Neck Pain
Neck pain is common as it can occur when there is an injury to any structure of the neck such as the bones, ligaments, discs, muscles, or nerves.
Neck pain can be categorized into acute and chronic cases.
- Acute cases of neck pain are usually caused by a certain condition such as an acute muscle sprain or whiplash.
- Chronic neck pain is defined as pain lasting three or more months.
Causes
These are determined through the patient’s history, a physical examination, and sometimes radiographic imaging
- Cervical spondylosis/arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Whiplash
- Cervical facet syndrome
- Cervical discogenic pain
- Cervical radiculopathy
Symptoms
- Pain/stiffness in neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Headaches
- Neck weakness
- Unable to turn or move the neck
- Pain when moving neck
- Numbness in shoulders or arms
- Trouble walking
- Having no control over bowels or bladder
Treatments
- Pain relieving medication
- Massage
- Ice
- Heat
- Physical therapy
- Reduce stress
- Improve posture
- Biofeedback
- Epidural injections
- Trigger point injection