About this topic
The neck or cervical spine has 7 spinal bones that run from the base of your skull to the upper back. These spinal bones have discs in between them. Discs act as shock absorbers. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together. Many muscles surround and attach on these bones. Nerves come off of the spinal cord and exit out of small spaces in between the spinal bones. If any of these structures get injured or damaged, neck pain can happen. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Problems with muscles, ligaments, and nerve like:
- Muscle spasm or strain
- Stretching or tearing of tissue that holds spinal bones together. This is a ligament sprain.
- Nerve compression
- Problems with bones or discs in your neck like:
- Discs weaken and collapse. This is disc degeneration.
- Discs bulge or break open. This is a herniated disc.
- Bone breaks
- Trauma, direct blow, whiplash
- Born with problems in the spinal bones
- Space where the nerves leave the spinal column. This is spinal stenosis.
- Other problems like:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Infection
- Tumors or cancer
What can make this more likely to happen?
Neck pain is more likely to happen if you have had a previous neck problem or have been in an accident. People who play contact sports are more likely to have neck pain. You are also more likely if you have poor posture. As your age increases, so does your chances for having disc problems, weak bones, or arthritis. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the neck that may also run down the arm
- Neck stiffness
- Trouble moving the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or weakness in the arms
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will feel around your neck. Your doctor will have you move your neck in different direction to check your motion. Your doctor may push or pull on your neck and arms to check your strength. Your doctor may also check for numbness in your arms. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- Nerve conduction test
- Electromyelogram (EMG) ¢ ˆ ’ to look at how well the nerves are working
- Spinal tap to check for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Soft neck collar for a short time only. Wearing a neck collar too long can cause weakness in the neck muscles.
- Special pillow
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Exercises for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening
- Massage
- Traction
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax muscles
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to nerves, tendons, or blood vessels
- Ongoing pain
- Blood clots
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Arthritis
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Paralysis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Have headrests in the car at the right height. The middle of the headrest should be even with the upper parts of your ears.
- Use good posture. Do not slouch.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- If you have a desk job, make sure your computer is at eye level and that you have a supportive chair. Read papers at eye level.
- If you use the telephone often for your job, use a headset if possible. Do not hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
- Always wear helmets for bikes and motorcycles.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00231 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚