Neck pain is a medical condition that is quite common. The neck comprises of vertebrae, which extends right from the skull to the torso’s upper side. It has
discs that play the role of absorbing shock exerted between the bones. The neck also has bones, ligaments and muscles to provide support to the head for easy
motion.
Stiffness or neck pain can be caused by any form of injury, inflammation or abnormalities. There are many individuals who experience stiffness or neck pain
occasionally. Often, this is due to overuse or poor posture. Other times, neck pain might be caused by whiplash, contact sports or even a fall. Sometimes, neck
pain is an indication of illness or serious injury thus needs medical attention. In fact, any neck pain, which persists more than 1 week can be categorized as
severe and requires immediate medical attention.
Causes
There is an array of reasons as to why one can suffer from neck pain, the main ones include the following:
1. Muscle tension and strain
This can be caused by the following:
• Jerking neck when exercising.
• Sleeping with your neck in a wrong position.
• Working at your desk for a long period without shifting position.
• Generally poor posture.
2. Injury
The neck is quite susceptible to injury, particularly from sports, car accidents and falls. This causes the ligaments and muscles of the neck to shift from their
normal range. The spinal cord might be damaged if the cervical vertebrae or neck bones get fractured. Whiplash is a type of neck injury that is caused by
sudden head jerking.
3. Heart attack
Neck pain is a major symptom of heart attack. However, it often manifests itself together with jaw or arm pain, vomiting, nausea, sweating and shortness of
breath.
4. Meningitis
This is an inflammation of the spinal cord and a thin tissue surrounding the brain. People di
Patients who have any of the following symptoms for periods exceeding a week should see a doctor i.e. lump in your neck, fever, vomiting, nausea, tingling,
numbness, swollen glands, headache, severe neck pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction etc.
Treatment
The treatment of neck pain is a factor of the diagnosis. The doctor will need to do a thorough physical exam, know your medical history and need imaging tests
and studies like a lumbar puncture, electromyography, MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays and blood tests.
The result of the tests is what will determine the treatment prescribed, this might include the following:
• Surgery
• Hospital treatment for conditions such as heart attack and meningitis.
• Antibiotics for patients with infections.
• Traction.
• Neck collar
• Muscle relaxants
• Corticosteroid injections
• Pain medication.
• Physical therapy, stretching and exercise.
• Heat and ice therapy.
Alternative neck pain treatments in New Jersey are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, massage, chiropractic treatment and acupuncture.
It is important to see licensed professionals like Dr. Faisal Mahmood, MD for neck treatment in New Jersey. He is renowned for his exemplary medical services
with regard to orthopedic and spine treatments. Dr. Faisal Mahmood can help with revision spinal surgery, spinal trauma, spinal tumors, degenerative spinal
conditions, lumbar spine etc.