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 a doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will start the process of diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history of your condition. Part of what they will want to know is how the problem started and how it has progressed over time. The next steps are for them to conduct a physical examination and to request for several investigations. These will be determined by the condition suspected. In general the commonly used investigations include X ray images, the MRI and CT scans.
Cervical disc herniation is one of the leading causes of prolonged cervical pain. It refers to the displacement of inter-vertebral discs in the cervical region. Under normal circumstances, these discs are involved in shock absorption during movements between adjacent vertebral bodies. In case of trauma to the spine, one or several of them may become displaced and impinge on nerve fibers. This may happen in any part of the spine but is commonest in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The treatment of disc herniation can either be done conservatively or though surgery. Spinal traction is one of the most effective conservative methods that are used. It entails the application of a pulling force on the spice to restore normalcy. Usually, twenty to twenty five sessions are effective. Over the counter pain relievers are used in some cases. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be required. Surgery is considered if these non-surgical options are ineffective.
Cervical disc degeneration occurs progressively as we age. The effects of degeneration are similar to those that are seen with herniation. Treatment is also divided into conservative and surgical. The main conservative treatments that are offered here include heat and cold compression therapies, neck exercises, and analgesic agents. These treatments have to be tried for a minimum of 6 months before surgical intervention is considered.
If you are experiencing pain that is also referred to one or both arms, there is a high likelihood that you could be suffering from spinal canal narrowing (cervical spine stenosis). This problem is easily identified on an X-ray image. In most cases, it is asymptomatic and when symptoms are present they characteristically begin gradually and become more severe over time. Associated symptoms include loss of coordination, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands.
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.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
When you visit a doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will start the process of diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history of your condition. Part of what they will want to know is how the problem started and how it has progressed over time. The next steps are for them to conduct a physical examination and to request for several investigations. These will be determined by the condition suspected. In general the commonly used investigations include X ray images, the MRI and CT scans.
Cervical disc herniation is one of the leading causes of prolonged cervical pain. It refers to the displacement of inter-vertebral discs in the cervical region. Under normal circumstances, these discs are involved in shock absorption during movements between adjacent vertebral bodies. In case of trauma to the spine, one or several of them may become displaced and impinge on nerve fibers. This may happen in any part of the spine but is commonest in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The treatment of disc herniation can either be done conservatively or though surgery. Spinal traction is one of the most effective conservative methods that are used. It entails the application of a pulling force on the spice to restore normalcy. Usually, twenty to twenty five sessions are effective. Over the counter pain relievers are used in some cases. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be required. Surgery is considered if these non-surgical options are ineffective.
Cervical disc degeneration occurs progressively as we age. The effects of degeneration are similar to those that are seen with herniation. Treatment is also divided into conservative and surgical. The main conservative treatments that are offered here include heat and cold compression therapies, neck exercises, and analgesic agents. These treatments have to be tried for a minimum of 6 months before surgical intervention is considered.
If you are experiencing pain that is also referred to one or both arms, there is a high likelihood that you could be suffering from spinal canal narrowing (cervical spine stenosis). This problem is easily identified on an X-ray image. In most cases, it is asymptomatic and when symptoms are present they characteristically begin gradually and become more severe over time. Associated symptoms include loss of coordination, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands.
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.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
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