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 a doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will start the process of diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history of your condition. Part of what they will want to know is how the problem started and how it has progressed over time. The next steps are for them to conduct a physical examination and to request for several investigations. These will be determined by the condition suspected. In general the commonly used investigations include X ray images, the MRI and CT scans.
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 management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
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.
If you are experiencing pain that is also referred to one or both arms, there is a high likelihood that you could be suffering from spinal canal narrowing (cervical spine stenosis). This problem is easily identified on an X-ray image. In most cases, it is asymptomatic and when symptoms are present they characteristically begin gradually and become more severe over time. Associated symptoms include loss of coordination, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands.
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.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
When you visit a doctor in Blue Bell, PA, they will start the process of diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history of your condition. Part of what they will want to know is how the problem started and how it has progressed over time. The next steps are for them to conduct a physical examination and to request for several investigations. These will be determined by the condition suspected. In general the commonly used investigations include X ray images, the MRI and CT scans.
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 management for cervical disc herniation can be either conservative or surgical. The main non-surgical option is traction that is offered over several sessions until the symptoms resolve. Typically, about 20 sessions administered over four to six weeks are needed. Analgesic agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs also have a role. Surgery is used for cases that are unresponsive to the non-conservative treatments.
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.
If you are experiencing pain that is also referred to one or both arms, there is a high likelihood that you could be suffering from spinal canal narrowing (cervical spine stenosis). This problem is easily identified on an X-ray image. In most cases, it is asymptomatic and when symptoms are present they characteristically begin gradually and become more severe over time. Associated symptoms include loss of coordination, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands.
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.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts about chronic neck pain, come to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://energywithintherapy.com now.