Quite a common complaint at our specialist clinic, pain in the neck can occur in individuals of any age and gender. although common in elderly people with weaker bones, the prevalence is on the rise in younger individuals. Single or multiple factors can lead to neck pain, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.
Neck Anatomy
The neck is also termed as the cervical spine. The neck is delicate and houses the spinal cord that delivers messages from the brain to the body and vice versa and also plays a vital role in reflex actions. The flexibility of the cervical spine is provided by ligaments, which allow movement in various planes. The cervical spine is connected to the skull and Thoracic Spine on either side. It maintains a slight forward curve. This complex structure has intervertebral discs to absorb shock, 7 small vertebrae, joints, 32 muscles, the spinal cord, vascular elements, 8 nerve roots, and ligaments.
Signs and Symptoms Neck Pain
The pain in the neck may be sharp and last for a short period or may be dull and long-lasting. Accompanying symptoms may be
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Reduced movements of the head and neck
- Headache
- Neck pain spreading to one or both arms and hands
- Numbness
- Weakness
Neck Pain Causes
The neck is responsible for carrying the weight of the head and therefore is at great risk. Pain in the neck may be caused due to-
- Injury- from accidents or major falls, injury of the neck can be very painful and may even be fatal. Even trivial injuries while travelling daily can impact the neck due to multiple low-intensity repeated traumas. This is called Whiplash Injury. Since the neck is the connection of the head to the rest of the body, many vital structures are present within it. Damage to any of these structures can lead to grave consequences.
- Muscle strain
- Bad posture for prolonged periods is one of the most common causes of pain in the neck.
- Worn Out Joints- wear and tear of all joints occurs with age. The body’s response to this is the formation of bone spurs which can be cause for pain and discomfort.
- Nerve compression
- Arthritis
- Systemic diseases such as meningitis, cancer etc. have neck pain as an additional symptom.
Treatment for Neck Pain
The best course of treatment is decided on the basis of the cause. At our Specialist Clinic in Chandigarh, our experts are here to assess your signs and symptoms thoroughly to determine what is causing you pain. Providing symptomatic relief through non-surgical methods of treatment is our priority- these include epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks and physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles of the neck. After the cause has been established, we work towards its remedy. Helping you deal with the pain while working towards fixing its cause is how our patients always leave with a smile on their faces and pain-free necks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get rid of neck pain?
Using heating pads or ice packs can provide relief from neck pain in a short period.
What is the reason for neck pain?
Generally, poor posture either while sitting in front of your laptop or sleeping on your bed leads to neck pain. In old age neck pain is usually due to wear and tear leading to bones rubbing against each other along with compression of nerves.
Which is the best exercise to get relief from neck pain?
Isometric exercises, Lateral neck flexion or side-to-side bends are some of the best exercises to treat neck pain. These exercises are easy to perform and should be performed daily to strengthen the muscles of the neck.