What is Neck Pain
Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.
Symptoms
To get the best treatment for your neck, it's important to recognize and understand the symptoms. With neck pain, you may have symptoms such
- Neck soreness on one or both sides
- Burning pain
- Tingling sensations
- Stiffness
- Pain around your shoulder blades
- Pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm
- Trouble swallowing, talking, writing, or walking
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Tiredness
- Unintentional weight loss
Causes
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back.
Pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae may cause neck,shoulder and/or arm pain.
Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversely, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.
Spondylosis - degenerative arthritis and osteophytes
Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal
Spinal disc herniation – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse.
The other neck pain causes include:
Stress – physical and emotional stresses
Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake with sore necks
Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day minor injuries
Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems
Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes
Whiplash
Diagnostic Aids
- X Rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Bone scan
- Myleogram
- Discogram
- EMG
- NCV
Prognosis
About one-half of episodes resolve within one year. About 10% of cases become chronic. Most patients with neck pain respond well to non-surgical treatments.
Procedure
- Stellate ganglion block
- Cervical facer joint injections
- Cervical epidural injections
- Radiofrequency ablation treatment
- Discography
- Percutaneous discectomy
- Spinal cord stimulators
