Neck pain is one of the commonest reasons people make a trip to the hospital. This symptom may be experienced as a sign of acute or chronic conditions in the cervical region. The causes are many but are often related to problems affecting the anatomical structures found within the region. In this article, we look at the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic neck pain.
When you visit the doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will take your history, conduct a physical examination and request for some investigations as guided by the nature of the condition. The history typically focuses on establishing the duration of symptoms, patterns and whether or not other parts of the body are involved. Radiological images are an important component of investigation. Those that are used commonly include X rays, CT scans and the MRI.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
There are a number of alternative medicine techniques that have been tried for this problem with varying rates of success. Acupuncture is one of those that are most widely practiced. In this method, several small needles are inserted in predetermined areas of the body to influence the flow of life energy (qi). Other techniques that have been tried include massage and chiropractic adjustments.
Neck pain is a common complaint affecting men and women in almost equal measure. It is important that one seeks medical attention if there are associated symptoms such as visual impairment, persistent headache and loss of consciousness. These symptoms are highly suggestive of a serious condition affecting the brain and cranial nerves.
When you visit the doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will take your history, conduct a physical examination and request for some investigations as guided by the nature of the condition. The history typically focuses on establishing the duration of symptoms, patterns and whether or not other parts of the body are involved. Radiological images are an important component of investigation. Those that are used commonly include X rays, CT scans and the MRI.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
There are a number of alternative medicine techniques that have been tried for this problem with varying rates of success. Acupuncture is one of those that are most widely practiced. In this method, several small needles are inserted in predetermined areas of the body to influence the flow of life energy (qi). Other techniques that have been tried include massage and chiropractic adjustments.
Neck pain is a common complaint affecting men and women in almost equal measure. It is important that one seeks medical attention if there are associated symptoms such as visual impairment, persistent headache and loss of consciousness. These symptoms are highly suggestive of a serious condition affecting the brain and cranial nerves.
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