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Neck pain
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Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal issues. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.
The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain.
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Encyclopedia
Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal issues. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.
The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversly, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.
Neck pain may also arise from many other physical and emotional health issues.
Neck Pain Causes
Reasons for neck pain can be complex. Major and severe causes of neck pain include:
The more common and lesser neck pain causes include:
- Stress – physical and emotional stresses
- Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake with sore necks
- Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day minor injuries
- Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems
- Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes
- whiplash
Although the causes are numerous, most are easily rectified by either professional help or using self help advice and techniques.
Treatment
Medication
Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS are recommended for pain.
other medications like muscle relaxats such as orphenadrine or tizanidine are more of help
Physical therapies
Mobilisation and/or manipulation plus exercise has been found to be beneficial in both acute and chronic mechanical neck disorders.
Neck pain is treated by numerous physical therapies. They range in complexity depending on the severity and underlying causes of the pain. Treatment is administered by chiropractic, osteopathic and physical therapy. All of these specialties treat neck pain issues. The benefit of mobilisation and manipulation alone is not clear. Neck pain can also be eased via many self help techniques such as stretching and strength building exercises. The concept of mobilisation and manupulation is gaininig wide importance these days. Several researches are on the move which will definetely pave new and apt ways in the field of physiotherapy. The posture of an individual plays an important role in causing, as well as in seazing of neck pain. Forward stooped postures are the mainstay in causing pain. In this position the normal cervical lordosis is interrupted as a result the muscles from their point of origin to insertion is strained. Thus, as a simple stay of treatment, avoidance of this posture is the main starter to prevent neck pain.
Prognosis
About one-half of episodes resolve within one year. About 10% of cases become chronic.Upon avoidance of proper care and postural maintenance only temporary relief of pain is achieved. As it is always well said "Prevention is better than cure."
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