severe neck pain

                                                                      Neck pain                                               

Today we talk about neck pain. You will all agree with me that we neglect the neck, most in the body. I mean by ignoring, nor do we think about what is the right position for the neck, many people have severe neck pain when they wake up.

The neck is one of the most important parts of the body. Neck holds our head on our body.

There are many muscles in the neck, These muscles keep the cervical spine stable, and inside this cervical spine is the spinal cord. Out of it come nerves which supply to the shoulders and hands, because of which we are able to move.

In the neck, there are also cervical discs that can absorb shock and allow motion along with the bones, muscles and ligaments that render support, inflammation,injuries, anomalies and other causes may lead to neck pain which can cause severe complications if not cured properly and on time.

Neck pain

Neck pain is a common problem. People usually have neck pain and often get better with painkiller, but sometimes common medication doesn't cure it. Neck pain is mainly caused by nerves compression.

Neck pain causes 

Neck pain has many causes that relate to the structure found in the neck region. There is a carve in our neck. When we bend in the same position continuously, the bone and muscles of the neck start to feel like a tightness when this tightness starts to stay constant, then the pain starts in the neck.

Most neck pain is caused by activities that involve repeated or prolonged movements of the neck.

• Cellphone or computer usage ( Bad posture at work ) Posture is a very important factor, especially in younger patients. During work, while sitting mostly on computers or cellphones or chairs, people are not a good posture that leads to neck pain.  

• Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteomyelitis, neoplasms, polymyalgia rheumatica, compression fractures, pain referred from visceral structures (eg, angina), and functional disorders. 

• An injury to the neck. Acute injuries can also occur secondary to trauma. Neck fractures are serious traumatic injuries acutely and can lead to osteoarthritis in the long term. 

          Cervical spondylosis is also a major cause of neck pain. Some common neck pain causes  are mentioned below,

• Stress or anxiety  

• Sleep on the stomach  

• Using a thick pillow or flat   

• Forward bending   

• Neck's jerk 

• Heart attack  

• Meningitis 

Imaging investigations

X-rays: X-rays of the cervical spine can assist in determining the area of degenerative changes. Useful views include the anteroposterior and lateral view of the cervical spine. The odontoid view is usually added to rule out traumatic fractures and congenital abnormalities.

Many plain radiographs are completely normal in patients who have suffered an acute cervical strain. Loss of cervical lordosis is often seen but is nonspecific. Comparative reduction in height of the involved disk space and osteophytes are frequent findings when there are degenerative changes in the cervical spine. 

CT scans:  CT scanning is the most useful method if bony abnormalities, such as fractures, are suspected. 

MRI: MRI is the best method to assess the cervical spine since the soft tissue structures (such as the disks, spinal cord, and nerve roots) can be evaluated. 

Neck pain treatment 

There is a need to adopt a different treatment plan for severe neck pain. In the absence of trauma or evidence of infection, malignancy, neurologic findings, or systemic inflammation, the patient can be treated Conservatively. 

A soft cervical collar can be useful for short-term use to protect the neck from jerk and movement in acute neck injuries. 

Chiropractic manual manipulation and mobilization can provide short-term benefit for mechanical neck pain. Specific patients may respond to the use of home cervical traction. 

Antidepressants can relieve neck pain, and add to this, gabapentin is also a very effective drug. 

Muscle relaxants (eg, cyclobenzaprine 5-10 mg orally three times daily) can be used short term if there is muscle spasm or as a sedative to aid in sleeping. 

Acute radicular symptoms can be treated with neuropathic medications (eg, 300-1200 mg orally three times daily), and a short course of oral prednisone (5-10 days) can be considered (starting at 1 mg/kg).  

Remember, never do neck exercises at home to relieve neck pain, Consult your physiotherapist first about which exercise is best for your neck pain. The only physiotherapist can tell you better about neck exercise and mobilization.

As a doctor, I recommended that you can try flex spot standing desk converter. Because it will allow you to easily change posture during working at the computer, and if you are standing and working, your feet should be a comfortable distance apart, and your trunk should remain straight. And most importantly, keep cell phone and computer away from your bedroom.