Neck Pain
Causes
Neck Pain can be caused
by injury, trapped nerves, disc bulges between
the vertebrae or be mechanical, muscular or
osteoarthritic.
The sudden intensity of
'acute neck pain' can be due to a locked facet
joint or a trapped nerve with resulting
protective muscle spasm and referred pain to the
head, shoulder, upper middle-back (between the
shoulder blades) or into the arm, depending on
which nerve or tissue is inflamed.
Trauma, anxiety, awkward
sleeping positions and prolonged, poor posture
at computer keyboards are often causative.
Pain lasting longer than
three months becomes 'chronic' neck pain.
There may be underlying
problems such as 'slipped' or bulging discs,
osteoporosis (brittle bones), excessive
curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and, very
rarely, structural damage due to tumours or
infection. Car accidents involving whiplash
injury can result in acute or chronic neck pain
which takes many months to improve.
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Effects
Acute pain can cause
torticollis, an abnormal neck posture where the
head is forced to turn to one side often with
weakness in the shoulder or arm with numbness,
prickling or tingling sensation in the arm or
fingers.
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Danger signals
If these symptoms occur,
dial 999 or seek medical attention urgently.
- neck pain may be a
symptom of meningitis.
- a rash develops
which does not fade when pressed with a
glass tumbler or a finger.
- the patient feels
ill or has fever & neck pain.
- severe pain on neck
forward flexion
- light hurts the
eyes - photophobia
- neck pain and
severe headache or continuous vomiting
- a large disc
prolapse causing cord compression in the
neck with loss of muscle power in arms or
legs. Neck pain from a recent head injury
with drowsiness, confusion or vomiting.
- neck pain with
severe headache or pain behind one eye.
- disturbances of
vision, hearing, taste or balance.
- severe vomiting.
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Diagnosis
- Chiropractic
assessment of posture and spinal joint
mobility, neurological examination of
reflexes, strength and sensation,
orthopaedic examination of the muscles,
joints and spine.
- A ' lower dose '
Digital Computerised X- Ray
Examination of the neck with the
patient standing or sitting may be required.
These are taken privately by NHS
radiographers at the Cumberland Centre in
Devonport
if necessary.
- MRI scans, if
needed can be arranged quickly at Derriford
Hospital. These are done on a private
basis.
- Sometimes blood
tests may be necessary for a precise
diagnosis.
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Treatment
- Chiropractic,
acupuncture and physical therapy
- Chiropractic
treatment - specific, gentle spinal
manipulation to realign and normalise spinal
joint function
- Physical Therapy -
laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy, massage,
exercise and rehabilitation
- Acupuncture
provides effective relief for chronic neck
and shoulder pain
- Postural training
and advice on correct ergonomic seating and
computer screen height and position
- Medical treatment
of mild muscle pain includes non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These may
appear to be effective in the short term in
those who can tolerate them but they often
cause serious side effects in patients with
a medical history of heart disease,
indigestion or asthma.
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