The Truth About Neck Pain: Causes, Cures, and Prevention

Neck pain is something that most of us have experienced before. It is that that feeling of pain and stiffness that can be either localized in the neck area, or it may radiate down the arm and fingers. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, and can be associated with stiffness, numbness or tingling, clicking sounds, dizziness, headaches, blackouts and muscle spasms.

WORDS DR EUGENE WONG LI WEN

FEATURED EXPERT DR EUGENE WONG LI WEN Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon iHeal Medical Centre

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Neck pain may be due to the following:

• Injury or degeneration affecting muscles or ligaments, soft-tissue strain
• Inflammation such as in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• Infection such as discitis, epidural abscess, and meningitis
• Infiltration by tumours
• Problems originating in areas other than the spine may also cause neck pain. These include:
  • Cardiac pain
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Entrapment syndromes
  • Herpes zoster or shingles)
  • Spinal tumours
  • Conditions affecting the rotator cuff (the tendons at the shoulder joint)
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome, or compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib

RISK FACTORS

• Workplace environment. For example, unhappiness and stress from the nature of one’s work or the social environment at the workplace.
• Involvement in a motor vehicle accident can contribute to the risk of neck pain in the future.

HOW NECK PAIN IS DIAGNOSED

First, we will need a detailed history, physical examination, and the use of several diagnostic tests to find out the cause of your pain.

Taking an X-ray of the neck is usually the first step and will help determine if more tests are needed, such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), commonly used to evaluate the spine because it can show abnormal areas of the soft tissues around the spine. MRI also helps to find tumors, herniated discs, or other soft-tissue disorders.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, most useful when a condition that only affects the bones of the spine is suspected.
• Bone scan to help locate the affected areas of the spine.
• Blood tests to look for infections or arthritis.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

See a doctor when you have:

• Continuous and persistent neck pain
• Severe intractable (incurable) or increasing pain
• Radiating pain down the arms
• Pain accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• New symptoms before the age of 20 or after 55
• Weakness or loss of sensation along the spinal cord

TREATMENT

Self-Care and Immediate Relief

• Lie down on your back with a thin pillow, or on your side with a thicker pillow to support your neck. This helps relieve pressure and relax tight muscles.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling and ease muscle spasms.
• Gently move your neck as soon as possible to regain range of motion, reduce stiffness, and prevent muscle weakness.
• Stretching exercises can help relax neck muscles and restore flexibility.
• Maintain good posture throughout the day to minimize strain.

Medical Treatments

• Diagnostic and therapeutic injections of local anesthetics or steroids may be recommended for persistent pain.
• Surgery may be considered if there’s an identifiable cause that can be corrected or other related medical conditions need intervention.

NECK PAIN PREVENTIVE TIPS

Posture

• Maintain a good posture by holding your head up and keeping your shoulders back and down.
• Use the chair arm rests to support your arms when you are seated.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for prolonged periods of time. Take periodic breaks from the desk.
• Avoid looking up or down at a computer monitor. Adjust it to eye level.
• Do not perform overhead work for prolonged periods.
• If you sleep on your back, sleep with your neck in a neutral position by having a small pillow under the nape of your neck.
• If you sleep on your side, use enough pillows to keep your neck straight in line with your body.

Carrying and Lifting

• Avoid placing pressure over the upper back with backpacks, over-the-shoulder purses, or children riding on your shoulders.
• Carry heavy objects close to your body rather than with outstretched arms.

Stress and Daily Activities

• Use relaxation methods when you feel stressed, tensed or worried, as these feelings can tighten your neck muscles and cause more pain.
• Resume normal activities, including work, as soon as you can tolerate, while avoiding movements that worsen the pain. This helps to prevent stiffness and muscle weakening.