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Wall 732.974.0404 |
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Wall 732.974.0404 |
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The neck is an extremely flexible part of the body. The bones in the neck (called the cervical spine) allow more motion than other parts of the spine. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and to disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. For many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve their symptoms.
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Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues-the muscles, ligaments, and nerves-as well as in bones and joints of the spine. The most common causes of neck pain are soft tissue abnormalities due to injury or prolonged wear and tear. In rare cases, infection or tumors may cause neck pain. In some people, neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms. Degenerative and inflammatory diseases Degenerative diseases that cause neck pain include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people as a result of wear of the joints between the bones in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints of the neck. Both of these major types of arthritis can cause stiffness and pain. Cervical disc degeneration also can cause neck pain. The disc acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. In cervical disc degeneration (typically age 40 onwards), the normal gelatin-like center of the disc degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. The cervical disc may also protrude and cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disc weakens. This is known as a herniated cervical disc. Injury Because the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls may result in neck injury. The regular use of seat belts can help to prevent or minimize injury. A "rear end" automobile collision may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyperflexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. Severe injury with fracture or dislocation of the neck may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis (quadriplegia). Much less common causes of neck pain include tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae. When should you seek medical care?If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately. Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:
Who can treat neck pain?Many patients seek orthopaedic care for neck pain, because orthopaedists are specifically trained in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. While some orthopaedists confine their practices to specific areas of the musculoskeletal system, most treat a wide variety of diseases, injuries, and other conditions, including neck pain. Diagnosing neck painDetermining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the right method of treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain. Your orthopaedist will take a complete history of the difficulties you are having with your neck. He or she may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that occurred to your neck and any complaints you have associated with neck pain. Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted. Next, your orthopaedist will perform a physical examination. This examination may include evaluation of neck motion, neck tenderness, and the function of the nerves and muscles in your arms and legs. X-ray studies often will be done to allow your orthopaedist to look closely at the bones in your neck. These simple diagnostic techniques often help orthopaedists to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment. Patients who require further evaluation may undergo one or more of the following examinations:
Your orthopaedist may supplement your evaluation with blood tests, and, if necessary, will consult with other medical specialists. TreatmentHow neck pain is treated depends on what the diagnosis reveals. However, most patients are treated successfully with rest, medication, immobilization, physical therapy, exercise, activity modifications or a combination of these methods. For example, if pain is caused by inflammation as a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, your orthopaedist may prescribe rest and a neck collar for a specified period of time, as well as medication to reduce inflammation. If medication is prescribed to reduce pain, it should be used only as directed and should not be taken for extended periods of time. In addition, remember that if your orthopaedist prescribes rest, it is vital that you follow instructions carefully. When neck pain persists or is chronic, your orthopaedist may recommend a rehabilitation program that includes an exercise program and various types of physical therapy to help you relieve your pain and prevent it from coming back. Very few patients require surgery to relieve neck pain. For the vast majority of patients, a combination of rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury, to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck. Your orthopaedist is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
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