The vertebrae in your neck run from the top of your head to the bottom of your torso. The cervical discs serve as shock absorbers between the bones in the spine. Your neck's ligaments, bones and muscles support your head and allow it to move. Neck discomfort or stiffness may be caused by any anomalies, inflammation, or injury. Many people suffer from stiffness or neck pain regularly. It's mostly caused by bad posture or overuse for which you must visit a neck and spine doctor.
Neck pain may also be caused by contact sports, a fall or whiplash. Neck discomfort, for the most part, isn't a severe issue that can be fixed in a couple of days. Neck pain, on the other hand, may often suggest a severe injury or disease that necessitates medical attention. Seek medical help from a neck and spine doctor right away if you have neck pain that lasts for more than one week, is intense, or is followed by other symptoms.
The Causes
Neck pain has a variety of causes. Neck discomfort or pain may occur for a number of reasons. Tension and tension in the muscles. This is normally caused by habits and actions such as:
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Poor posture
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Sitting for a long time without moving at a desk
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Neck in bad position while sleeping
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Neck jerking while exercising
Injuries
The neck is susceptible to injury, particularly when the neck muscles and ligaments are forced to move outwards of their usual range, as they are in falls, car accidents, and sports. The spinal cord may be damaged if the neck bones (cervical vertebrae) are broken. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking of the head.
Heart Attack
Neck pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, but it often occurs in conjunction with other heart attack symptoms such as:
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Breath shortness
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Sweat
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Nausea
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Arm or jaw pain
Meningitis
Meningitis is a condition in which the thin tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. Fever and headache are common symptoms of meningitis, as is a stiff neck. Meningitis is a medical emergency that can be fatal. If you have signs of meningitis, seek medical attention right away
What is the procedure for determining the cause of neck pain?
In addition to a full medical history, physical examination, diagnosis for neck pain by a neck pain specialist may include:
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Blood tests are performed. These tests may aid in the diagnosis of an underlying inflammatory condition.
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Electromyogram (EMG) (EMG) to determine the role of the nerves.
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An X-ray is a type of test that creates pictures of bones on film using electromagnetic energy beams.
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MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Large magnets and a computer are used to create accurate images of organs and structures inside the body.
How is neck pain treated?
The following treatments can be used:
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Medication (to reduce inflammation and pain)
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Rest
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Physical therapy
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Osteopathic manipulation
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Neck brace
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Exercise
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Massage therapy
See us here at Neuroscience Specialist in OKC for neck pain specialists. We would do the right and conclusive treatment for you. Visit the website for more details.
**Disclaimer- Information presented here is not intended to be qualified medical advice. Nothing expressed herein creates a doctor-patient relationship.