-medication can delay treatment, thereby causing more issue.
The cause of neck pain could be many causes and, if you’re experiencing neck pain, seek out your doctor earlier instead of later. Most neck pains will go away at their own pace by rest and activity modification However, occasionally neck pains can be the result of an underlying condition that might require specialized treatment.
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