Neck pain can occur from the
bottom of head to the top of shoulder. May be it spreads to the upper back or arms?
It depends on the movement of head & neck. Basically neck pain can be
caused by muscle strain or may be soft tissue sprain (tendons, ligaments), but
it can also be caused by whiplash (sudden force). If your neck pain is chronic
you may face trouble in your life. Common effects of chronic pain include
depression, fatigue, and anxiety. However acute neck pain consists of strain
neck & whiplash.
Treatment for neck pain depends on the
diagnosis. Tests to determine the neck pain causes are CT scan, blood tests,
MRI, EMC, and X-rays. Depending on the results of these tests doctor will
recommend therapies that may include ice/heat therapy, physical therapy (exercise,
stretching), pain medication, muscle relaxants, corticosteroid injections, neck
collar, antibiotics, traction and sometimes surgery. Alternative therapies may
include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, and TENS. Neck pain can be avoided
by sleeping on back, sleeping with cervical pillow, by exercising muscles and
staying hydrated.
