Chronic pain in the neck
Chronic Neck Pain (Neck Pain, Chronic)
Description chronic neck pain
Chronic neck pain – pain, that is observed for a long period of time (generally more than three months). The pain can range from mild to severe.
Consult your doctor, If you experience pain in the neck for long period of time.
The causes of chronic pain in the neck
Chronic neck pain can be caused by::
- Stretching the muscles and muscle tension;
- Poor posture;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Disc degeneration;
- Fibromyalgia;
- Stenosis;
- Spine surgery;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Tumors (rarely).
Symptoms of chronic pain in the neck
The cause of chronic neck pain usually is also a risk factor.
Symptoms of chronic pain in the neck
Chronic neck pain may also cause neck stiffness. Pain may be enhanced by tilting the head and can be of any type (searing, acute, stupid, pricking). The pain may spread to other parts of the body – shoulders and arms.
Diagnosis of chronic pain in the neck
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. He may refer you to a specialist – orthopedist, who specializes in bone and joint diseases, and neurologist or neurosurgeon, who specialize in diseases of the nerves.
The doctor may need to examine the images of the spine. For this purpose:
- Roentgen;
- MRT;
- CT scan;
- Myelography.
Also, the doctor can estimate, how well the nerves and muscles of the neck. This can be done by using electromyography (DOH).
Chronic pain in the neck
Interventions for treating chronic neck pain include:
Physical activity in chronic neck pain
Pain can be reduced, performing physical exercises. The doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, to monitor the implementation of strength training and stretching exercises.
Drugs for chronic pain in the neck
There are many different medications, which can be used to reduce pain in the neck.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – for the treatment of pain and inflammation;
- Paracetamol – for pain;
- Some antidepressants – sometimes used to treat pain in the neck;
- Some anticonvulsant medications;
- Injection of corticosteroids – to reduce pain and inflammation, caused by disc disease.
Other methods for treating chronic pain in the neck
There are other therapies, which may be useful for the treatment of pain in the neck.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLL-терапия) – the light source is directed to the painful area;
- Chiropractic;
- Acupuncture;
- Fixing neck;
- Massage.
Surgery for chronic pain in the neck
In most cases, neck pain cured without surgery, but in some cases, surgery is needed. Type of surgery will depend on the cause of the pain. For Example, if you have a herniated disc in the neck, performed surgery to remove the disk.
Prevention of chronic pain in the neck
To reduce the risk of chronic pain in the neck:
- Maintain proper posture;
- Take breaks during activities, which is not connected with the movements of the neck (driving or working at the computer);
- Avoid sleeping on the pillow is too high;
- To exercise;
- Check, that your desk chair and keyboard are at proper height;
- Do not press the phone to the head neck.
