


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.
Seek medical help for neck pain if:
Diagnosis is made based on patient history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of diagnostic studies, if necessary. The tests may include:
Finding the cause of neck pain begins with a complete history and physical examination. After the history and physical examination, your doctor will have a good idea of the cause of your pain. To make sure of the exact cause of your neck pain, your doctor can use several diagnostic tests. These tests are used to find the cause of your pain. Regular X-rays are usually a first step in looking into any neck problem and will help determine if more tests are needed.
A “complete history” is usually made up of two parts. The first part is written; a form that you fill out while you wait to see the doctor. While you fill out the form, take time to think about everything you can remember that relates to your neck pain and write it down. The more you can tell your doctor, the faster he or she can diagnose the cause and help relieve your pain. The second part of your history will be answering questions. Your doctor will ask you to describe when your neck pain began and the type of pain you are having.
Once most of the information is gathered, your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will look at your neck to find out how well it is functioning. This includes:
Tests that examine the nerves that leave the spine are also important. These include:
X-rays show the bones of the cervical spine. Most of the soft tissue structures of the spine, such as the nerves, discs, and muscles, do not show up on X-ray. X-rays can show problems that affect the bones, such as infection, fractures, or tumors of the bones. X-rays may also give some idea of how much degeneration has occurred in the spine. Also, narrowing of the disc space between each vertebra and bone spurs do show up on X-rays. The X-rays will be useful in showing how much degeneration and arthritis are affecting the neck. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/
If you have neck stiffness you want to get rid of it as soon as you can. One of the ways to do that is through exercise. As long as your doctor says it’s OK, you should start as soon as possible to ease stiffness and pain. Resting for too long, usually anything more than a couple of days, will make it harder to get moving again.
Don’t exercise if you have severe neck pain or weakness in your hands or arms. If you get it while you exercise, stop right away and call your doctor.
Neck Tilt: From the sitting position, tilt your head down towards your chin Hold this position for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat. Do this five times.
Side-to-Side Neck Tilt. From the same starting position, tilt your neck toward one shoulder, leading with your ear. Hold for 5 seconds and then return to the starting position. Do this five times on each side.
Neck Turn. Look straight ahead, then turn your head to one side, keeping your chin at the same level. Do this five times on each side.
Neck Stretch. Holding the rest of your body straight, push your chin forward, stretching your throat. Hold for 5 seconds. From the same starting position, push your chin backward and hold for 5 seconds. Do the forward and backward stretch five times each.
If any of these exercises cause severe pain or weakness in your hands or arms, stop right away and talk with your doctor. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/
If your lower back muscle spasms do begin after an injury or an activity that stressed the muscles, try alternating ice and heat on your back. Ice will help reduce inflammation and heat may help improve blood flow.
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may help relieve symptoms while the muscles heal. Research supports that muscle relaxants provide significant pain relief in short-term muscle spasms.
Injections of anti-inflammatory medication (cortisone) may also help. But there are potential side effects with every medication. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of these injections.
Chiropractic care may help, but be sure to see a doctor to have your condition properly diagnosed first. Physical therapy to help strengthen your back and abdominal muscles is often recommended, as long as the muscles are healthy enough for exercise.
If you aren’t currently physically active, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. They may suggest certain exercises that will be easier on your back. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/treatment/
Spinal decompression is a revolutionary computer-aided technology that helps treat the symptoms of low back and neck pain from herniated, bulging, degenerated and slipped discs.
Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of force of pull, angle in a degree of pull and varying time in order to create a negative pressure inside the discs of the spinal cord. This reversal of pressure creates a vacuum inside the disc that helps to draw in bulging discs and extruded disc material back into place, taking pressure off pinched or irritated nerves.
Candidates for spinal decompression therapy include the following:
Candidates that may not qualify for spinal decompression therapy include the following:
If you have a back problem, find out from your doctor if you would qualify for spinal decompression therapy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumbar-decompression-surgery/why-its-done/
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for wearing a cervical collar or brace. The neck collar or brace is important because it supports and correctly positions your neck after surgery. Be sure to follow instructions for its care, use, and the length of time you must wear it.
Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK. This will most likely be when you can move your neck from side to side freely and without pain. Never drive while you are taking opioid pain medicine.
Wait for 5 to 7 days after your surgery to start showering. Then shower as needed. You may be instructed to use a neck collar while you shower. If so, carefully remove it when you finish showering. Then keep your neck correctly positioned as you gently pat dry your skin, the incision, and the neck collar. Then put the neck collar back on. Don’t rub the incision, or apply creams or lotions on it.
Don’t soak in bathtubs, hot tubs, or swimming pools until instructed by your healthcare provider.
Keep appointments for X-rays. They will be taken often to check the status of the cervical fusion. https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/care-of-your-neck-following-cervical-spine-surgery/
The right pillow is essential in keeping the neck in a supported position with neutral alignment during sleep. Without the right pillow support, the neck will be stressed and will lead to daytime neck pain or stiffness.
The key is to find a pillow that is the right height and firm for the person’s size, sleeping position, and personal preferences. A pillow that is too high or firm does not allow the neck to relax fully during sleep. On the other hand, a pillow that is too flat also puts strain on the neck. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Memory-Foam-Pillow-Sleeping-Gel-Infused/dp/B08N12M5QS/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=orthopedic+memory+foam+pillows+for+sleeping&qid=1638351723&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ0RMS1g5SUlGNlJTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE0NDc2MVFCT05MQ1dYVDczTyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTA3MTg0MVVFOEYxT0RJNENVOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Sleeping positions are a major factor in determining the best kind of pillow.
When sleeping on the back. A fairly low pillow is better in this position. Extra support can be provided by adding a small rolled towel or a small roll-shaped pillow positioned under the neck.
When sleeping on the side. A higher pillow is advised in this case, so the neck and head are aligned straight over the shoulders as they would be when standing with good posture. A rolled towel or roll-shaped pillow should be put under the neck and supplemented with a pillow for the head.
When sleeping on the stomach. This position is not recommended because it tends to make the back arch and the head turn, stressing the neck.