Neck pain may be described as either being acute or chronic. It is described as being acute if it has been experienced for two weeks or less. It is termed as being chronic if its duration is more than two weeks. The causes for both acute and chronic neck pain are largely the same; they are related to problems affecting the anatomical structures found in the cervical region including ligaments, muscles and the cervical vertebra among others.
When you go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The treatment of disc herniation can either be done conservatively or though surgery. Spinal traction is one of the most effective conservative methods that are used. It entails the application of a pulling force on the spice to restore normalcy. Usually, twenty to twenty five sessions are effective. Over the counter pain relievers are used in some cases. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be required. Surgery is considered if these non-surgical options are ineffective.
A condition that is similar to disc herniation is disc degeneration. Degeneration occurs in most people as they advance in age but only exhibits symptoms in a few. The treatments that are used here are similar to those that are used for herniation. Conservative therapies include the use of analgesic agents (both over the counter and prescription), heat and cold compression and neck exercises. Surgical operation is only for the very severe cases that are unresponsive to medical management.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
There are several alternative medicine therapies that are used to treat this condition. The success rates are widely variable. Acupuncture, a technique that makes use of numerous fine needles, is among the most widely practiced. Others include massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation of bony structures in the cervical region.
There are many causes of neck pain affecting men and women in almost equal measure. The good news is that many of them are usually self-limiting and can be easily managed by home based therapies or over the counter analgesic agents. Others, however, are more serious and require professional help. It is important to always seek guidance when in doubt.
When you go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The treatment of disc herniation can either be done conservatively or though surgery. Spinal traction is one of the most effective conservative methods that are used. It entails the application of a pulling force on the spice to restore normalcy. Usually, twenty to twenty five sessions are effective. Over the counter pain relievers are used in some cases. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be required. Surgery is considered if these non-surgical options are ineffective.
A condition that is similar to disc herniation is disc degeneration. Degeneration occurs in most people as they advance in age but only exhibits symptoms in a few. The treatments that are used here are similar to those that are used for herniation. Conservative therapies include the use of analgesic agents (both over the counter and prescription), heat and cold compression and neck exercises. Surgical operation is only for the very severe cases that are unresponsive to medical management.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
There are several alternative medicine therapies that are used to treat this condition. The success rates are widely variable. Acupuncture, a technique that makes use of numerous fine needles, is among the most widely practiced. Others include massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation of bony structures in the cervical region.
There are many causes of neck pain affecting men and women in almost equal measure. The good news is that many of them are usually self-limiting and can be easily managed by home based therapies or over the counter analgesic agents. Others, however, are more serious and require professional help. It is important to always seek guidance when in doubt.
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