Apply ice for the first few days. Then after, apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or continue a hot shower.
Everyone of us has woken up with neck pain or can easily recall an event that resulted in neck pain.
Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases and can involve any of the tissues in the neck. As a matter of fact, any abnormalities, inflammation or injury can easily lead to neck pain.
However, it relieves the mind to know that neck pain isn't a serious condition. In fact, after a few days of discomfort, a disordered neck will always return to its normal state
But should the pain persists for more than a week, then it is advisable for the patient to seek the attention of an orthopedist because such cases are severe.
What are the causes of neck pain?
1. Injury
It should be stated here that the neck is particularly vulnerable to injury; and examples of such injuries are falls, car accidents, sports e.t.c.
Here the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their normal range. And when this happens, neck pain becomes inevitable.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes joint problems. In cases that concern this disease, the immune system mistakes the body's own cell for invaders.
And the result of this often leads to neck pain.
3. Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The occurrence of this does not only bring stiffness to the neck, it also comes with fever and headache.
This illness (meningitis) can be fatal and is a medical emergency. If you have the symptoms of meningitis, seek help immediately.
4. Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal column narrows and starts compressing the spinal cord. The process of this compression is always gradual in nature.
5. Heart attack
It should be known that neck pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. But this can only be validated when the pain persists with other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arm or jaw pain.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
1. Stiff neck
This is when the patient experiences soreness and difficulty in moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head from side to side.
2. Sharp pain
Here the pain is localized to one spot and might feel like it's stabbing or stinging. Often, this type of pain occurs in the lower levels of the neck.
3. General soreness
The pain is mostly in one spot or area on the neck, and it’s described as tender or achy, not sharp.
4. Radiating pain
The pain can radiate along a nerve from the neck into the shoulders and arms. The intensity can vary and this nerve pain might feel like it's burning or searing.
5. Tingling, numbness, or weakness
Here these sensations usually go beyond the neck and radiate into the shoulder, arm or finger. Also, there could be a 'pins-and-needles' sensation.
Typically, pain that radiates down the arm is felt in only one arm, not both.
How to relieve neck pain at home
1. Apply ice for the first few days. After that, apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or continue a hot shower.
2. Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Resume normal activity slowly as your symptoms ease.
4. Exercise your neck every day by slowly stretch your head in side-to-side and up-and-down motions.
5. Change your position often. Don't stand or sit in one position for too long.
6. Get a gentle neck massage.
7. Don’t use a neck brace or collar without your doctor’s approval. Because they can actually worsen the situation if you don't use them properly.
5 tips to follow if you want to protect your neck from pain
1. Try a new pillow
2. Sleep on your back if you can
3. Avoid any activity that will result in neck strain
4. Exercise and stretch your neck.
5. If you are working with a computer, ensure it is at eye level.
ALSO READ: Why ignoring your shoulder pain can hurt your heart
from pulse.ng - Nigeria's entertainment & lifestyle platform online
from LexxyTech Corporation http://ift.tt/2wqujZQ
0 Comments