Aadhya Pain Management Centre, Jaipur

Symptoms

Common symptoms of this condition encompass:

• Pain is frequently aggravated when maintaining a static head position for extended periods, like during prolonged driving or computer work.
• Muscle tightness and spasms.
• Limited mobility of the head.
• Headaches.

When to see a pain physician or doctor?

Contact a pain physician or doctor if you experience:

• Severe neck pain
• Prolonged neck discomfort lasting several days without relief
• Pain that radiates down your arms or legs
• Neck pain accompanied by headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling.

Causes

The neck, responsible for supporting the weight of the head, is susceptible to injuries and conditions that can lead to pain and reduced mobility. Causes of neck pain encompass:

• Muscle strains: Overuse, such as extended periods hunched over a computer or smartphone, can often trigger muscle strains. Even seemingly minor activities like reading in bed can strain the neck muscles.
• Worn joints: Similar to other joints in the body, neck joints can deteriorate with age. In response to this natural wear and tear, the body may develop bone spurs, which can impede joint movement and lead to discomfort.
• Nerve compression: Conditions like herniated disks or the presence of bone spurs in the neck vertebrae can exert pressure on the nerves that extend from the spinal cord.
• Injuries: Rear-end automobile accidents frequently result in whiplash injuries. This occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing strain to the soft tissues of the neck.
• Diseases: Various illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can be underlying factors for neck pain.

Diagnosis

Your pain specialist will begin by taking a thorough medical history and conducting an examination. This examination will involve assessing for tenderness, numbness, and muscle weakness. It will also assess the range of motion in your neck, including forward, backward, and side-to-side movements.

Diagnostic Imaging: Diagnostic imaging tests can be useful in identifying the underlying cause of your neck pain. Some examples of these tests include:

X-rays: X-ray imaging can reveal areas in the neck where nerves or the spinal cord may be compressed by bone spurs or other structural changes.

CT scan: Computed tomography (CT) scans utilize X-ray images from multiple angles to generate detailed cross-sectional views of the structures within the neck.

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create precise images of bones and soft tissues. This includes visualization of the discs, the spinal cord, and the nerves originating from the spinal cord.

Treatment

For mild to moderate neck pain, self-care measures typically yield positive results within two to three weeks. Pain relief and the application of heat may often suffice.

Medications:

Pain relievers may encompass nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). It’s important to follow dosing instructions carefully, as excessive use can lead to significant side effects.

If over-the-counter pain relievers prove ineffective, your pain physician provider may recommend prescription NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.

Therapy

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture, alignment, and neck-strengthening exercises. Physical therapy may also involve the application of heat, cold therapy, and other techniques to alleviate pain.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This therapy involves placing electrodes on the skin near the painful areas to deliver small electrical impulses that can potentially relieve pain. However, the effectiveness of TENS for neck pain is still under debate.
• Soft Neck Collar: Using a soft neck collar that provides neck support can help alleviate pain by reducing pressure on the neck. It’s important to note that prolonged use (more than three hours at a time or for over 1 to 2 weeks) of a neck collar may have counterproductive effects.