Neck Pain

What can cause neck pain?

Neck pain happens when there is a problem with or injury to any of the parts ("structures") of the neck .The structures in the neck include:

● Bones – The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones make up the top part of the spine and are called the "cervical vertebrae." Neck pain can happen when the bones get worn down or develop abnormal growths (called "spurs").

● Ligaments – Ligaments are strong tissues that connect bones to other bones. Ligament damage can happen when the neck moves back and forth suddenly (called "whiplash"), such as in a car accident.

● Discs – Discs are cushions that sit between the bones. When the discs change shape or move out of position, people can have symptoms.

● Muscles – Muscles hold the head up and make the neck move. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or tension, such as from poor posture or stress.

● Nerves – A large bundle of nerves (called "the spinal cord") travels down the middle of the spine. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. People can have symptoms if their nerves are irritated or pushed on by nearby bones or discs.

What symptoms can people with neck pain have?

People can have different symptoms that include:

● Pain, stiffness, or tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or arms

● Headaches

● Neck weakness

● Being unable to move or turn the neck

● Pain when turning or tilting the head

● Numbness or strange feelings (such as pins and needles) in the shoulders or arms

● Trouble walking or moving the legs

● Having no control over the bladder or bowels

Should I see a doctor or nurse?

You should see a doctor or nurse if you have:

● A severe injury to your head or neck

● Severe pain

● Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs

● No control over your bladder or bowels

● Pain that doesn't get better after you treat it at home for 1 week

Do I need to have tests?

Most people do not need any tests. Your doctor or nurse will do an exam. He or she will feel your muscles and check how your head and neck move.

But some people might need tests. Tests can include:

● X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or other imaging tests – Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.

● Muscle or nerve tests to see if the muscles and nerves work normally

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better?

Yes. To reduce your symptoms, you can:

● Take a pain-relieving medicine

● Massage the muscles that are tight or tense

● Put ice on the area to reduce pain – You can rub ice on the area for 5 to 7 minutes. Or you can put a frozen bag of peas or a cold gel pack on the area for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day.

● Put heat on the area to reduce pain and stiffness – Take a hot shower or hot bath, or put a hot towel on the area. Don't use heat for more than 20 minutes at a time. Don't use anything too hot that could burn your skin.

● Do neck exercises – Different exercises can stretch the neck, shoulder, and back muscles and help make them stronger. Ask your doctor or nurse if you should do exercises and which ones can help your symptoms.

● Reduce stress – Stress can make pain worse and prevent symptoms from getting better. Try to reduce your stress. You can ask your doctor or nurse about exercises that can help you relax.

● Watch your posture – Try to keep your neck straight in line with your body and avoid activities that involve a lot of neck movement. When you sleep, keep your head and neck in line with your body. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.

What other treatments might I have?

Your doctor or nurse can use other treatments if your neck pain doesn't improve after you treat it at home. For example, he or she might suggest that you see an exercise expert, called a physical therapist. Or your doctor might suggest an injection of a numbing medicine into your neck.

Can neck pain be prevented?

To help prevent neck pain, you can:

● Use good posture – Hold your head up and keep your shoulders down.

● Avoid sitting in the same position for too long

● Avoid doing work above your head for too long

● Avoid putting weight or pressure on your upper back

● Keep your neck in line with the rest of your body when you sleep

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