• Pain in the neck may be due to: injury, a mechanical or muscular problem, a trapped nerve caused by a bulge in one of the disks between the vertebrae, or from arthritis of the neck.
• It can range from mild discomfort to severe, burning pain.
• If pain is 'acute' - sudden and intense - it is called a crick, facet syndrome or muscular rheumatism.
• If the pain has lasted more than three months, it is called 'chronic' neck pain.
• Neck pain is a common condition and is frequently seen in women than men.
• Most people will experience pain in the neck at some point in their lives.
What causes neck pain?
Many things can trigger neck pain. These include:
• trauma or injury
• worries and stress
• falling asleep in a difficult position
• prolonged use of a computer keyboard.
There are several theories about why so many people suffer from neck pain, but they are not supported by scientific evidence. For most people, no specific reason for the pain can be found.
But in some cases it is possible to make a precise diagnosis. The underlying problem could be a slipped disc, brittle bones (osteoporosis), deformed natural curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and, very rarely, structural damage caused by tumors or infection.
Finally, traffic accidents involving whiplash injury result in acute or chronic neck pain that takes several months to improve.
What does neck pain feel like?
• General pain located in the neck and stiffness in the neck muscles.
• Pain may radiate down to the shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
• It may also radiate into the arm, hand or up in the head, causing a one-sided or double-sided headache.
• The muscles of the neck are tense, sore and feel hard to touch.
• Acute pain can give rise to abnormal neck posture when the head is forced to turn to one side. This condition is known as tort Collis.
• The pain on the bottom of the skull may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness in the shoulders and arms.
• There may be a stinging or tingling in arms and fingers.
Warning signs associated with neck pain
In some cases, neck pain be a symptom of meningitis.
If any of the following symptoms occur, call 999 or seek medical help as soon as possible.
• A rash that does not fade when you press it with a glass mug or a finger.
• The patient feels ill or running a fever and feeling neck pain.
• It is so painful to bend the neck forward, the patient can not put their chin on their chest.
• Light hurts the eyes.
• Neck pain is accompanied by severe headache or persistent vomiting.
• Neck pain is accompanied by severe pain in his back.
In some cases, neck pain be a symptom of head injury, or disc problems in his neck.
If any of the following symptoms occur, call 999 or seek medical help as soon as possible.
• Neck pain is the result of a recent head injury, and the person is drowsy, confused or throw up.
• Neck pain is accompanied by headache.
• If there is pain behind one eye.
• vision, hearing, taste or balance are affected.
• Severe vomiting.
• The muscle power in arms or legs is reduced.
What can you do?
Stay as active as possible. Try to go to work and keep your normal everyday activities - bed rest is not necessary.
If you get a neck collar, try not to use this for more than one or two days. Avoid driving if you can not turn your head quickly.
Remember that neck pain is rarely caused serious illness and will often disappear within a week.
If you have had pain in the neck for a longer period, it is a good idea to consult your own doctor or a physiotherapist - such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
In addition, the following symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying problem than simple mechanical neck pain and requires you to seek further advice from your GP:
• co-existing disease such as unexplained weight loss
• real tenderness or pain in the neck bones (vertebrae)
• the pain just continues to become increasingly worse despite treatment
• if one or both of your arms are affected, such as persistent numbness, weakness or clumsiness.
How does the doctor or chiropractor make a diagnosis?
In most cases, a neck problem is diagnosed by conducting a thorough investigation which may include some or all of the following:
• testing of movement in the neck
• testing of trapped nerves
• study of muscles
• study of motion of joints in the spine, neck and hands
• X-rays, scans and blood tests may be necessary to make a precise diagnosis.
How is neck pain treated?
Acute pain in the base of the skull may well disappear without treatment.
For short-term problems, (manual chiropractic treatment and physiotherapy) and pain medication are recommended.
With long-term pain (ie three months or more) are the following choices of treatment:
• chiropractic
• intensive muscle training
• physiotherapy, including advice on posture and use a supportive pillow
• acupuncture provides relief for significant numbers of people with chronic neck and shoulder pain, although this is not routinely available on the NHS.
What medication is given?
Painkillers taken regularly, such as paracetamol, are often enough alone.
Medicines used in the treatment of mild muscle pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Naiads). These are generally effective in those who can tolerate them. But they can cause side effects in patients with a previous history of indigestion or asthma and may be unsuitable for certain patients with renal failure, heart failure and hypertension.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you think it might apply to you.
Stronger painkillers such as codeine phosphate, may be used if Naiads are not working well or is inappropriate. Sometimes a muscle relaxant (eg diazepam), which is prescribed in the short term of up to 1 to 2 weeks depending on developments.
Motion
People with weak neck muscles are more prone to neck problems and in such cases, an exercise to strengthen the neck is a good idea.
Prospects
It depends on the underlying cause of pain. The prognosis is generally good, provided that the patient remains active and receives the correct treatment immediately.
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