SOME FACTS ON NECK PAIN

Do you know? Neck pain was neglected by most of us at the initial stage which can lead to a serious problem like paralysis of the whole body.  A common cause of neck pain is muscle strain or tension. Usually, everyday activities are to blame. Such activities include bending over a desk for hours, having poor posture while watching TV or reading, placing your computer monitor too high or too low, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or twisting and turning the neck in a jarring manner while exercising. Traumatic accidents or falls can cause severe neck injuries like vertebral fractures, whiplash, blood vessel injury, and even paralysis. Apart from these causes there may be many underlying causes of neck pain. Other causes include:

• Other medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia
• Cervical arthritis or spondylosis
• Ruptured disk
• Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Infection of the spine (TB of Spine, osteomyelitis, diskitis, abscess)
• Cancer that involves the spine etc.

Therefore, don’t neglect your neck pain and don’t hesitate to consult your neck pain with your health care provider. Your health care provider will diagnose your cause of neck pain and will treat accordingly.

WHEN TO CONTACT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Call your health care provider if:

•  Symptoms do not go away in 1 week with self care
•  You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand
•  Your neck pain was caused by a fall, blow, or injury -- if you cannot move your arm or hand
• You have swollen glands or a lump in your neck
• Your pain does not go away with regular doses of over-the-counter pain medication
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing along with the neck pain
• You have pain that gets worse when you lie down or wakes you up at night
• You have such severe pain that you cannot get comfortable
• You lose control over urine or stool (incontinence)

 
PREVENTION OF NECK PAIN

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture on top of age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine, so gravity works with your neck instead of against it. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:

• Take frequent breaks if you drive long distances or work long hours at your computer. Keep your head back, over your spine, to reduce neck strain. Try to avoid gritting your teeth.
• Adjust your desk, chair and computer so the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.
• Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. If you use the phone a lot, get a headset.
• Stretch frequently if you work at a desk. Shrug your shoulders up and down. Pull your shoulder blades together and then relax. Pull your shoulders down while leaning your head to each side to stretch your neck muscles.
• Balance your base. Stretching the front chest wall muscles and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade and back of the shoulder can promote a balanced base of support for the neck.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position puts stress on your neck. Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.