Migrane Headaches
What is neck pain?
A "pain in the neck" is not always a laughing matter. The ache caused by sleeping in an awkward position near an open window can be unpleasant and might even linger for a few hours but it's not true neck pain. The same may be said for stiff neck and soreness resulting from a little gardening or some light sports activity.
Acute, persistent and chronic neck pain can be very serious business and should never be ignored. If you are experiencing chronic neck pain call SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management, today!
Causes of neck pain
- Auto accidents
- Falls
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting
- Disk injury
- Osteoarthritis
How can I help myself?
- Proper evaluation
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Bend knees when lifting
- Wearing proper shoes
When neck pain is increasingly apparent an examination should be scheduled with our team of physicians that include: neurologists, chiropractic physicians, and physical therapists, as soon as possible. An evaluation will determine if cervical spine injuries are involved or if pressure is being exerted directly on the spinal cord. In either situation a planned treatment program must begin immediately under professional supervision.
Generally, there are two cervical type chronic pain categories. Both involve the first seven vertebrae in the spine extending down from the base of the brain to just below the shoulders. The spinal cord is of prime concern in this body region and injury can result in compression and possible permanent damage. It is widely known the spinal cord is the most fragile tissue in the body and consequently any damage is irreparable. Although major strides are being made in this area of medical research, spinal cord repair is not presently possible.
The primary cervical chronic pain is that of a dull ache radiating down from the shoulders and arms. It sometimes includes noticeable feelings of weakness in the muscles in those regions. This kind of pain can often be traced to a herniated disk, or disks, pinching nerve roots in the neck. The disks, of course, are the intervertebral disks between the vertebrae in the spinal column.
The disks are the shock absorbing segments in the column and include a gelatinous, flexible center allowing for full movement of the spine. Since they are soft and pliable they can become misshapen or bulge under pressure. The disks may herniate when injured and push into the spinal canal. In this event, numbness and "tingling" may be felt in the hands or arms.
The secondary type of cervical chronic pain is caused by pressure directly on the spinal cord. The feeling of "pain" may be very mild but nearly always causes weakness in the arms or legs. Walking can be difficult and accompanied by poor balance and stiffness in the neck. Because the pain itself is mild and radiates outward it can be misdiagnosed if not checked by a specialist in neurology.
Neck injury
Commonly the result of automobile accidents, a significant number of neck and spinal injuries also occur annually in both amateur and professional sports. Most are an outgrowth of contact sports such as football in high schools, universities and professional leagues. If accidental injury is detected an evaluation should be scheduled promptly with a qualified physician. Untreated neck injuries can lead to spinal cord damage hours or even days after the accident. Spinal cord damage is irreversible and paralysis may result. Broken or cracked vertebra may include neurosurgical referral to prevent further injury.
How to avoid pain?
Some simple basic prevention may be helpful. Such things as a firm support behind the head on long car drives; proper pillows for sleeping; and an office chair with a solid back support often relieve pain and prevent discomfort.
For more information about car accident injuries, slip and fall accidents, sports injuries and work injuries call for testing and professional evaluation. SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management offers four conveniently located health care centers in South Florida. Arrange for an appointment, now.
