Neck Pain: Common Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Neck Pain

Many students and working professionals report having neck pain, also known as cervicalgia. This occurs due to prolonged sitting, mental stress, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and posture problems. In this blog, we will take a more detailed look at common causes, symptoms and treatment of neck pain. 

Why the Neck Hurts?

The neck pain is in and around the spine, right beneath your head. This area of your neck is also known as the cervical spine. This pain is felt in the neck but can also radiate to the shoulders and arms. Neck pain can interfere with most daily tasks and worsen with time. There are many reasons behind neck pain, such as overuse of muscles, muscle strain, and poor posture. The pain feels like a persistent ache or a stabbing pain travelling from neck to the shoulders. 

If you regularly feel stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper neck, headache, numbness, tingling in your arms, visit cervical spondylosis doctor in Vadodara. Dr Uday Meghnathi is an expert orthopedic doctor with rich experience in treating patients with severe and chronic neck pain. It is a very common and often overlooked ailment. Do not ignore the symptoms. Give us a call to book a consultation with Dr Meghnathi.

Check: What is a bone fracture?

Other Reasons for Neck Pain

Natural ageing

Osteoarthritis 

Spinal stenosis 

Herniated disk 

Automobile Accident

Growth of tumours, cysts, or bone spurs

RA or meningitis

Diagnosis of Neck Pain

Medical History 

Physical examination by a doctor 

Imaging tests

X-rays 

MRI 

CT Scan

Treatment of Neck Pain

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medicines can help to ease neck pain, inflammation and relax the neck muscles to heal properly. 

Physical Therapy: Physiotherapy from a certified physiotherapist or a fitness trainer can help you learn exercises, movements that strengthen the muscles and tendons in the neck. 

TENS: The TENS is an electrotherapy where low-level current is applied to the skin around nerves to disrupt pain causing signals. 

Steroid Injection: Steroidal injections are given to reduce pain. 

Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture and massage can help loosen up the muscles that cause discomfort. 

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be required.

How To Differentiate Between Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis?

Take a look at this table and differentiate between these two types of pain. 

 

Basis

Neck Pain

Cervical Spondylosis

Meaning

General pain or discomfort in the neck

Age-related wear and tear of cervical spine (neck vertebrae)

Cause

Muscle strain, poor posture, sudden movement

Degeneration of discs, bones, or joints in the neck

Duration

Usually short-term

Chronic or long-term condition

Age Group

Can occur at any age

More common after 40 years

Symptoms

Local pain, stiffness

Neck pain, stiffness, headache, arm pain, numbness

Severity

Often mild to moderate

Can be mild to severe

Treatment

Rest, pain relief, posture correction

Physiotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes

Seriousness

Usually temporary

Progressive condition if untreated

Conclusion

Neck pain is a common ailment that can result from injuries, poor posture, strained muscles, or underlying medical conditions. From mild stiffness to excruciating pain that interferes with daily activities, symptoms can vary widely. The majority of neck pain cases can be successfully treated and kept from returning with prompt diagnosis, good posture, exercises, medication, and medical attention when necessary. 

Looking for treatment? Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Vadodara Manjalpur– Dr.Uday Meghnathi. He provides various orthopedic services such as fractures, joint replacement, pediatric orthopedic, etc. His clinic is also fully equipped with modern treatment regimes and technological support required for comprehensive treatment. For an appointment, give a call. 

Read: Types of Bone Fractures