Neck Pain Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Neck pain is one of the most common health problems experienced by anyone. The neck consists of the spine (skull to the nape), ligaments and neck muscles. Any abnormalities or disturbances in any of these parts can cause neck pain or neck stiffness.
In most cases, neck pain is caused by bad posture, wrong sleeping position, or strained muscles. Others are caused by injuries from accidents. Neck pain that occurs as a result of an accidental injury often requires more serious medical treatment. Especially if this is accompanied by other symptoms – such as pain that presses on the shoulder or arm and causes numbness.
Usually, neck pain is not a serious condition and will disappear by itself within a few days. However, if the neck pain lasts for several weeks and is very severe, it is best to see a doctor immediately.
Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck pain is basically a symptom of a health problem. The cause can give other symptoms, such as:
- Heart attack
- breathing difficulties
- sweating
- nausea and vomiting
- hand or jaw pain
- Meningitis
- fever
- headache
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- joint swelling and pain
- bone prominence
- Osteoporosis
- weak bones
- broken bones
Neck Pain Reason
There are many causes of neck pain, such as:
- Stiff and tense muscles due to:
- Bad posture
- Work for long periods of time without changing position
- Sleeping with a bad neck position
- Jerking the neck when exercising
- Accident on fall or car or sports accident
- Diseases, such as:
- Meningitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- HNP
- Spinal stenosis
- Congenital abnormalities
- Infection
- Abscess
- Tumor
- Spine cancer
Diagnosis
In the process of determining the diagnosis of neck pain, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and medical history of the sufferer to find out possible causes of neck pain. A complete physical examination is also important.
If necessary, supporting examinations can be carried out. Several supporting examinations that can confirm the diagnosis of neck pain such as blood tests, other laboratory tests (for example: spinal fluid examination), and radiology (X-ray, CT scan, MRI) are also needed to find out the cause of neck pain.
Neck Pain Treatment
Treatment for neck pain depends on the cause. Some treatment options for neck pain include:
- Ice and heat therapy
- Exercise, stretching, and physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- muscle relaxants
- Collar neck
- Traction or withdrawal
- Antibiotics for infection
- Hospital care for a heart attack or meningitis
- Surgery
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Massage
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Prevention
Some efforts that can be made to prevent neck pain include:
- Do neck stretches or exercises every day
- Maintain good posture
- Avoid putting the phone between your neck and shoulder
- Change positions often
- Do a neck massage
- Use a neck pillow to sleep