How to Prevent and Treat Neck Pain
A common problem for over two-thirds of the world’s population is neck pain. Neck pain is not only an annoyance, but it may also be the result of a serious underlying condition. From neck strains, stiffness and whiplash to chronic neck pain, there are many causes for neck pain. Thankfully, there are also many treatment options that can be provided by a top spinal surgeon near you.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain caused by strains and sprains will often heal itself over the course of a few days or weeks. Neck strains occur when muscles or tendons within the affected area are overextended or overused, while sprains occur when the ligaments are overused. Though many people would not think of overusing their neck like they might their back or arms, there are several ways in which a person can experience neck pain.
While poor posture and even sleeping in the wrong position can cause temporary neck pain, more serious attention should be paid to the injury if it is caused by playing sports, moving the head in an unusual or repetitive motion, or whiplash. Any activity that moves the head in an abnormal manner for extended periods of time may cause neck sprains and strains. Similarly, whiplash is not a common occurrence, and only affects patients whose head and neck are suddenly and forcefully pushed forwards, then immediately backwards, tearing tissue in the neck and along the spine. The most commonly reported instances of whiplash occur during car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions.
Chronic neck pain which lasts for longer than three months may be the result of a more serious condition. Many conditions are caused by aggravations of the cervical vertebrae, which are positioned immediately above the spine. Neck pain caused by injuries to the cervical vertebrae can manifest in the following conditions:
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain caused by strains and sprains will often heal itself over the course of a few days or weeks. Neck strains occur when muscles or tendons within the affected area are overextended or overused, while sprains occur when the ligaments are overused. Though many people would not think of overusing their neck like they might their back or arms, there are several ways in which a person can experience neck pain.
While poor posture and even sleeping in the wrong position can cause temporary neck pain, more serious attention should be paid to the injury if it is caused by playing sports, moving the head in an unusual or repetitive motion, or whiplash. Any activity that moves the head in an abnormal manner for extended periods of time may cause neck sprains and strains. Similarly, whiplash is not a common occurrence, and only affects patients whose head and neck are suddenly and forcefully pushed forwards, then immediately backwards, tearing tissue in the neck and along the spine. The most commonly reported instances of whiplash occur during car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions.
Chronic neck pain which lasts for longer than three months may be the result of a more serious condition. Many conditions are caused by aggravations of the cervical vertebrae, which are positioned immediately above the spine. Neck pain caused by injuries to the cervical vertebrae can manifest in the following conditions:
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: The discs will wear down until they irritate and pinch the cervical nerve, the disc is herniated, or arthritis appears.
- Cervical Herniated Disc: The inner membrane of the disc leaks through a tear in its outer layer, causing inflammation and the disc to press against a cervical nerve.
- Cervical Osteoarthritis: This condition is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage of a cervical joint resulting in bones that grind on each other without any fluid lubrication.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord, causing inflammation.
- Cervical Foraminal Stenosis: manifests when the vertebral holes, through which nerve roots extend, narrow and cause nerve irritation, which leads to neck pain.
Treatment of Neck Pain
Neck pain can often be treated by patients themselves, as long as the pain is not incapacitating or caused by trauma to the site. Care for neck pain by resting and massaging the injured area, applying ice to reduce swelling or taking over-the-counter medications. Discontinue the activity that injured the neck if applicable, and alter posture to ensure that the affected area is not further irritated.
Though these treatments should relieve most minor neck pain, if discomfort persists for more than four weeks or returns after a period of relief, consult a medical professional immediately. A top spinal surgeon may be able to provide insight into conditions responsible for the neck pain, and can suggest solutions to reduce and relieve the discomfort.
Prevention of Neck Pain
Once the neck pain has been managed, patients will want to take steps to prevent further aggravation of the area. Practice good posture and avoid neck strain to ensure comfort and prevent re-injuring the area. To reduce neck strain:
After following these easy steps, the likelihood of developing further neck pain will decrease significantly. Even for those without neck pain, these tips will help prevent any potential occurrences. However, should neck pain begin to develop or if an injury is sustained, consult with a spinal surgeon in New Jersey to determine the cause and most appropriate treatment plan for the injury.
Neck pain can often be treated by patients themselves, as long as the pain is not incapacitating or caused by trauma to the site. Care for neck pain by resting and massaging the injured area, applying ice to reduce swelling or taking over-the-counter medications. Discontinue the activity that injured the neck if applicable, and alter posture to ensure that the affected area is not further irritated.
Though these treatments should relieve most minor neck pain, if discomfort persists for more than four weeks or returns after a period of relief, consult a medical professional immediately. A top spinal surgeon may be able to provide insight into conditions responsible for the neck pain, and can suggest solutions to reduce and relieve the discomfort.
Prevention of Neck Pain
Once the neck pain has been managed, patients will want to take steps to prevent further aggravation of the area. Practice good posture and avoid neck strain to ensure comfort and prevent re-injuring the area. To reduce neck strain:
- Balance weight across both shoulders, or switch hands when carrying heavy items like purses
- Hold the phone close to the ear to avoid craning the neck
- Invest in a good pillow, remembering to sleep on the back and not the stomach
- Position all screens at eye level
- Stretch the neck to increase mobility
After following these easy steps, the likelihood of developing further neck pain will decrease significantly. Even for those without neck pain, these tips will help prevent any potential occurrences. However, should neck pain begin to develop or if an injury is sustained, consult with a spinal surgeon in New Jersey to determine the cause and most appropriate treatment plan for the injury.