neck pain – BaraBoneBlog

Neck pain and duration of neck pain

29th Jan 2023 S Bara

Neck pain can range from being minor and easily ignored to excruciating and interfering with daily activities, such as the ability to dress, concentrate, or sleep. Sometimes neck pain can lead to a stiff neck and reduced range of motion.

The duration of neck pain is commonly classified as follows:

Acute. Pain that lasts less than 4 weeks.
Subacute. Pain that lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic. Pain that lasts 3 or more months.

Neck pain may be sharp and located in one spot, or it might feel less intense but spread across a broader region. Sometimes the pain gets referred up to the head or accompanies a headache. Other times it can be accompanied by muscle spasms in the neck, upper back, or around the shoulder blade. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

Muscle strain and ligament sprain, neck pain, Uncategorized

The right pillow to support your neck

20th Jan 2023 S Bara

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 which will lead to daytime neck pain or stiffness.

The best pillow for neck is firm enough to hold the head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.

This pillow is available on the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08N12M5QS?ref=myi_title_dp

neck pain, Uncategorized

3 main causes of neck stiffness

21st Aug 202221st Aug 2022 S Bara

1. Muscle strain

Any activity that places your neck in an awkward position for an extended amount of time could cause neck muscles to become fatigued and spasm. For example, holding your phone against your shoulder while you talk, sleeping with your neck at an awkward angle, carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, or having to look too far downward or upward to view your computer screen can all cause neck stiffness.

2. Cervical spine disorders

The cervical spine encompasses all of the discs, bones, joints, muscles, and nerves in your neck. The spinal cord also runs through the centre of the vertebrae (bones) in your cervical spine.

3. Infection

A stiff neck caused by an infection is rare compared to the other causes above, but it is a serious medical condition. For example, meningitis can cause a stiff neck by infecting and inflaming the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

neck pain

How to loosen tight muscle around the neck?

22nd Jul 2022 S Bara

Forward and Backward Tilt is one of the ways to loosen tight muscle around the neck:

Start with your head squarely over your shoulders and your back straight.
Lower your chin toward your chest and hold for 15-30 seconds. Relax, and slowly lift your head back up.
Tilt your chin up toward the ceiling and bring the base of your skull toward your back.
Repeat the set several times as the pain allows. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/exercises/exercises-for-neck-problems

neck pain

WHEN IS NECK SURGERY A GOOD IDEA FOR NECK PAIN?

8th Jun 2022 S Bara

Neck surgery usually is considered a treatment for neck pain only when all other approaches have failed. Most doctors would rather encourage a patient first try treating their neck pain using medicine, rest, and physical therapy.

If cervical degeneration causes myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction), radiculopathy (dysfunction of nerves to the neck or arms), or abnormal neck motion, surgery may be necessary. The surgical goal is to reduce pain and restore spinal stability. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/

neck pain

WHEN TO RESUME WORK AFTER ARTIFICIAL CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

11th May 2022 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

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

9th Apr 2022 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

DIAGNOSING AND FINDING THE CAUSE OF NECK PAIN

15th Mar 2022 S Bara

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.

Complete History

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.

Examples of questions that might be asked include:

When did the pain first begin?
Have you increased your activity level?
Have you had an injury, or surgery, to your neck at any time?
Does the pain go down into your arms or legs?
What causes your neck to hurt more or less?
Have you had any problems with your bowels or bladder?

Physical Examination

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:

How well you can bend your neck and roll your head in all directions
How well you can twist your neck
If there is tenderness around the neck
If there are muscle spasms around the neck and shoulders

Tests that examine the nerves that leave the spine are also important. These include:

Testing for numbness in the arms and hands
Testing the reflexes
Testing the strength of the muscles in the arms, hands, and legs
Testing for signs of nerve irritation

X-rays

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/

back pain, neck pain

THE RIGHT PILLOW FOR NECK PAIN

1st Dec 2021 S Bara

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=

Best Pillows for Sleeping Positions

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.

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=

neck pain

FOUR EASY STRETCHES FOR NECK & SHOULDER PAIN

12th Aug 2021 S Bara

(A) Flexion Stretch

keeping the shoulder back, bring the chin toward the chest by bending the head straight forward. A slight stretch will be felt in the back of the neck.
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.

(B) Lateral Flexion Stretch

Start in an upright, standing position.
Keeping the shoulders even, bring one ear toward the shoulder by bending the head to one side. A slight stretch will be felt in the side of the neck.
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then repeat on the other side.

(C) Levator Scapula Stretch

Stand straight, raise the right hand and elbow, and place it on a nearby wall or door.
While keeping everything else still, rotate the head to the left about 45 degrees which is about halfway toward the shoulder.
Tilt the chin down to the left collarbone until a good stretch is felt on the back right side of the neck.
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or as tolerated, repeat on the other side.

(D) Corner Stretch

Face the corner of a room or a doorway.
Position both feet together, about 2 feet away from the corner.
Place a forearm on each wall with the elbows slightly below shoulder height.
Lean forward until a good stretch is felt across the chest and shoulders. If any pain is felt, the stretch can be reduced or stopped altogether.
Hold the stretch 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 3 to 5 minutes.