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Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment for Relief (
courtecy;-medicineNet.com )
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You use your neck more than you think. Every time you drive,
look over your shoulder, or talk to a group of people, your neck goes to
work, bending your head anywhere you need to face.
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What a Pain in the Neck!
You use your neck more
than you think. Every time you drive, look over your shoulder, or talk to a
group of people, your neck goes to work, bending your head anywhere you need to
face. While you normally don’t notice your neck in action, when it is in pain,
your neck becomes a very noticeable body part.
The question of why you
experience neck pain can have a variety of answers. It could be the way you sit
at work, how you sleep, or the natural degeneration of aging. We’ve gathered
some of the most common causes of neck pain in the following article, along
with treatments that can offer pain relief when you need it most.
Sleeping in Strange Positions
At
one time or another, nearly everyone has fallen asleep in an unpleasant
position. Sometimes you start out that way, or sometimes the twisting and
shifting you do while asleep leaves you in pain. Whether it’s on an airplane,
in the car, or in your own bed, when you fall asleep in a way that bends your
neck uncomfortably, you may wake up with a crick. The good news is that this
cause of neck pain is usually not very serious.
Better Sleep Positions and Treatment for Your
Neck
There
are better and worse sleep positions for your neck. One of the worst is
sleeping on your stomach. When you sleep this way, your back arches, and your
head has to twist to the side to allow you to breathe. This puts extra pressure
on your neck and shoulders and can lead to pinched nerves. You may not be able
to do anything about the position you end up in while sleeping, but you can
start your evening in a healthier sleep position. If your body is comfortable
from this position, you may be less likely to move to an uncomfortable position
in the middle of the night.
Sleeping on Your Back
When
sleeping on your back, you naturally relieve the pressure that other positions
can place on your spine. You can improve this natural advantage by choosing the
right pillow. Back sleepers should choose a flat, soft pillow that is rounded
for the space left open beneath your neck, providing it support.
If your pillow doesn’t
come with this type of neck support, you can tuck either a neck roll or a
rolled-up hand towel into your pillowcase for the same kind of support. You can
also use a feather pillow, which conforms to the space left between your neck
and your mattress. Feather pillows break down over time, so if you choose this
option, be prepared to replace your pillow every year or so.
Sleeping on Your Side
Watch
out for pillows that are too high or too stiff—these can overextend your neck
and cause pain. Side-sleepers should choose a pillow that is higher in the neck
than the head, which will keep your spine aligned in a more natural position. A
traditional pillow can work too if it’s made of memory foam, which allows your
head to sink in while still providing neck support.
If
you do happen to wake up with a sore neck, an over-the-counter pain reliever
along with rest should take care of it.
Straining Your Neck
Have
you been looking up more than usual? Maybe you were bird watching, stargazing,
or taking in an airshow. Whatever the reason, if you hold your neck in an
unusual position for very long, you’ll be using your muscles in a way they
aren’t used to. That leads to predictable discomfort the next day.
Treating Neck Strains
For
starters, don’t hold your neck in positions it isn’t used to unless absolutely
necessary. When it is necessary, try to take frequent breaks with stretching
and moving your neck in other directions. This will help keep your muscles
loose and relaxed.
Those
tips are good for preventing strains in the neck. But what if you’re already in
pain? Try to give your neck as much rest as possible. While you rest, use
over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve the agony. If it still hurts after a
few days or you find your mobility is limited, tell your doctor.
Treating Neck Strains
For
starters, don’t hold your neck in positions it isn’t used to unless absolutely
necessary. When it is necessary, try to take frequent breaks with stretching
and moving your neck in other directions. This will help keep your muscles
loose and relaxed.
Those
tips are good for preventing strains in the neck. But what if you’re already in
pain? Try to give your neck as much rest as possible. While you rest, use
over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve the agony. If it still hurts after a
few days or you find your mobility is limited, tell your doctor.
What Is ‘Text Neck?’
Go
to any bus stop or waiting room in America, and you’ll see it. People with
shoulders slumped forward, necks down, noses in their cell phones. Perhaps the
latest cause of neck pain, so-called “text neck” is a repetitive strain injury
that can add stress and pain to your shoulders, lower back, and, yes, your neck.
This cause of neck pain is unusual in that it affects younger people more than
older people.
While
your phone gets all the blame for this ailment, it’s not the only culprit.
Anytime you spend long periods hunched over, whether on the phone, at your computer,
or at a workbench, you stand the same risk.
Relieving Text Neck
To
ease text neck, start with your posture. Straighten up your neck and back so
that your spine is aligned. Your ears should be directly over your shoulders
while you stare at your phone. You can improve your posture with a simple
stretch; arch your upper back and neck backward, which will tuck your shoulders
back as well. This can relieve the pain and stress that heavy cell phone use
can cause. Finally, try lifting your smartphone to eye level. By looking
forward rather than down, your neck won’t feel the strain as your head drops.
Sports and ‘Stingers’
If
you play contact sports, sooner or later you’ll end up with a stinger. That’s
the slang term for the shooting pain—almost like a lightning bolt—you might
experience when you are hit in the nerves of your shoulders or neck. These
usually go away after a few moments, but sometimes stingers last for days.
Football
tackles are the No. 1 cause of stingers, sometimes also called “burners.” They
occur when a cord of nerves that runs from your shoulder to your neck called
the brachial plexus is injured. Some people get them from spinal stenosis as
well. And they can leave your arm weak and numb.
How to Treat a Stinger
Usually
the pain and numbness of a stinger goes away after a few seconds to a minute or
two. But itthey can linger, lasting for days in some cases. If this is true for
you, or if you have received many stingers over your life, you should see a
doctor.
A
doctor will test you to determine how much pain your neck is inyou have, how
much weakness the injury has caused, whether or not both arms are affected, and
how many stingers you’ve accumulated over your life. You will then be given a
recommended course of treatment.
If
your stinger injury has lingered, your doctor will probably tell you to
discontinue your sport until your symptoms have completely cleared up. Physical
therapy can be a useful tool to regain your range of motion and strength.
Recurrent stingers may require extra protective gear, such as special shoulder
pads for football players.
What Is Whiplash?
If
you’ve been hit from behind by another car, you may develop whiplash. Whiplash
is caused by blunt force from behind, and is most commonly a result of auto
accidents. Other injuries can cause them it too, such as being tackled from
behind. The name comes from the whip-like motion your head makes as it jerks
forward and quickly back. That whipping motion can stretch and sprain the soft
tissues in your neck.
Symptoms
of whiplash can come on gradually over the course of several hours. They
include neck pain and stiffness, shoulder and arm pain, and spasms in your
shoulders. You may also experience headaches, and some develop memory loss,
dizziness, exhaustion, and other symptoms as well.
How Can You Treat Whiplash?
Whiplash
often gets better on its own after a few weeks or months have passed.
Troublesome cases can last much longer, though. There are ways to ease the pain
while your body recovers, as well as relieve any stiffness your injury has
caused.
After
the initial acute symptoms are gone, you should be moving your neck, and avoid
keeping it in the same position for too long. Although moving your neck is
likely to be painful, movement is also what will help you recover more quickly.
Don’t worry about doing greater damage—the damage is done at this point, and
even painful movement will help you get better. That’s why doctors typically
discourage using collars or braces that restrict movement, although they may be
recommended for short-term use in some cases Try to remember this when you sit
or lie down. Exercises are available that can help hasten recovery as well.
While
the movement can be painful, there are remedies for your pain. You can try
either cold or warm compresses. Using a pillow firm enough to support your neck
is encouraged. Keep your posture in line and remain upright whether you’re
walking, standing, or sitting still. Gentle neck massages can help, too.
When
these at-home remedies aren’t enough, painkillers can help. Ibuprofen is good
for relieving inflammation and pain. Sometimes over-the-counter pain relievers
don’t do enough to stop severe pain. If that’s true in your case, talk to your
doctor about prescription painkillers.
Slipped (Herniated) Disk
Slipped
disks in your spine are a common cause of neck pain. Also called herniated disks,
slipped disks occur when the spongy pad between the hard bones of your spine
ruptures and its jelly-like substance leaks. That places pressure on your
spinal nerves, which are very sensitive to even light pressure. The result is
typically pain. If the disk that has slipped is part of your neck, it can lead
to pain, weakness, and numbness in your neck and arms. You may experience this
as a burning pain.
Slipped (Herniated) Disk Treatment
If
you suspect a spinal disk has ruptured, you should see your doctor for a
diagnosis. Your doctor will want to know your medical history and will perform
a physical exam. If your doctor suspects a herniated disk, he or she may want
to follow up with an MRI scan to confirm.
Treatment
may involve a combined approach using medicine and rest. Rest is important, as
overusing the affected areas can cause your pain to return. When you do move,
try to make your movements slow and controlled. That’s especially true when you
need to lift something or bend over. While resting the area is key, you will
want to avoid sitting for long periods. Your doctor may recommend short walks.
Traction may be used as well.
Medicine
can range from over-the-counter painkillers to prescription muscle relaxers and
pain medicine. Work with your doctor to find the combination that works best
for you.
Although
surgery is not usually needed, some people with slipped disks will need an
operation. That’s usually only recommended after other procedures have failed
to ease symptoms. The surgery is called discectomy and fusion. In this
procedure, the whole disk is removed, and bone is fused in its place.
Is it Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal
stenosis refers to a narrowing in your spine that pinches the vulnerable nerves
in and around your spinal cord. When this occurs in your neck, it is called
cervical stenosis. As you age, your risk of developing spinal stenosis
increases; aging can cause bone spurs that narrow the spinal column. Only
rarely do people under age 50 develop this condition, and when they do, it is
usually the result of an injury.
When
you have neck pain, it is most commonly due to degeneration in your spine.
Stenosis is one of the most serious consequences. Neck pain is only one of the
symptoms. You may also find that your legs are weak and you may lose control of
their movement, making it difficult to walk. You may find that your arms or
legs become numb. You could also lose your “position sense,” which is the
innate sense of where your limbs are when your eyes are closed.
Medical Treatment for Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical
stenosis should be treated by a doctor. When preparing for your doctor’s visit,
think about your neck pain and other symptoms. When did they start? What is the
pain like? How often do you experience this pain? What are you doing when you
feel your symptoms? Also think about any health problems you have that may be
related, such as trouble with your arms, legs, or bowel or bladder control.
After
reviewing your medical history and giving you a physical exam, your doctor may
take images of your spine via MRI scan or x-ray. Once a diagnosis has been
made, surgery is often the best option. There are several types of surgery
available for this condition, and you will want to discuss your options with
your doctor.
Neck Pain and Bone Spurs
Bone
spurs are smooth growths that develop as you age. They develop as your spinal
discs wear down, causing the ligaments that hold them together to loosen. This
wear can be the natural effect of aging, but it can also be hastened by
arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of bone spurs.
As
your ligaments loosen, they may compensate for the instability this causes by thickening.
Thickened ligaments can start to form new bone that puts pressure on your
spinal nerves. These bone spurs can cause tenderness in your joints and neck
muscles, as well as inflammation.
How Are Bone Spurs
Treated?
Bone spurs range in
severity. Some cause only mild or moderate pressure on the spinal nerves, while
others can cause muscle spasms, weakness, and more intense pain. Most patients
will start with a conservative treatment for bone spurs that may include the
following:
·
Rest
·
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen
(Aleve), and aspirin. These can ease pain, relax muscles, and reduce swelling
for a month to a month and a half.
·
Physical therapy for
improving strength, flexibility, and posture.
·
Steroid shots, which
reduce pain and swelling in the joints. Only three of these can be safely taken
per year, and their effects are temporary.
While these treatments
may be enough, more serious cases of bone spurs could require surgery.
What Causes Spinal Tumors?
Spinal
tumors affect about 10,000 Americans every year. They can form in the neck or
anywhere else along the spine. These tumors can be cancerous or benign, but
even noncancerous tumors can pose serious health risks as they press against
the spine. In many cases, spinal tumors start somewhere else in the body and
spread (metastasize) to the spine.
Although
the causes of spinal tumors are not fully understood, having a family history
of certain disorders elevates your risk. These include immune system disorders,
Von Hippel-Lindau disease, and neurofibromatosis type 2. Although rare, these
tumors can be passed down from generation to generation. Genetic testing is
available to screen for this possibility.
How Are Spinal Tumors
Treated?
A wide variety of
treatments and surgery are available for people with spinal tumors. What
treatment options are best for you will depend on the location of the tumor,
what type of spinal tumor you have, and how healthy you are. Here are some of
the available care options:
·
Corticosteroids may
be administered to reduce swelling. This can relieve pressure if part of the
tumor is pressing against the spinal cord.
·
Surgery. A skilled
surgeon can remove some spinal tumors.
·
Radiation. If
surgery is unable to remove the entire tumor, radiation may be used to relieve
more pressure.
·
Chemotherapy. For
cancerous tumors, chemotherapy may be ordered. These cancer-killing drugs may
be given through injection or orally.
·
Targeted
therapies attack cancer cells specifically, and are useful for certain
spinal tumor types.
·
Proton
therapy. This procedure focuses powerful radiation on the tumor directly.
Doing this eliminates damage to healthy cells.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Just
by getting older, your neck becomes vulnerable to degenerative disk disease.
The wear and tear of aging can cause the fibrous disc between your backbones to
thin, crack, or dry out. This problem and the symptoms it causes are referred
to as degenerative disk disease.
Most
people experience some spinal disc degeneration if they live long enough. By
the time we reach 35, 30% of us show some amount of disc degeneration. By age
60 more than nine out of every 10 people show signs of degeneration.
Degenerating discs are not necessarily painful, in which case the condition is
simply referred to as “disc degeneration.”
But
when it does cause pain, degenerative disc disease can bring other problems as
well. Your back’s discs can herniate or bulge, and they can cause bone spurs as
well. Symptoms may include weakness and numbness in the arms and legs. It can
also compress your spine, which can cause you to lose bowel and bladder
control. Pain from disc degeneration in the neck tends to be worse when you
move your head or stand or sit upright. You also may experience burning or
tingling.
Dealing With Degenerative Disc Disease
What
do you do if the discs in your neck are causing pain? It turns out you have
several options. To begin with, try to avoid postures that cause you pain. A
neck brace can be helpful in this way. There are other ways to relieve this
painful condition, such as painkillers, epidurals, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
When
these approaches fail, surgery may be necessary. Traditionally this has meant
spinal fusion, in which rods, screws, and bone grafts are used to secure the
spine after the affected disc is removed. This approach has the downside of
often accelerating the degeneration of nearby vertebral discs. Cervical disc
placement is a newer approach that carries less risk of impacting nearby
backbones.
Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Neck Pain: Causes and
Treatment for Relief
This tool does not
provide medical advice
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