Understanding Neck Pain and Its Treatments
How Arthritis Causes Neck Pain
The neck is a stimulating structure made up of 7 bones stacked on top of each other. Each is separated by fibrous cushions called discs in the front and by facet joints in the back. The maximum movement of the neck occurs between the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae, which is where the most wear and tear in arthritis is seen.
Pain can come from many sources. Any problem within the rear part of the brain can cause pain in the neck. This includes aneurysms, infections, and tumors. Neck pain can also be referred from the shoulder, upper chest, or even the heart. Problems within the soft tissues of the neck, such as growths or tumors affecting the thyroid, esophagus (food pipe), or trachea (windpipe), can also cause neck pain.
Injury to the muscles and ligaments, such as whiplash from an auto accident, can cause neck pain. Degenerative joint disease at the C5-6 level is common among patients who have experienced rear-end accidents. Patients often report popping or grinding in the neck with movement. Some describe the sensation as "feels like sand" when they move their head.
Pain from whiplash can radiate up the back of the head, causing headaches. It may also radiate into the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. Some types of neck pain are dangerous. When neck problems are associated with pressure on the neural structure, this is called myelopathy and can be a neurosurgical emergency.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments?
Treatment depends on making the correct diagnosis. The goals are to relieve pain, improve range of motion, prevent muscle weakening, and restore function. Common treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), topical agents like Myorx, soft neck collars, neck support pillows, and exercises.
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