Neck Hurting? Know What Could Be The Cause And What To Do In Belleville
Most of the time, the symptom is caused by muscle tension. However, if it persists for more than a week, the indication is to seek a doctor.
Neck pain in Belleville is a common problem usually related to muscle tension caused by excessive stress, sleeping in a different position, or using the computer for a long time.
However, neck pain can have more serious causes in some cases, such as spinal disorders, herniated discs, or infections such as tonsillitis, osteomyelitis, or meningitis.
When neck pain lasts more than a week or does not improve with the application of warm compresses and the ingestion of analgesics, it is recommended to consult an orthopedist to discover the source of the symptom and initiate the appropriate treatment. Here are some causes and what can be done to relieve neck pain:
1. Muscle tension
Having incorrect posture for long periods, such as when reading or working at the computer, can cause muscle tension. Bruxism, which involves grinding your teeth during sleep, also causes tension in the neck region.
What to do: Muscle tension can be relieved by placing hot compresses where it hurts, with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. It is also necessary to adopt better postures and seek exercises to strengthen the neck and back muscles. In cases of bruxism, a dentist-recommended restraint device should be used.
2. Torticollis Torticollis
is a bad condition in the neck that usually happens at night. It can also occur when the person turns to look to the side too quickly, which ends up causing a muscle spasm. During an episode of torticollis, the site of pain is easy to identify and only one side is usually affected.
What to do: Place a hot compress, leaving it to act for between 15 and 20 minutes.
3. Arthrosis
Spinal arthrosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis or spondyloarthrosis, is the wear and tear of the cartilage that is in the spinal joints.
What to do: the problem has no cure, but it can be treated with analgesics, opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs, or ointments. There are even food supplements that help to regenerate cartilage.
4. Cervical disc herniation
herniation A herniation is the displacement of part of the intervertebral disc, which is the region between two vertebrae, caused most often by wear on the spine resulting from poor posture.
One of the main symptoms of cervical disc herniation is a pain in the neck, which can spread to the shoulders, arms, and hands, causing tingling and numbness sensations. In addition, in more severe cases, decreased muscle strength and difficulty moving the neck may also arise.
What to do: Symptoms can be relieved with warm compresses on the painful area. Relaxation massages on the neck muscles are also indicated. Treatment also includes analgesics and muscle relaxants. It's important to correct your posture to try to reduce nerve compression and stretch to improve neck movement.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain. However, when the treatment is done correctly, the patient's quality of life improves.
What to do: you can opt for a natural treatment, using plants such as horsetail or eggplant with lemon, or anti-inflammatory, steroid, or immunosuppressive drugs. Physical therapy treatment is also indicated to reduce pain, inflammation and improve the quality of movement in the affected joint.
6. Meningitis
Meningitis is a severe inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Generally, this illness is caused by viruses or bacteria, and it can appear after a bad flu, for example, but, in some cases, it can also be caused by strong hits or fungi.
One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is a stiff neck with severe pain and difficulty touching the chin to the chest.
What to do: The treatment of meningitis depends on the cause and can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids.
7. Cancer
The appearance of a nodule in the neck, in more severe cases, may indicate the presence of cancer, and in these cases, the lump is accompanied by symptoms such as neck pain, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, feeling of a ball in the throat, frequent choking, weight loss, and general malaise.
What to do: in the presence of these symptoms, go to the doctor immediately for investigation.
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Health & Spine Wellness Center
544 Washington Avenue
Belleville, NJ 07109