Neck Pain

Neck pain is often the result of strain from poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or impact due to exercise. Sometimes that pain could be indicating an underlying condition like osteoarthritis or spondylitis. When next pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in arms or hands, then you should see a doctor at the earliest.

How is the Cause of Neck Pain Diagnosed

The doctor will conduct a physical examination and study your medical history. He will check for tenderness, numbness, or muscle weakness and monitor your ability to move your head in all directions. Based on the conclusions he arrives at, he will ask you to get some tests run.

Imaging tests
The doctor will recommend one or more of the following tests to confirm his diagnosis.

Diagnostic X-rays highlight areas such as bone spurs or other degenerative changes that might be the cause of neck pain.

CT scan combines x-rays from different angles to produce a cross-sectional view of an organ. The test will reveal muscle and bone disorders if any

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of bones and other surrounding tissue. The test is particularly useful for examining the spinal cord and its attached nerves. Tumors and torn ligaments are exposed by this test.

Other Tests

Electromyography (EMG): If the doctor suspects that the neck pain is due to a pinched nerve, he will recommend an EMG. The test measures nerve conduction speed and ascertains if the specific nerve is functioning properly.

Blood tests: If the doctor suspects that inflammation or an infection is the cause of the neck pain, he will recommend a blood test.

How is Neck Pain Treated

Mild to moderate types of neck pain resolve with self-care within two to three weeks. However, if the pain persists, you should see a doctor and get treated by him. The treatment plan for neck pain involves one or more of the following:

Medication:
The doctor will prescribe drugs with muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants to help with the pain.

Steroid injections: The doctor injects corticosteroid medications near the nerve roots (into the small facet joints in the cervical spine bones) or into the neck muscles to numb the nerves there and provide relief from pain.

Therapy: Therapies involve simple exercises and stretches aimed at improving the strength of the neck muscles. They help in getting relief from the pain, improving flexibility of the neck and also contribute to preventing injuries and some disorders related to neck. Based on the cause of neck pain, the doctor will suggest one or more of the following.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist uses heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and other treatments to provide relief from the pain. He will ask you to do some neck-strengthening exercises and will teach you correct posture and alignment.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): In this therapy Electrodes which deliver tiny electrical impulses are placed on the affected area to help relieve the pain.

Traction: Traction therapy uses pulleys, weights, or an air bladder to stretch the neck gently. It provides relief especially for nerve root irritation-related pain.

Short-term immobilization: In this therapy, a soft collar bound is placed around the neck to provide relief from pain. It temporarily takes the pressure off the neck muscles.

Surgical intervention: Though surgery is rarely necessary to treat neck pain, in cases on spinal cord or nerve root compression, it is the right treatment option.