Struggling With Neck Pain - Here's How You Can Manage It!

Neck pain and stiffness are common sources of discomfort and pain in all ages and with changing lifestyles the incidence is rising. Besides the pain, restriction of neck movements can make routine daily such as driving, working on computers a challenge. The neck bones and muscles are important as they not only give support to the head but also ensure free and unrestricted movement.

Stiff neck and neck pain can be an amalgamation of various factors such as 

• Posture and Lifestyle: Our professional commitments often demand spending hours before the computer. The sedentary lifestyle can contribute to neck pain and stiffness. Sitting in an unnatural position for long often results in muscle pull (tension) and strain.

• Incorrect sleeping posture

• Neck injury during exercise or accident. It may be associated with Whiplash injury (a condition which involves sudden jerking the head as when a car is hit from behind).

• Medical conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Spondylosis, Disc bulges, and nerve compression

• Increased Stress levels

Seek early medical assistance in case -

• The condition is not resolving and/or increase in severity

• The pain and stiffness are sudden and unexplained

• Symptoms start after an injury/ trauma

• Pain is extending to involve arms/ legs

• The pain is accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, difficulty in eating food, weight loss, urinary or bowel disorder.

• A lump/ swelling (in the neck) accompanied by pain and stiffness

• You have other medical problems such as cancer, reduced immunity, etc

Diagnosis and treatment -

Process for the diagnosis of the underlying condition involves -

• Taking a detailed history.

• Physical examination.

• Investigations- this may involve imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, Nerve conduction studies, Electromyography and blood tests.

Depending on the underlying condition and its severity, the doctor will discuss with you the possible treatment options and this may include -

1. Simple measures such as the use of ice packs or heat pads (avoid very high temperature on the affected area every 2-3 hours for 15-20 minutes) and gentle massage (can temporarily help relieve the pain and stiffness).

2. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, local gets, nerve pain medications, opioids are often used to provide relief.

3. Interventions/ Injections: these are non-invasive daycare options which can provide effective, lasting relief. Examples include

• Neck joint injections
• Nerve blocks
• Epidurals
• Radiofrequency procedures

4. Physiotherapy: Neck exercises and stretching play a pivotal role in strengthening the neck muscles. This is best done under expert guidance.

5. Alternative therapy such as Acupuncture

6. Surgery may be considered for some serious/ specific conditions.