Cervical Pain / Neck pain

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is common. Poor posture, whether from leaning over a computer or hunching over a workbench, strains the neck muscles. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of neck pain.

Neck pain can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious problem. Seek medical treatment if you experience neck discomfort that is accompanied by numbness or a loss of strength in your arms or hands, or if you have pain that radiates into your shoulder or down your arm. Neck discomfort is becoming increasingly common throughout the world, with over two-thirds of people experiencing it at some time in their lives. The incidence of neck pain varies between research, with a mean point prevalence of 7.6% and a lifetime prevalence of 48.5%.

What does it feel like to have neck pain?

Some people describe their suffering as follows:

A constant discomfort.
A stabbing or scorching sensation
Sensitivity to light pressure on the neck has increased.
Neck pain, headache, tingling, and numbness in either one or both arms are all symptoms.
Neck muscular tension/tightening has increased.

Causes of Neck Pain

The neck is in charge of bearing the weight of the head and is flexible enough to allow for rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. The neck is also susceptible to disorders that cause discomfort and limit movement. There are several factors that might lead to neck pain, including.

Strains

In the muscles the leading cause of neck pain. Neck pain e caused by misuse of the neck muscles, such as sitting slumped in a chair for an extended period.

Weakness

Training the upper traps more than the lower and mid-traps may result in upper trap overstimulation, resulting in neck pain

Joint wear

Our neck joints wear down as we become older. The cartilage between the vertebrae deteriorates as a result of osteoarthritis.

Compression of the nerves Herniated discs or osteophytes in your neck vertebrae might strain on the nerves that branch out from the intervertebral foramen.

Injuries

Whiplash damage is common in car accidents and sports injuries, and it happens when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

Diseases

Neck pain can be caused by illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, encephalitis, or malignancy.

How is neck pain recognized?

A physical exam and medical history are used by doctors to identify neck pain. To detect pain and mobility concerns in your neck, your doctor will feel and move it. Doctors will also evaluate your muscular strength and reflexes. Your doctor will inquire about any past neck injuries that may have resulted in whiplash or a herniated disc. Your doctor may inquire about your job or other activities that may have an impact on your neck.

Your doctor may employ imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography to determine the source of your discomfort (CT). These tests can detect damage and other problems in your neck's bones and surrounding tissues.

Your doctor may also request electromyography, nerve conduction investigations, a pyelogram, and/or a spinal tap.

What can I do at home to ease neck pain?

Your doctor or physical therapist can advise you on home remedies for neck pain. These might include:

Using either heat or ice packs.
Stretching or exercising gently.
Using over-the-counter pain and inflammatory relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Resting.
Stopping physical exercise temporarily.
Long-term neck pain relief treatments include:
Stop smoking. Tobacco use harms bone structure and hinders recovery.
If you are obese, you should lose weight.
Reduce your level of stress. Take a walk, meditate, get a massage, attend a yoga session or exercise.
Perform neck and shoulder strengthening exercises.

Home Exercises for Neck Pain

Bends on both sides (lateral neck flexion)

Bend your head to the right slowly, bringing your ear near your shoulder.
Hold the stretch along the left side of your neck for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position.
Repeat the stretch on the opposite side.
Perform 2 to 4 repetitions.

Bends in both directions (neck flexion and extension)

Bring your chin to your chest (flexion).
Hold the stretch in the back of your neck for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position.
Bend your head back slowly, bringing your chin to the ceiling (extension).
Hold the stretch in the front of your neck for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the neutral position.
Perform 2 to 4 repetitions.

Chin tucks (neck retraction):

For guidance, place a finger on your chin.
Pull your chin and head back rather than down.
Hold for 5 seconds, feeling the strain on your neck's sides and the base of your head.
Rep 10 times more.

Chin Tuck and Head Lift

Lie on your back.
Carry out the chin tuck (watch the video above or go to deep neck flexor activation page to learn more)
Lift your entire head off the table by no more than 1 inch, keeping your chin tucked and deep neck flexors stimulated.
Hold this posture for the duration stated / until fatigued

Neck isometrics

Place your hand on your brow. Push your head into your hand while keeping your hand still. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
Push your hand on the back of your skull. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
Push your hand against the right side of your head. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
Push your hand against the left side of your head. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
3 to 5 times through this mild strengthening workout.

Rolls of the shoulders

Raise your shoulders to your ears.
Pull your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
Lower your shoulders as far as they will go.
Return to neutral by shifting your shoulders forward and rounding your upper back.
Repeat this set 10 to 15 times, feeling your neck and shoulder muscles

What is Neck Pain?