Symptoms of Neck Pain and How to Treat It

Symptoms of Neck Pain and How to Treat It

The vertebrae in your neck reach from the head to the upper torso. Between the bones, cervical discs absorb trauma. The ligaments, bones, and muscles of your neck support and move your head. Therefore, any abnormality, inflammation, or injury can cause neck discomfort or stiffness.

Neck discomfort is usually not a severe problem and can be resolved within a few days. However, in rare circumstances, neck pain might signify a serious injury or sickness that needs medical attention.

Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience neck discomfort that lasts longer than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Symptoms

The degree and length of neck pain symptoms might vary. Neck discomfort is frequently acute and only lasts a few days or weeks. However, it can also become chronic at times. Your neck discomfort might be minimal and not interfere with your regular activities, or it could be severe and cause impairment.

Neck pain symptoms may include:

  • Stiff neck. People who suffer from neck discomfort frequently describe their neck as “stiff” or “stuck.” In addition, neck discomfort can occasionally lead to a reduction in the range of motion.
  • Sharp agony. Sharp or “stabbing” discomfort in one region of the neck may be experienced.
  • Moving causes pain. Moving, twisting, or stretching your cervical spine from side to side or up and down might aggravate neck pain.
  • Pain or numbness that radiates. The discomfort in your neck may spread to your head, trunk, shoulder, and arms. If a nerve is compressed in your neck, you may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain that feels like a burning or searing sensation that spreads down the arm. If you have this symptom, see a doctor.
  • Headache. A cervicogenic headache is caused by pain that begins in your neck. For example, a migraine headache may sometimes be accompanied by neck discomfort.

Treatment

A doctor will examine you and gather a comprehensive medical history. Prepare to tell them about your symptoms in detail. Also, tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements you’ve been using. Even if it doesn’t appear relevant, tell your doctor about any recent injuries or incidents you’ve experienced.

Like any procedure, neck pain treatment in Singapore is first determined by the cause. In addition to a complete history and physical examination by your doctor, you may require one or more of the imaging investigations and tests listed below to assist your doctor in specifying the source of your neck discomfort and making a diagnosis:

  • CT scan
  • X-ray
  • Blood test
  • MRI scan
  • Electromyography,
  • lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist based on the results. Neck pain treatment options include:

  • Cold and heat therapy
  • Exercise
  • Stretching
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain medication
  • Injections of corticosteroids
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Neck collar
  • Traction
  • Antibiotics

When employing these procedures, make sure you’re visiting a licensed specialist.

Jacques Bedard