samedi 12 mars 2016

How To Deal With Chronic Neck Pain

By Brian Perry


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 visit the doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will take your history, conduct a physical examination and request for some investigations as guided by the nature of the condition. The history typically focuses on establishing the duration of symptoms, patterns and whether or not other parts of the body are involved. Radiological images are an important component of investigation. Those that are used commonly include X rays, CT scans and the MRI.

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.

Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.

Pain that is present in the cervical region and also affects the arm is often caused by narrowing of the spinal canal (cervical spine stenosis). This condition can be easily identified on X-ray images. Many people who have this problem usually do not have symptoms but when they occur they begin gradually and worsen with time. Associated symptoms include numbness, a tingling sensation in the arms or hands as well as loss of coordination.

Alternative medicine therapies have been tried for this conditions with varying rates of success. One of the most widely practiced technique in this area is acupuncture. The therapy assumes that life energy, qi, flows certain paths in the body. In disease states, the flow is interrupted. Restoration of the flow by use of special needles provides cure. Others include chiropractic and massage.

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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