Friday, January 13, 2017

By Betty Powell


Generally, it is common for people to experience painful and stiff necks which normally get better within several days or a number of weeks. Mostly, the painful condition may not be a sign of anything serious. Nevertheless, the pain might persist for a number of months and that can be an indication of some serious medical condition which require serious attention. However, for better results, it is essential to have early intervention for neck pain Russellville.

Usually, the cervical spine or the neck is usually a coordinated network of bones, nerves, joints as well as muscles which are usually directed by the spinal cord and the brain. It is usually designed for stability, strength and nerve communication. However, there are several problems which could cause painful neck. At the same time, irritation of the nerve pathways may cause pain in the head, arms, shoulders, and the hands.

Normally, a person might experience painful neck as a result of sleeping in a poor position, bad position causing muscle strains and prolonged use of a computer. On the other hand, stress and anxiety can cause neck muscle tension which may result in a painful condition. Other causes may include tumors, trauma, degenerative diseases, and joint and bone abnormalities.

Painful necks may be characterized by various symptoms. One such symptom is stiffness which makes it hard to turn your head. Also, sharp and stabbing pain in a certain spot could be a symptom. Other symptoms are such as soreness or tenderness in the general area, painful situation going down to the shoulders, arms, and fingers or even into the head.

Sometimes, the symptoms associated with painful necks can even be more problematic. Such symptoms are such as a numbness, tingling or weakness that goes into the arms, shoulders and fingers, trouble lifting or gripping objects, loss of bowel or bladder control, as well as difficulty walking, coordination and balancing. However, minor painful necks are often ignored. At the same time, the pain could be so agonizing interfering with daily activities. Also, the ache could be short-lived, constant or recurrent.

Diagnosis of painful necks in Russellville AR entails a number of procedures. One is through x-rays. The x-rays may give insight into complications like spaces between spinal bones, tumors, slipped discs and illnesses like arthritis, fractures, and unstable spinal cord. Another procedure known as magnetic resonance imaging may also be used to give more information on complications in the nerves, ligaments, and tendons.

Other diagnostic methods include CT scan which is used instead of MRI in some cases. The other diagnostic method is electrodiagnostic studies that can be used to diagnose painful arms, shoulders, necks, tingling and numbness.

Usually, treatment of the soft tissues of the neck may include the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Also, the physician may recommend the use of pain relievers. However, depending on the source of the painful condition, muscle relaxers and antidepressants can also be helpful. The painful condition could also be treated using local application of ice or moist heat, and exercises can also be helpful. Nevertheless, if spinal cord or nerve roots are involved, surgical procedure might be necessary, although your doctor should recommend the most appropriate cause of treatment.




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