Neck Pain

Neck Pain Treatment in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Neck pain is a common health complaint. Your neck muscles get strained because of poor posture. For example, when you lean over your computer or hunch your back over your desk, the bones, muscles and ligaments that support your head often get stressed. 

Sometimes, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disk, pinched nerve, mental and physical stress and strain, tumors and other health conditions may cause neck pain.

To avoid the recurring problem of neck pain, visit the best neck pain hospital in MRC Nagar for the best neck pain treatment in Chennai.

What causes neck pain?

The causes of neck pain are:

• Muscle strains - Excessive use of mobile phones and computers often triggers muscle strains. Reading in bed also causes stiffness in neck muscles.
• Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis causes wear and tear of bones and neck joints. 
• Nerve compression - When the disks of the spinal cord get herniated or bone spurs develop in the vertebrae, neck pain can develop.
• Injuries - Neck pain results from an injury, such as an accident while driving or a fall.
• Diseases - Some diseases like meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis or cancer can also cause neck pain.

What are the types of neck pain?

Treatment of neck pain is based on the type of neck pain. Different types of neck pain are:

• Axial neck pain – Pain is felt mainly in the neck.
• Radicular neck pain - Pain radiates into other areas such as the shoulders or arms.
• Acute neck pain - Neck pain that starts suddenly and lasts for days.
• Chronic neck pain - Pain in the neck lasts for more than three months.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Commonly observed symptoms of neck pain are:

• Difficulty in turning your head - You feel stiffness in your neck and cannot move your head.
• Headache - Sometimes soreness in the neck affects nerves of the head and you get a headache.
• Pain in shoulder and arm - Neck pain may radiate to shoulders and arms.
• Difficulty in lifting weights - Holding objects becomes difficult as you may feel numbness in the hands or fingers.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Although neck pain is a common complaint, it may be a symptom of a more severe problem. If left untreated, neck pain can interfere with daily activities and affect your quality of life. Get yourself checked by a neck pain specialist in Chennai if you:

• Feel numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands
• Have shooting pain in your shoulder or down your arm
• Have persistent pain for several days without relief
• Have headache along with neck pain

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How can you prevent neck pain?

Some simple changes in your daily routine may help you reduce neck pain:

• Maintain good posture.
• Avoid sitting for a continuous stretch of time. 
• Make sure your computer monitor is on your eye level.
• Always use your chair's armrests.
• Use a headset or speakerphone. Do not tuck the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk.
• Quit smoking. Nicotine from tobacco can put you at a higher risk of developing neck pain.
• Avoid lifting weights.  
• Sleep in a good position. Support your neck with a good-quality pillow.  

How is neck pain treated?

• Medications – Commonly prescribed medicines include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants.
• Physical therapy - Your doctor or a physical therapist will teach you exercises to correct posture and alignment and neck-strengthening exercises.
• Steroid injections – In case of severe pain, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the area around the affected sciatic nerve root.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – Mild electric shock will be used on your skin near the painful areas that may relieve pain.
• Traction – Your neck will be stretched upward using weights and pulleys under the supervision of a medical professional and physical therapist.;
• Neck collar - A soft collar will support your neck and will take the pressure off.
• Surgery – It is done only when there is no improvement with other approaches.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Neck pain is a common problem. It requires early diagnosis, regular exercise and lifestyle modifications to prevent a recurrence. Consult a neck pain specialist in Chennai for the best advice.

References

• Stacy, C. B. (2016). Low Back Pain and Neck Pain. Mount Sinai Expert Guides, 186–191. doi:10.1002/9781118621042.ch27 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118621042.ch27
• Neck pain, symptoms and causes, Mayo Clinic
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581
• Neck pain, Cleveland Clinic,
  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21179-neck-pain