Find relief from neck pain with practical tips from Meri Sehat. Explore expert advice for managing and preventing discomfort.

Neck Pain

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

Neck pain, or cervicalgia, refers to discomfort or distress in the cervical spine, i.e., from the base of the skull to the upper shoulders. 
&nbsp;

Neck pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition that affects nearly 10-20% of adults at any given time. About 15% of adults in the US have had neck pain that lasted for at least 24 hours, with a peak around 45 years of age. However, the condition is not restricted to any age and can affect anyone.

According to a study, there were 166 million cases of neck pain in females as compared to the 122.7 million cases in males. Likewise, the ratio of women living with disabilities from neck pain was higher than that of men.

Also, research shows that prevalence is higher in high-income countries and urban areas than in low- or middle-income countries or rural areas.<a href="#accordion">[5][6]</a> 
&nbsp;

The most common types of neck pain include:<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Axial Neck Pain &ndash; Pain mostly in the neck</li>
	<li>Radicular Neck Pain &ndash; Pain radiates to other areas, such as the shoulders or arms 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It may also be categorized as:<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Acute &ndash; Lasting less than 4 weeks</li>
	<li>Subacute &ndash; Lasting 4-12 weeks</li>
	<li>Chronic &ndash; Lasting 3 or more months 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Sign and Symptoms

It is often described as:

<ul>
	<li>A burning sensation and tenderness in the neck</li>
	<li>Radicular pain, numbness, or weakness in the upper extremities 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Individuals with neck pain may also present with:

<ul>
	<li>Severe headache</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and upper back</li>
	<li>Muscle spasms and trigger points in the shoulders or arms</li>
	<li>Trouble lifting or gripping objects</li>
</ul>

Note: Consult a healthcare professional immediately in case night sweats, fever, chest discomfort, loss of sensation or strength in the legs, difficulty breathing, and <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/confusion">confusion</a> are also present. 
&nbsp;

Causes

The following factors can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain:<a href="#accordion">[1][2][3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Trauma or injuries like whiplash during motor vehicle accidents</li>
	<li>Physical strain and poor posture, especially during prolonged periods of sitting or standing</li>
	<li>Underlying health conditions, like bone spurs, cancer, and meningitis</li>
	<li>Wear and tear of the cervical spine due to age or degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of neck pain often involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient&#39;s medical history. The doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and characteristics of the neck pain, as well as any other medical conditions, previous injuries, or other activities that could be contributing to it.

They will also perform a physical examination to assess the range of motion, muscle strength, and tenderness in the neck and upper extremities 
&nbsp;

While imaging tests are not usually necessary, the doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to identify structural abnormalities or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

Rarely, additional tests like a nerve conduction study, electromyogram, CBC, and urinalysis are needed to assess nerve function and rule out infections or rheumatological conditions. 
&nbsp;

Treatment

The treatment of neck pain may involve a combination of approaches tailored to the individual&#39;s specific condition and needs. Treatment options include:<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Medications &ndash; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and analgesics to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.</li>
	<li>Physical Therapy &ndash; Exercises to improve neck strength, flexibility, and posture.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a></li>
	<li>Behavioral Interventions &ndash; Relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation, and guided imagery to manage chronic neck pain.</li>
	<li>Invasive Interventions &ndash; Epidural steroid injections or surgical procedures to relieve nerve root and spinal cord compression.</li>
	<li>Alternative Therapy &ndash; Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, massage, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); however, more research is needed to corroborate their benefits.</li>
	<li>Home Care Measures &ndash; Hot or cold therapy, wearing a soft neck collar, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking to manage neck pain 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Prolonged neck pain can lead to functional limitations and a reduced quality of life. It may also cause anxiety and depression, particularly with secondary musculoskeletal issues affecting other parts of the body and an overall reduction in work productivity. 
&nbsp;

The following factors can trigger or exacerbate neck pain:

<ul>
	<li>Age, with the likelihood of developing neck pain increasing with advancing age</li>
	<li>Sex, with more women complaining about it</li>
	<li>Jobs that involve repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting</li>
	<li>Individual health, especially if there is stress, anxiety, depression, and a history of neck or lower back pain</li>
	<li>Low social support 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Maintaining proper posture and using ergonomic furniture, especially at work, can help reduce strain on the neck during daily activities. Don&rsquo;t slouch when using electronic devices or reading.

Keep the shoulders properly aligned and the back straight when seated. Similarly, when sleeping, make sure the head and neck are well supported. Also, avoid heavy lifting to not strain the shoulder and use luggage with wheels instead. 
&nbsp;

Another thing that can help prevent pain is regular exercise. Staying active improves muscle support and flexibility. Take frequent breaks during work to stretch the body, especially the neck.

Lastly, it is important to practice safe driving habits, use protective gear during sports activities, and maintain a safe environment to reduce the risk of traumatic neck injuries. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Neck pain, or cervicalgia, refers to discomfort or distress in the cervical spine, i.e., the base of the skull to the upper shoulders.</li>
	<li>There are two types of neck pain &ndash; axial neck pain and radicular neck pain.</li>
	<li>Common causes of neck pain include poor posture, trauma, degenerative changes, and underlying health conditions.</li>
	<li>Diagnosis of neck pain involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, imaging and neurophysiologic studies.</li>
	<li>Treatment options for neck pain range from medications and physical therapy to behavioral interventions and invasive procedures tailored to individual needs.</li>
	<li>Prolonged neck pain can lead to functional limitations and reduced quality of life.</li>
	<li>Risk factors for neck pain include age, sex, occupation, individual health, and low social support.</li>
	<li>Preventive measures for neck pain include ergonomic modifications and regular exercise.</li>
</ul>

[1] Alabdulkarim, N., Aljasser, S., Awwad, M., Alshaalan, H., AlShayie, R., Alibrahim, F., … & Awwad, W. (2022). The point prevalence and factors associated with neck pain. Journal of Spine Practice (Jsp).

[2] Chauhan, P., Attrey, P., & Singh, A. (2021). Effect of post isometric relaxation with deep neck flexor exercise in subacute mechanical neck pain. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 11(10), 46-59.

[3] Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas, C., Hernández-Barrera, V., Alonso‐Blanco, C., Palacios‐Ceña, D., Carrasco‐Garrido, P., Jiménez-Sánchez, S., … & Jiménez‐García, R. (2011). Prevalence of neck and low back pain in community-dwelling adults in spain. Spine, 36(3), E213-E219.

[4] Gattie, E., Cleland, J., Pandya, J., & Snodgrass, S. (2021). Dry needling adds no benefit to the treatment of neck pain: a sham-controlled randomized clinical trial with 1-year follow-up. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 51(1), 37-45.