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neck pain

HOW TO PREVENT NECK PAIN?

S Bara

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Try to:

  • Use good posture. When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders.
  • Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.
  • Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair’s armrests.
  • Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
  • Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.
  • Sleep in a good position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Use orthopedic neck pillow. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08N12M5QS?ref=myi_title_dp

CONCLUSION

Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it’s leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain.

Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

neck pain

STIFF NECK. WHEN TO SEEN A DOCTOR?

S Bara

A stiff neck is a common problem that a person can usually treat with home remedies and prevention strategies. It usually results from injuries caused by whiplash, sleeping awkwardly, having a poor posture, or stress.

Neck pain is not typically a sign of a more serious issue. Do not ignore it, however, if it comes on suddenly and accompanies other symptoms.

A stiff neck is generally not a cause for alarm. However, see a doctor if:

  • The stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or irritability.
  • The stiffness does not go away within a few days and after trying home treatments such as NSAIDs and gentle stretching.
  • The pain is severe. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/
neck pain

HOW NECK STIFFNESS DEVELOPS DURING SLEEP?

S Bara

Some ways that stiff neck can develop while sleeping include:

  • Awkward angle. The head or neck might settle at an awkward angle for an extended period of time while sleeping, which can stretch and stress muscles, ligaments, and joints beyond their normal limits.
  • Sudden movement. Perhaps from rolling over or reacting to a dream, sudden neck movements might occur while sleeping that can strain or sprain the neck.
  • Pre-existing injury. Some injuries that happen while awake, such as whiplash, may take many hours before pain and stiffness develop later while sleeping.

Most commonly, the root cause of a stiff neck is a neck strain, which could be due to a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Several other causes could exist, such as facet joint osteoarthritis or cervical degenerative disc disease. https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/physiotherapy-msk/neckpain/

neck pain

WHEN TO RESUME WORK AFTER ARTIFICIAL CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

S Bara

On average, artificial disc replacement recovery time takes about 3-5 weeks; however, artificial disc replacement recovery time varies from patient to patient. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work within 1 week, but a few may not be at full activity level for up to 3 months. Importantly, since the vertebrae do not need to fuse together after artificial disc replacement surgery, recovery time is shorter than it is for spinal fusion surgery. https://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/patient-leaflets/cervical-discectomy/451507

neck pain

PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE NECK

S Bara

Common causes of left-sided neck pain are:

  • Inflammation. This is the body’s response to injury or infection. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness, and other symptoms.
  • Muscle strain. If you spend hours leaning forward at your computer, cradling a phone between your right ear and your shoulder, or otherwise stressing your neck muscles, you can end up with pain on the left side of your neck.
  • Pinched nerve. A pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy) occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or squeezed as it branches out from the spinal cord. If it’s on the left side, it may also cause numbness and pain in the left shoulder.
  • Whiplash. You can get whiplash when your head is forcefully thrust back and forth. This can happen from a football tackle, a vehicle accident, or a similar violent incident.
  • Acute torticollis. Acute torticollis occurs when the muscles in your neck suddenly contract, causing your head to twist to one side. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/
neck pain

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR WHEN YOU SUFFER FROM NECK PAIN?

S Bara

It is generally a good idea to see a doctor if:

  • Pain lasts longer than two weeks.
  • Pain is severe and does not respond to initial treatments, such as heat application or over-the-counter medications.
  • Shooting, sharp pain and/or numbness and tingling are spreading to other areas of the body, such as from the neck to the shoulder.
  • Neck pain interferes with basic mobility such as turning the head, standing, walking, or other everyday movements so much that daily activities become very difficult.

In rare cases, neck pain can indicate a medical emergency. If pain includes dizziness, confusion, fever, issues with balance and coordination, prompt medical attention should be sought. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

neck pain

NECK PAIN, WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE NECK PAIN? TESTING AND DIAGNOSING NECK PAIN

S Bara

Neck pain is pain that starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from many disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles. The neck region of the spinal column, the cervical spine, consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE NECK PAIN?

Seek medical help for neck pain if:

  • It occurs after an injury or blow(s) to the head.
  • A stiff neck prevents from touching chin to chest.
  • Pain shoots down one or both arms.
  • There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands.
  • Neck symptoms are associated with leg weakness or loss of coordination in arms or legs.
  • The pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Pain does not improve after a week.
  • Fever or headache accompanies neck pain.

TESTING AND DIAGNOSING NECK PAIN

Diagnosis is made based on patient history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of diagnostic studies, if necessary. The tests may include:

  • Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan)
  • Discography
  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Selective Nerve Root Block
  • X-rays

. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

neck pain

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A PILLOW FOR NECK PAIN?

S Bara
  • QUALITY MATERIAL. Within broad categories such as memory foam or feather pillows, the quality of the individual pillow plays a significant role in determining its longevity and comfort.
  • PRICE. When shopping for a pillow, keep in mind that certain types of pillows will last you for years, while others may need to be replaced after a year or two as their materials wear out and lose their loft or conforming abilities.
  • PRESSURE RELIEF. A good pillow provides pressure relief by taking the strain off the neck and contouring to reduce pressure points. For the best pressure relief, choose a pillow that’s the appropriate shape and size for your sleeping position, and the appropriate firmness to alleviate pressure at contact points.
  • FIRMNESS LEVEL. The pillow firmness will determine where your head comes to rest, so it’s important to give this aspect careful consideration. Pillows that are too firm may cause pressure points, for example in the ears when side sleeping. On the other hand, pillows that are too soft may sag under your head and fail to provide proper support.
  • LOFT. The loft determines the angle of your head in relation to your spine. A pillow that’s too high or too low can force your neck to bend at an unnatural angle, causing strain and discomfort over time. That’s why sleep experts recommend choosing a pillow loft that keeps your head and neck aligned with your spine.
  • SUPPORT. In addition to being the right height under your head, a pillow should also adequately support your neck.

. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/