Jan 11, 2017

What You Should Know About Neck Pain Russellville

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By Betty Powell


Generally, many people experience stiff or painful necks that usually get better after several days or some weeks. In most cases, it does not indicate anything serious. However, the pain may persist for several months which could be a sign of a serious medical condition that require to be addressed. For better results, early interventions on neck pain Russellville may be necessary.

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.

Usually, there are a number of factors that may cause painful necks, these include poor sleeping positions, long use of computers leading to muscle straining due to wrong positioning. In addition, stress and anxiety which could strain the muscles resulting in too much pain due to the tension exerted. Other contributing factors include joint and bone abnormalities, tumors, trauma and degenerative diseases.

There are also a wide range of symptoms of this condition. One of the symptom is stiffness that makes it difficult to turn the head. Another symptom is stabbing or sharp pain in a particular spot. Also, a person may feel tenderness or soreness of the general area, or a painful situation radiating down into your arms, shoulders, and fingers or up into your head.

In some cases, the symptoms of painful necks could be more problematic. Those symptoms may include the likes of numbness, weakness or tingling that often radiates to the shoulders, arms and fingers, trouble gripping or lifting objects, loss of bladder or bowel control and difficulty in coordination, balancing and walking. However, minor aches are in most cases ignored, while the pain can be so agonizing in some cases which might interfere with daily activities as well as sleeping. On the other hand, these aches could be constant, short-lived 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 are such as CT scan or myelography which is sometimes used instead of magnetic resonance imaging. Also, electro-diagnostic studies may be used in diagnosing painful neck, arms, shoulders as well as 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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