(Newswire.net — January 25, 2017) — The neck is made up of a relatively complex series of bones, muscles and connective tissue. These tissues may become injured or inflamed due to a wide variety of conditions. The result is pain and stiffness that may require professional treatment to alleviate. It is important to understand the common causes of neck pain and how to treat it. Sometimes, neck pain may indicate a serious illness or injury that needs immediate medical attention.
Injury
The neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. It is easy for the neck to become injured or damaged internally, leaving no outward signs of injury occurring. Neck injuries can happen, especially in contact sports, car accidents and falls. The neck is damaged anytime it is forced to move outside of its normal range of motion or is forced to move quickly one direction and then another. If the neck suffers a severe impact or is forced to support an abnormal amount of weight, such as when a person falls on their head, the small vertebrae in the neck may become fractured.
Pain due to an injury in the neck is often different depending on the type of injury. A whiplash injury, for example, often strains the muscles and connective tissue. A person may feel only minor discomfort at first, but the pain and stiffness will increase over time. Pain that increases or does not go away within a few days is often indicative of a more serious injury.
Serious injuries can affect the neck and cause sharp pain immediately. If the vertebrae in the neck are fractured or broken, the result is often severe pain. There is a high chance of damage to the spinal cord during such an injury, and a person should get immediate medical help to prevent damage to the spinal cord. Damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent paralysis or loss of motion and coordination.
Stress and Strain
In modern society, minor neck pain is often the result of stress placed on neck muscles. This is often the result of poor posture, especially when working at a desk for long periods of time. It may also be the result of a bad sleeping position. This kind of pain is usually minor and does not require professional treatment. If the pain becomes chronic, then a person may wish to get help analyzing the exact cause and making changes to their work habits or posture.
Heart Attack and Disease
Occasionally, neck pain can be one symptom of a serious disease or condition such as meningitis or a heart attack. These are life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical treatment. They may come on suddenly and without much warning.
A heart attack may cause pain in the neck, but it is very likely to be accompanied by pain elsewhere in the body, including the chest and arms.
Meningitis is a serious inflammation of the spinal cord often caused by infection. It is often accompanied by fever and headache and may progress quickly to a life-threatening stage.
Other Causes
Many other issues may cause neck pain. This includes arthritis, infection, cancer, a herniated disc in the neck or fibromyalgia.
Treatments for Neck Pain
Treatments for neck pain are as varied as causes and may differ depending on the exact cause. If the pain is due to an underlying condition such as another disease or infection, then treatment of that disease will also be the primary cure for neck pain.
When pain is due to stress or simple stain, then taking steps to relax the neck and relieve the strain may also relieve all pain. This can include taking a break from work, changing position and allowing the neck to relax for 30 minutes to one hour, or until pain subsides. A person who suffers neck pain often due to work may wish to consult a professional to improve their ergonomics and posture while working to prevent pain. A person may also consult pain management specialists, like Champey Pain Group, who can give them tips and strategies for dealing with chronic pain and preventing it.
Alternating hot and cold packs can help to relax the neck muscles and treat pain due to injury or strain. A person may also be prescribed painkillers and muscle relaxants. Treating serious neck injuries often requires physical therapy and other professional treatment.
About Champey Pain Group
Dr. Edward J. Champey, MD specializes in Advanced Interventional Pain Management in New Jersey. He is Board Certified Anesthesiologist who has personally performed all Pain Management procedures at Mine Hill Surgical Center, located in Morris County, NJ.
At the Champey Pain Group we approach each patient to improve function, repair injured tissues, decrease pain, and improve their quality of life. We provide high-quality care to our patients in accordance with Accepted and Recognized Standards while offering treatment for chronic and acute pain sufferers. Our mission is to reduce or eliminate reliance on prescription medication and to avoid possible surgery.