Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.
The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of the neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for the head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversely, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.
Neck pain affects about 5% of the global population as of 2010.
Video Neck pain
Differential diagnosis
Neck pain may come from any of the structures in the neck including: vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature / skeletal, or be referred from other areas of the body.
Major and severe causes of neck pain (roughly in order of severity) include:
- Carotid artery dissection
- Referred pain from acute coronary syndrome
- Head and neck cancer
- Infections: retropharyngeal abscess, epiglottitis, etc.
- Spinal disc herniation - protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse.
- Spondylosis - degenerative arthritis and osteophytes
- Spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spinal canal
More common and lesser neck pain causes include:
- Stress - physical and emotional stresses
- Prolonged postures - many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake up with sore necks.
- Minor injuries and falls - car accidents, sporting events and day to day injuries that are really minor.
- Referred pain - mostly from upper back problems
- Over-use - muscular strain is one of the most common causes
- Whiplash
- Pinched nerve
Although the causes are numerous, most are easily rectified by either professional help or using self help advice and techniques.
More causes can include: poor sleeping posture, torticollis, head injury, rheumatoid arthritis, Carotidynia, congenital cervical rib, mononucleosis, rubella, certain cancers, ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine fracture, esophageal trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, lymphadenitis, thyroid trauma, and tracheal trauma.
Maps Neck pain
Treatment
Treatment of neck pain depends on the cause. For the vast majority of people, neck pain can be treated conservatively. Recommendations in which it helps alleviate symptoms include applying heat or cold. Other common treatments could include medication, body mechanics training, ergonomic reform, and physical therapy.
Conservative treatment
Exercise plus joint mobilization and/or joint manipulation (spinal adjustment) has been found to be beneficial in both acute and chronic mechanical neck disorders. Both cervical manipulation and cervical mobilization produce similar immediate-, and short-term changes. Multiple cervical manipulation sessions may provide better pain relief and functional improvement than certain medications at immediate to long-term follow-up. Thoracic manipulation may also improve pain and function. Low level laser therapy has been shown to reduce pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients that experience chronic neck pain.
Medication
Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs are recommended for pain.Muscle relaxants are often prescribed and are known to be effective. However, one study showed that one muscle relaxant called cyclobenzaprine was not effective for treatment of acute cervical strain (as opposed to neck pain from other etiologies or chronic neck pain). Over the counter topical creams and patches may be effective for some patients.
Surgery
Surgery is usually not indicated for mechanical causes of neck pain. If neck pain is the result of instability, cancer, or other disease process surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually not indicated for "pinched nerves" or herniated discs unless there is spinal cord compression or pain and disability have been protracted for many months and refractory to conservative treatment such as physical therapy.
Home Treatment
Pain and stiffness usually get better after a few days or weeks and is rarely a sign of a more serious problem. For most of neck pain cases caused by strain/ posture, the advice is generally the same: carry on with the normal daily activities, keep active, and ease the neck to relieve the symptoms. One can also take these steps to manage pain:
- Holding a hot water bottle or heat pack on the neck - this can help reduce the pain and any muscle spasms, although some people find cold packs offer better relief.
- Sleep on a low, firm pillow at night - using too many pillows may force the neck to bend unnaturally.
- Check posture - bad posture can aggravate the pain, and it may have caused it in the first place.
- Avoid driving if it is difficult to turn the neck & head - this may prevent appropriate traffic vision.
- Try some neck exercises - These exercises will help strengthen the neck muscles and improve range of movement.
If the pain or stiffness does not improve after a few days, or if it leads to a more serious cause, physiotherapy treatment is the best for effective relief and prolonged results.
Epidemiology
Neck pain affects about 330 million people globally as of 2010 (4.9% of the population). It is more common in women (5.7%) than men (3.9%). It is less common than low back pain.
Prognosis
About one-half of episodes resolve within one year. About 10% of cases become chronic.
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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