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Understanding The Management Of Chronic Neck Pain

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By Brian Perry


Neck pain is one of the commonest reasons people make a trip to the hospital. This symptom may be experienced as a sign of acute or chronic conditions in the cervical region. The causes are many but are often related to problems affecting the anatomical structures found within the region. In this article, we look at the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic neck pain.

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 of disc prolapse is divided into conservative and surgical options. Traction is one of the most frequently used (and effective) conservative options. Spinal traction entails the application of a steady pulling force on the spine with the aim of restoring the normal anatomy. About twenty sessions offered over 4 or 6 weeks are usually needed. Analgesic agents may be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to the conservative interventions.

Cervical disc degeneration occurs progressively as we age. The effects of degeneration are similar to those that are seen with herniation. Treatment is also divided into conservative and surgical. The main conservative treatments that are offered here include heat and cold compression therapies, neck exercises, and analgesic agents. These treatments have to be tried for a minimum of 6 months before surgical intervention is considered.

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 a number of alternative medicine techniques that have been tried for this problem with varying rates of success. Acupuncture is one of those that are most widely practiced. In this method, several small needles are inserted in predetermined areas of the body to influence the flow of life energy (qi). Other techniques that have been tried include massage and chiropractic adjustments.

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.




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