Most people who have neck pain complain of stiffness and discomfort around the neck area. There are various causes of neck pain, and it is essential to seek medical help for a thorough assessment. Dr. Clement Yeh treats neck pain and other associated conditions through different interventions. Before you seek treatment, there are various things to keep in mind. Here is everything you need to know about neck pain.
What Is Neck Pain?
As the name suggests, neck pain is the pain around the neck area that quickly radiates into your arms, shoulders, or head. It can be caused by tension in the muscles around the neck. Subsequently, the pain restricts the movement of your neck or arms. It can become chronic and, at times, lead to other complications.
What Are the Causes of Neck Pain?
Neck pain can occur due to weak muscles and poor posture. For example, if you sit for extended periods in front of your computer desk, this can lead to tension around the neck and cause pain. Another cause is an injury through a car crash or a fall, leading to a violent impact. Neck pain can also be caused by narrowing of your spinal canal or what is popularly known as a herniated disc. The narrowed canal presses on a nerve root, and pain occurs. Further, neck pain can occur due to other conditions such as meningitis and osteoporosis.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of neck pain can vary depending on the cause. However, you may often experience a headache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, fever, dizziness, ringing in your ears, and pain in your arms and shoulders.
Diagnosis
Most people take over-the-counter medication to treat neck pain. However, for severe and persistent pain, you can seek medical help for a comprehensive diagnosis. There are several approaches that your doctor will take depending on the severity of your symptoms. At the beginning of the diagnosis, the doctor assesses your medical history and asks you relevant questions depending on your condition. Then, a physical examination is conducted depending on the outcome of the assessment. Your doctor examines the posture, checks your mobility, and palpates the cervical spine. Your reflexes are tested, and the head and spine asymmetries are assessed. In addition, your doctor may conduct X-rays, CT, and MRI scans. Lab exams may be necessary if an underlying condition is suspected.
Treatment
Several treatment options are available depending on the condition and type of neck pain. The main one is drug therapy to relieve the pain. Conservative therapies include physiotherapy and exercise that aim at targeting the muscles and relieving the pain. Other options include massages, heat, and relaxation techniques. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery if a herniated disc causes the pain.
A wide variety of factors can cause neck pain, and thankfully, there is a wide range of intervention measures that your doctor can apply. If you experience neck pain, seek help at Republic Spine and Pain, where the specialists will conduct tests and put you on a treatment plan.
