Neck Pain
Causes of Neck Pain
If you suffer from neck pain, the most important part of treating the pain is determining the cause of the neck pain. Neck pain can be caused by anything from daily stress to degeneration of the spine, so obtaining a correct diagnosis is a necessary first step toward neck pain relief. Diagnosing the cause of neck pain should begin with a complete medical history and physical examination. Following the history and physical exam, your doctor will have a better idea of the source of your pain. To confirm the exact cause of your neck pain, your doctor should use several diagnostic tests. X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds may be used to look for structural problems or abnormalities in the soft tissues in your neck. Blood tests may also be used to look for infection or signs of arthritis. Once you and your doctor have established the cause of your neck pain, you can decide on a treatment plan. The treatment of neck pain can range from the reassurance that nothing is wrong to very delicate surgery. Most often, treatment for neck pain will include some form of therapeutic exercise which is intended to prevent future neck injury. Treatment of Neck Pain
There are many different ways of treating neck pain, and they are all contingent on the cause of the neck pain and the disposition of the patient. Surgery to remove a tumor or other growth is rare, but possible. Surgery can also be used to remove or replace damaged vertebrae or discs. Chiropractic treatments are non-invasive and can often cure the neck pain by restoring the spine to its proper alignment. If the neck pain is the result of a strained or pulled muscle, then heat and/or cold therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications or ointments will often take care of the problem. A very important part of neck pain treatment, though, is therapeutic stretching and strengthening exercises. No matter what causes the neck pain, the muscles and tendons will need to be strengthened and some mobility will need to be restored afterward. This will not only aid in healing the source of the neck pain, but the correct exercise program will also guard against future injury. Preventing Neck Pain
The two most common causes of neck pain are strained muscles or pinched nerves, and both of these conditions can usually be avoided. Whether you have never experienced neck pain before, or you are recovering from an episode of neck or back pain, there are some low-cost, high-return methods of preventing neck pain in the future. The first area to consider is stress management. When a person is stressed, that stress will often manifest itself in the person’s jaw, neck and shoulders. Tight muscles aren’t flexible muscles, and when muscles don’t flex, they can be pulled or strained easily. A second area to pay attention to is posture. If you are not sitting, standing or sleeping correctly, your neck could find itself in an uncomfortable position one time too many, and neck pain will be the natural result. A third thing to consider is the overall muscle tone of your neck and back. If your muscles are strong enough to support your torso and head, yet flexible enough to allow you a normal range of motion, then you won’t injure your back or neck easily. An active lifestyle that includes some exercise and strength building will be an invaluable tool in preventing neck pain.