As you perform your daily roles, your neck and muscles are typically in constant motion. This may be due to activities like leaning over a computer or hunching over a workbench. This may lead to problems like neck pain Henderson. Neck pain problems are typical body soreness or symptoms of a more serious underlying condition. Read the article further to learn about neck pain problems and possible solutions.
What does Neck Pain entail?
Neck pain problems are pretty common and may result from straining your neck muscles from poor posture. Osteoarthritis may also cause neck pain.
Some typical signs and symptoms of neck pain include:
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Pain that worsens when you hold your head in one posture for too long, especially when working on a computer or driving
- Reduced ability to move your head
It is recommended to go to a physician if your neck pain:
- Persist for several days without relief
- Is severe
- It is accompanied by numbness, headache, tingling, or weakness
- Spread down your arms or legs
Cause of Neck Pain
Your neck is vulnerable to injuries and conditions of pain and restricted motion due to its flexible nature when supporting your head’s weight. Some causes include:
- The joints in your neck may be worn out with age. Osteoarthritis results in the cartilages between your bones deteriorating and forming bone spurs that interfere with joint motion causing pain.
- Overuse of neck muscles through extended periods of hunching may trigger muscle strains. Other activities like teeth gritting or reading in bed may strain neck muscles causing neck pain.
- The soft tissues of your neck may be strained when your head is jerked forward and backward through whiplash injury caused by rear-end auto collisions
- Bone spurs or herniated disks may compress nerves from the spinal cord resulting in pain and discomfort
- Various conditions like meningitis, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor will require your complete medical history before performing a physical exam. Additional imaging tests that may be needed include:
- CT scan to combine different X-ray images for a detailed cross-sectional view of the neck structures
- X-rays to show areas in the neck where degenerative changes like bone spurs may pinch the spinal cord or nerves
- MRI scans to create detailed images of soft tissues and bones, including the nerves coming from the spinal cord
- Electromyography to determine the speed and functionality of various nerves
- Blood tests
Treatment initially involves self-care and various mild over-the-counter medications, including tricyclic antidepressants and muscle relaxants.
Treatment through therapy may involve:
- Physical therapy for proper posture techniques
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Short-term immobilization
Last resort treatment plans may involve:
- Steroid injections near nerve roots to alleviate the pain
- Surgery to get rid of spinal cord or nerve root compression
Neck pain is typical of bad lifestyle habits, especially in posture techniques. However, other underlying conditions may be a cause; thus, a physician’s opinion may be necessary. Check us out online for more neck pain inquiries, or call our offices in Henderson, NV.