Three Possible Causes Of Neck Pain
Posted on: 29 April 2015
Neck pain is a common, frustrating condition. However, once you know the cause, you can start finding relief. Read on for three possible culprits of neck pain.
Pinched nerve
When a nerve becomes pinched, it can cause a variety of painful and annoying symptoms. Pain and numbness may be isolated to one area, or it could radiate down your arm, for example. Pinched nerves may be the result of compression, injury, and over stretching.
A pinched nerve in your neck may cause pain and swelling. You may notice a tingling sensation going down your back, shoulders, or arms. To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may order an MRI or a nerve conduction study, which measures the electrical impulses put out by your nerves.
Treatment for a pinched nerve may involve rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe instances, surgery may be used to relieve some of the pressure on the nerve.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
The neck has seven vertebrae, with discs separating each vertebra. The discs act as support, so the vertebrae are able to move without grinding against one another. In those with cervical degenerative disc disease, one or more of the discs start to wear down. As the disease progresses, the discs may break or slip.
Patients with cervical degenerative disc disease typically suffer from neck pain, numbness, and stiffness. To diagnose the condition, your doctor may use x-rays or an MRI scan. Treatment can involve anti-inflammatory pain relievers to help treat the symptoms, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Surgery to replace damaged discs with artificial ones may also be necessary.
Pneumonia
When you think of pneumonia, neck pain may not be the first symptom that comes to mind. Coughing, chest pain, and fever are much more recognizable symptoms. However, this common respiratory infection can cause neck pain as the lymph nodes in the neck swell.
Pneumonia is diagnosed by a physical examination. A chest x-ray, blood work, and a CT scan may be used to verify the diagnosis. Treatment for pneumonia involves bed rest, and possibly hospitalization. Antibiotics may be given if the infection is bacterial, and you may receive breathing treatments to help keep the lungs free from fluid. You may be encouraged to use a humidifier as well, as the increase in humidity can help keep your lungs open.
If you're struggling with neck pain, work with your doctor to determine the cause. Pinpointing the problem is the first step in finding a solution. Physical therapy through a group like Wasilla Physical Therapy can often help with many types of neck pain.
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