Neck pain may be described as either being acute or chronic. It is described as being acute if it has been experienced for two weeks or less. It is termed as being chronic if its duration is more than two weeks. The causes for both acute and chronic neck pain are largely the same; they are related to problems affecting the anatomical structures found in the cervical region including ligaments, muscles and the cervical vertebra among others.
When you go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
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 go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
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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