Neck Pain - Care Guide

Neck pain usually starts suddenly. But it often starts to feel better after a few days and is usually gone after a week or so.

Neck pain comes from disorders of neck structures or of structures close to the neck. It may be associated with a stiff neck that is difficult to move, particularly on one side. If muscle spasm or a slipped disk presses on a nerve, neck pain may be associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand.  If it doesn't go away or it gets worse, you may need treatment.

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Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by problems with the soft tissues of the neck (muscle, ligaments, and nerves) or by problems with the bones and joints. Infections, tumors, and congenital abnormalities can also cause neck pain, but these are less common. There are different types of neck pain. Each has different causes.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Most neck pain starts suddenly, and usually improves after a couple of days. Your neck will be sore and painful, especially when you try to move it. The pain may spread to your head and shoulders.

Noisy joints. You may hear or feel clicking or grating (called 'crepitus') as you move your head. This is caused by roughened bony surfaces moving against each other or by ligaments rubbing against bone.

Neck pain is commonly associated with dull aching. Sometimes pain in the neck is worsened with movement of the neck. Other symptoms associated with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, fullness, difficulty swallowing, pulsations, swishing sounds in the head, dizziness or lightheadedness, and gland swelling.

Neck Pain Treatments

Depends on the cause of neck pain it can include:

• Heat or cold applied to the painful area.
• Manipulation or mobilization by a chiropractor, osteopath, or physiotherapist.
• Gentle, slow, range-of- motion exercises.  Exercises to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your flexibility
• Combining manipulation and exercise may be especially helpful if you have had neck pain for a long time.
• Acupuncture could help with neck pain.
• Pain relieving medication such as acetaminophen.
• Massage to the painful area.
• Sleep With Your Neck In Line. It is vital that you try to maintain the neutral position while sleeping. Get a good supportive pillow. You want one that will keep your head in straight alignment with your back when you lie on your back or side.
• Keep painkillers and muscle relaxants to a minimum or avoid them altogether. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen is all right but probably won’t make you feel better.

Neck Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

There are two types of exercises, stretching and strengthening, and you should do some of each. They are designed to help prevent recurrence. Start stretching exercises with gentle stretches and increase the stretches slowly, day by day.

There are three maneuvers:

The last two should, of course, be done in each direction. Do them twice daily, each maneuver three times gently.

Strengthening exercises can begin at the same time and should start with three repetitions, twice daily. Slowly work up to ten repetitions. If you have been having recurrent neck problems, these exercises are a worth-while lifetime habit.

Here are three:

1. (Shoulder shrug) Raise both shoulders towards ears, hold for two seconds, relax, and repeat.
2. Take a deep, deep breath, hold for five seconds, release, repeat. The neck muscles are “accessory muscles of respiration” and breathing exercises involve the neck muscles.
3. While standing with both hands behind your back, grab one thumb with your other hand. Flex your head way back. Press down with your hands. Take a deep breath, relax, and repeat. This exercise can be done lying on your stomach as well, after you get good at it standing up.

Neck Pain Prevention

Aging is inevitable, but lifestyle changes can help prevent cervical disc disease. Risk factors include poor posture and body mechanics, weak neck muscles, smoking and obesity. Start now to adopt habits that will help preserve your spine for the future.

• Use seat belts and bike helmets to prevent injuries.
• Learn stretching exercises for your neck and upper body. Stretch every day, especially before and after exercise. A physical therapist can help.
• When reading or typing from documents at your desk, place them in a holder at eye level.
• Use a headset when on the telephone, especially if answering or using the phone is a main part of your job.
• If you tend to get neck pain from exercise, apply ice to your neck after physical activity.
• If you work at a computer, stretch your neck every hour or so.
• Use relaxation techniques and regular exercise to prevent unwanted stress and tension to the neck muscles.
• Use good posture, especially if you sit at a desk all day. Keep your back supported. Adjust your computer monitor to eye level. This prevents you from continually looking up or down.
• Evaluate your sleeping conditions. Make sure your pillow is properly and comfortably supporting your head and neck. You may need a special neck pillow. Make sure your mattress is firm enough.

Contact your health care if:

Your doctor can rule out serious causes of neck pain by examining your neck. You might also have an X-ray of your neck, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. Sometimes doctors do blood tests to look for inflammation or more serious causes.