Neck Pain
Overview of neck pain
Many people have occasional neck pain and oftentimes, it isn't something to worry about. The neck is more prone to injuries and disorders than the rest of your spine. Usually, neck pain is temporary and only needs at-home treatment.
Anatomy of the neck
The neck is made up of seven cervical bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. In between these bones are discs that act as shock-absorbing cushions. Ligaments and muscles provide stability to the structure. Nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae. Problems in any of these areas can cause pain.
What causes neck pain?
Normal wear and tear and the effects of aging can cause arthritis, which can put pressure on the nerve roots. This causes what's known as a “pinched nerve.”
A pinched nerve can cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, a “pins and needles” sensation in the hand, and weakness in the muscles of the arm or hand.
Wear and tear can also contribute to a herniated disc.
What to do
Your provider might suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relievers, a soft cervical collar to give your neck muscles a rest, and physical therapy. If the pain and other symptoms don’t go away, your provider may discuss surgery as an option for relief.
Sudden movement—such as from a vehicle accident or a hard fall—can cause problems like a neck sprain, strain, or so-called “whiplash” injury.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain in the back of the neck
- Muscle spasms and pain in the shoulder
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Tingling or weakness in the arms
What to do
Sprains and strains usually heal with time. Pain can often be eased with over the counter pain relievers. You also can use an ice pack on the back of your neck to reduce inflammation. Severe neck pain after an injury is a medical emergency. And any neck pain after an accident or fall should be checked by a provider.
Holding your neck in one position for a long time—such as when driving, reading, or working on a computer—can lead to neck pain. So can sleeping in an awkward position.
What to do
Take regular breaks from neck-straining activities, and try to maintain good posture by holding your head up and keeping your shoulders back and down—instead of sitting in a hunched position.
Also, try to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned. Instead, sleep on your side or back with your neck supported.
Emotional stress can cause neck tension, as well as tension-related headache pain.
What to do
Relaxation techniques can ease symptoms of stress and tension. You might want to try deep-breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
When does neck pain require immediate care?
Neck pain often gets better with conservative treatments and time. Your provider can offer advice on how to best manage your symptoms. Get medical care right away if your neck pain:
- Happens after an injury, like a car accident or fall (if the injury is severe, call 911)
- Radiates down the arms or legs
- Doesn’t go away
- Occurs with headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Finding an appropriate pain management plan
When determining an appropriate pain management plan, it is important to take the following steps.
When developing an appropriate pain management plan for chronic pain, the most critical factor is to determine the stressor and the cause of the pain. For example, if you are having back pain - where is the pain coming from? Is it related to your posture? Is it related to stress? Maybe you regularly lift heavy objects?
Once the stressor is identified, short-term interventions may be added to your pain management plan to help ease your pain, so you are comfortable enough to make adjustments to your lifestyle. Medications, injections, or surgery are some options that can help reduce inflammation. It is very important to know that opioids should not be used to treat chronic pain - they are not the answer for this type of pain.
The next step is to make lifestyle adjustments. These may include physical and occupational therapy to increase strength, daily exercise, massage therapy, chiropractic care, etc. Treatment with exercise will provide a long-term pain solution.
Inactivity leads to stiff muscles, decreased mobility, and decreased strength - all of these can worsen the symptoms of chronic pain. Gradually becoming more active will improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles around joints.
The first step to finding an appropriate treatment plan for chronic pain is to talk with your primary care provider. If your provider finds it appropriate, referrals can be made to the Pain Clinic at Crossing Rivers Health.
Request a referral to the Pain Clinic