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Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is discomfort in or near the spine beneath the head. The cervical spine is the portion of the spine making the neck. Neck pain is quite frequent. The prevalence of neck and shoulder pain is a widespread issue impacting individuals across diverse age groups and lifestyles.
Neck pain is also frequently caused by osteoarthritis. It is aggravating since the neck provides mobility and support for the head. Neck pain can be caused by inflammation, injury, poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, and other factors.
If neck discomfort is left untreated, it can interfere with everyday activities and lower the quality of life. The majority of neck pain reasons, fortunately, are not significant and respond to non-invasive measures like painkillers, exercise, and stress reduction. Getting neck pain relief is dependent on what is causing discomfort and how to treat it.
Symptoms Related to Severe Neck Pain
According to the top orthopaedic doctor in Kolkata, individuals may experience neck pain symptoms as follows:
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A constant pain.
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A piercing or burning sensation.
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A shooting discomfort from their neck to their shoulders or arms.
Other common symptoms include:
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Tingling
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Numbness
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Range-of-motion difficulties
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Sharp shooting pain
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Tenderness
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Difficulty swallowing
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Fullness
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Swishing sounds in the head
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Pulsations
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Light-headedness or dizziness
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Swelling of the lymph node
Neck pain can also be associated with the following symptoms:
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Face ache
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Headache
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Arm tingling or numbness, commonly known as upper extremity paresthesias
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Shoulder ache.
These symptoms are frequently caused by nerve compression in the neck. Neck pain can sometimes be accompanied by lower back pain, depending on the conditions.
Causes that Trigger Neck Pain
Since the neck is extremely flexible and bears the weight of the head, it is susceptible to several diseases and minor injuries that limit movement and cause pain. Neck pain can also be caused by different medical conditions. Here are a few causes of neck pain:
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Strained Muscles: These are sometimes caused by overuse, such as spending too much time slumped over a computer or a smartphone. Even simple activities like reading in bed can put tension on the neck muscles.
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Worn Joints: Neck joints deteriorate with age, just as other joints in the body do. The body frequently develops bone spurs as a result of this wear and tear, which can impair joint motion and be painful.
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Compressed Nerves: The nerves that emerge from the spinal cord may be compressed by herniated disks or bone spurs in the neck vertebrae.
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Mental Stress: Stress can cause the neck muscles to tighten, which can cause stiffness and pain. Many people don't know they tighten these muscles when they are nervous or agitated until their neck begins to hurt.
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Injuries: Neck pain can result from trauma and other diseases that harm the muscles, ligaments, disks, vertebral joints, and spinal cord nerve roots. Neck pain is a common complication of whiplash injuries sustained in car accidents.
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Abnormal Growths: Extremely rarely, abnormal growths such as cysts, bone spurs, and tumours can cause neck pain.
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Diseases: Neck pain is also caused by different conditions, including cancer, meningitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment for Neck pain
Treatment for neck pain at the best orthopedic hospital in Kolkata, not only aims to provide neck pain relief but also offers solutions for reducing neck and shoulder pain. Medical history and physical exams diagnose neck pain causes, with imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) reserved for severe cases; additional tests are rare but may include electrodiagnostic or lab tests for comprehensive evaluation.
Most causes of neck pain eventually go away and are treatable at home. The doctor may recommend the following therapies to treat the symptoms:
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Muscle Relaxants and Painkillers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, are used to treat pain and inflammation in the neck region. The healing process is further supported by the use of muscle relaxants.
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Physical therapy: One can learn exercises and motions that help to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the neck and increase flexibility by working with a physical therapist or a fitness trainer.
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This device disrupts the pain signal by applying a tiny electrical current to the skin close to the nerves. Before utilizing a TENS device, one should always consult a healthcare professional.
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Steroid Injections: They can reduce inflammation and relieve pain when administered close to the nerve roots.
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Traction: By employing various inflatable devices, traction can also help relieve neck pain.
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Surgery: These can be performed to fuse sections of the spine's bones or repair injured or compressed spinal discs, mainly when there is pain that radiates to the fingers or arms.
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Alternative Therapies: The healthcare professional can suggest massage therapy to help loosen up tight muscles that are causing discomfort or acupuncture to relieve pain. It is recommended to consult an osteopath or chiropractor to align the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the best treatment for neck and shoulder pain?
In addition to taking painkillers, self-care techniques that could ease neck pain include: Switch between cold and hot. During the first 48 hours, one can reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 15 minutes several times a day. Using heat after that is recommended. Read the blog on When you should consult an orthopaedic doctor to get detailed knowledge on when you should seek medical attention on the symptoms.
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What is the fastest way to cure neck pain?
There is no quick fix for a stiff neck. The fastest treatments to reduce neck stiffness typically involve stretching, moderate heat, and painkillers.
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What are the 4 common causes of neck pain?
Several conditions, including arthritis, disc degeneration, spinal canal narrowing, muscle inflammation, strain, or trauma, can result in neck pain.
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How do I know if my neck pain is severe?
If your neck pain worsens and you have additional symptoms including numbness, weakness, dizziness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, call your doctor right away. When it comes to the health of your neck, it is preferable to be safe.
