Neck Pain Unravelled

Acute as well as chronic neck pain are common.

The cervical spine, also known as the neck, are the vertebrae in the upper torso to the base of the skull.

The neck's design supports the head and allows for a good amount of motion. The neck is also one of the more vulnerable parts of the body and the spine. It is less protected. That means that it is prone to injury more easily than other parts of the body.

The muscles of the neck can tire easily and if they get overused neck strain and eventually chronic neck pain results. A tight jaw and teeth gritting can produce pain in the neck.

It can occur by simply sleeping at a strange angle, by poor posture, by muscle strain, by herniated discs, or through falls or accidents. In auto accidents the neck is often affected and injured - as in whiplash. Severe pain can follow, either right away or at a later time.

In the case of neck injury in an auto accident, it is important to immobilize the injured person to avoid further injury and even paralysis. Medical care is imperative here.

Of course, pain in the neck and shoulders also happens when there is in no injury. The pain can be mild, continuous, persistent, severe. The pain may even lead to headaches, weakness, tingling, numbness, and radiate down the arms or legs.

Another common cause of chronic neck pain is osteoarthritis . Here the joints of the neck are worn.

The disks in your neck can also wear out or herniate and create pressure on the many nerves running through the neck.

The neck and the brachial plexus are intimately connected. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand.

Severe or chronic neck pain may be an indication of nerve damage. Nerve damage can affect other areas of the body and requires immediate attention. See your doctor for an evaluation.

The symptoms of neck pain are varied and can include:

• Sharp, dull pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Limited mobility
• Radiation of neck pain to the shoulder
• Back Pain

The allopathic treatment course consists of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), alternate heat and cold treatments to reduce inflammation, over-the-counter pain creams for muscle and joint pain relief.

Your doctor may also prescribe physical therapy, a neck collar to relieve the neck of pressure, corticosteroid and lidocaine injections, trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), prescription drugs such as opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, tramadol (Ultram) or tricyclic antidepressant medications. And of course, surgery.

As experiencing pain of any kind, chronic pain in the neck or shoulders is no fun and definitely leads to a less enjoyable life. Prevention is the key. Here are some simple tips to help prevent it:

• Good posture, e.g. keeping your head centered over your spine
• Let go of tension in your jaw
• Neck Pain Stretches
• Teeth clenching is a no, no
• Take breaks from your work (especially computer work)
• Position your computer monitor at eye level
• When sitting, have your knees a bit lower than the chair
• Get a headset for your phone
• Stress-less
• Sleep in the right position
• Support bone and cartilage health in your body and your neck
• Address Shoulder Pain right away
• Drink plenty of good water
• Evaluate all drugs, including the ones your doctor prescribes, for side effects first.