What is neck pain? What causes neck pain?

Pain located in the neck is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any tissues in the neck, such as degenerative disc disease, neck strain, whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Neck pain is also referred to as cervical pain.

What are other symptoms that are associated with neck pain?

Neck pain is commonly associated with dull aching. Sometimes pain in the neck is worsened with movement of the neck. Other symptoms associated with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, fullness, difficulty swallowing, pulsations, swishing sounds in the head, dizziness or lightheadedness, and gland swelling.

What are the structures of the neck?

There are seven vertebrae that are the bony building blocks of the spine in the neck (the cervical vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord and canal. Between these vertebrae are discs, and nearby pass the nerves of the neck. Within the neck, structures include the neck muscles, arteries, veins, lymph glands, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, esophagus, larynx, and trachea. Diseases or conditions that affect any of these tissues of the neck can lead to neck pain.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

In diagnosing the cause of neck pain, it is important to review the history of the symptoms. In reviewing the history, the doctor will note the location, intensity, duration, and radiation of the pain. Any past injury to the neck is noted. Aggravating and/or relieving positions or motions are also recorded. The neck is examined at rest and in motion. Tenderness is detected during palpation of the neck. An examination of the nervous system is performed to determine whether or not nerve involvement is present.

Further testing of undiagnosed neck pain can include x-ray evaluation, CAT scan, bone scan, MRI scan, myelogram, and electrical tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity test (NCV).

How is neck pain treated?

The treatment of neck pain depends on its precise cause. Treatment options include rest, heat/ice applications, traction, soft collar, traction, physical therapy (ultrasound, massage, manipulation), local injections of cortisone or anesthetics, topical anesthetic creams, topical pain patches, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and surgical procedures.

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Finding the Cause of Your Neck Pain
Finding the cause of neck pain begins with a complete history and physical examination. After the history and physical exam, your doctor will have a good idea of the cause of your pain. To make sure of the exact cause of your neck pain, your doctor can use several diagnostic tests. These tests are used to find the cause of your pain, not to make your pain better. Regular X-rays taken in the doctor’s office are usually a first step in looking into any neck problem and will help determine if more tests are needed.

Complete History
A “complete history” is usually made up of two parts. The first part is written; a form that you fill out while you wait to see the doctor. While you fill out the form, take time to think about everything you can remember that relates to your neck pain and write it down. The more you can tell your doctor, the faster he or she can diagnose the cause and help relieve your pain. The second part of your history will be answering questions. Your doctor will ask you to describe when your neck pain began and the type of pain you are having.

Examples of questions that might be asked include:

• When did the pain first begin?
• Have you increased your activity level?
• Have you had an injury, or surgery, to your neck at any time?
• Does the pain go down into your arms or legs?
• What causes your neck to hurt more or less?
• Have you had any problems with your bowels or bladder?

Physical Examination

Once most of the information is gathered, your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will look at your neck to find out how well it is functioning. This includes: • How well you can bend your neck and roll your head in all directions • How well you can twist your neck • If there is tenderness around the neck • If there are muscle spasms around the neck and shoulders

Tests that examine the nerves that leave the spine are also important. These include: • Testing for numbness in the arms and hands • Testing the reflexes • Testing the strength of the muscles in the arms, hands, and legs • Testing for signs of nerve irritation

X-rays

X-rays show the bones of the cervical spine. Most of the soft tissue structures of the spine, such as the nerves, discs, and muscles, do not show up on X-ray. X-rays can show problems that affect the bones, such as infection, fractures, or tumors of the bones. X-rays may also give some idea of how much degeneration has occurred in the spine. X-rays alone will not show a herniated disc. Also, narrowing of the disc space between each vertebra and bone spurs do show up on X-rays. The X-rays will be useful in showing how much degeneration and arthritis are affecting the neck. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The MRI is the most commonly used test to evaluate the spine because it can show abnormal areas of the soft tissues around the spine. The MRI is better than an X-ray because in addition to the bones, it can also show pictures of the nerves and discs. The MRI is done to find tumors, herniated discs, or other soft-tissue disorders. The MRI is painless and lasts about 90 minutes. During the MRI, very detailed computer images of sections of the spine are taken. Unlike most other tests, which use X-rays, the MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to see the structures of the neck. Pictures can also be taken in a cross-section view. The MRI allows the doctor to clearly see the nerves and discs without using special dyes or needles. In many cases, the MRI scan is the only special test that needs to be done to find the cause of your neck pain. MRI Scan Cervical Stenosis Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT Scan) The CAT scan is a very detailed X-ray, and is very similar to the MRI. During a CAT scan, cross-section X-rays, or X-ray “slices”, are taken of the spine. The CAT scan shows the bones of the spine much better than the MRI; however, the MRI is better than the CAT scan for showing soft tissues. The CAT scan is most useful when your doctor suspects a condition that only affects the bones of the spine. The CAT scan is commonly combined with a myelogram to get a better picture of the spinal nerves. Together, these two tests can help determine if the pressure on the nerve is from spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. CAT Scan Cervical Stenosis The CAT scan is done much like the MRI; you are on a table that slides into the scanner, while you lie very still. The CAT scan lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. If dye is used, you will have restrictions on what you can eat or drink before the test. After pictures have been taken without dye, you will be removed from the scanner and dye will be injected. Then, you will be moved back into the scanner and more pictures will be taken.

Myelography (Myelogram)

Myelography is used to evaluate an area of the spine called the subarachnoid space. Myelography is used to find herniated discs, injury to the spinal nerve roots, or tumors. During this test, a special dye, which can be seen on the X-ray, is injected into the spinal sac. Because the dye weighs more than spinal fluid, the movement of the dye can be watched as the table is tilted up and down. By watching the movement of the dye, the doctor can see the outline of the subarahcnoid space. If the shape of the spinal sac looks abnormal, or indented, this may mean there is pressure on the nerves of the spine. A herniated disc may cause this pressure. Myelogram Cervical Stenosis You will have restrictions on your diet for several hours before the test. The test begins with the doctor inserting a needle between two discs in your back. This is done while you lie on the edge of the table with your chin on your chest and your knees drawn up toward your chest. Once the needle is in place, you will turn over and lie flat on your stomach. Then the nurse will strap you to the table for your protection. The doctor will inject dye through the needle in your back. You may notice a brief burning feeling as the dye is injected. After the dye is injected, you may feel warm or flushed. The table will be tilted. As the table tilts, the dye will flow through the spinal area. The doctor will watch the flow of the dye and take X-rays. After X-rays have been taken, the needle will be removed and you will rest in the hospital for several hours or maybe overnight.

Electromyogram (EMG)

An EMG tests the speed at which the nerve roots send electrical messages to the brain. The test is done by inserting tiny needle electrodes into the muscles of the lower leg. The EMG measures the electrical signals in the muscles. The EMG can show if a nerve is being pinched after it branches from the spine.

Before the test, you may have some restrictions on what you eat or drink, including certain medications. You will need to sign a consent form. During the test, you will lie down or sit so that the muscles being tested are at rest. Then a needle electrode is inserted into the muscle; you may feel some discomfort. A metal plate that records the electrical signal is placed under you. Abnormal electrical activity can mean that the nerve is being pinched. The test lasts about an hour. Bone Scan A bone scan is used to help locate the affected area of the spine. In order to perform a bone scan, a radioactive chemical is injected into the bloodstream. The radioactive chemical attaches itself to areas of bone that are undergoing rapid changes for any reason. Areas of the skeleton that are undergoing rapid changes appear as dark areas on the film. Once the affected area is identified, other tests, such as the MRI scan are done to look more closely at the specific area. Laboratory Tests There are many possible causes of neck pain. Some of these causes are not related to degeneration of the spine. Blood tests to look for infection or arthritis may be necessary. Problems originating in areas other than the spine may also cause neck pain. If your doctor feels that you may have a throat problem or a thyroid problem, other tests may be ordered to make sure the problem is not coming from these areas.

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Neck Traction Helps Relieve Neck Discomfort

Our necks are subject to a lot of tension, and this affects their form. In order to get rid of neck pain, neck traction is required. This can be done at home or professionally by a massage therapist.

A healthy neck has a curvature of 40 – 60 degrees. In such a position, the spinal cord is relaxed and no pressure is exerted on the nerves. If this angle is affected in any way, then we feel pain and muscle tension. Neck traction is a good way to alleviate pain and neck discomfort.

It’s amazing that stretching the neck just a little bit can relieve tension and increase comfort in the neck. A technique called ‘overhead traction’ involves your neck and head being surrounded by a harness and on the other end of the harness, a weight is attached to stretch the neck. This is most effective if you ask someone to slowly pull your head upwards.

Neck Traction Technique Is Used For Misaligned Spine

Misalignment of the spine means the curvature of your spine has a different shape than it should, resulting in pressure on the nerves and pain.

Neck traction is very much used for the treatment of people with misalignment of the spine, but it can be used by those that are not in so much pain, as well.

An X-ray can determine if the curvature of the spine has been misaligned.
In our daily activities, we tend to protrude our heads forward, so over time some misalignment of the spine may occur. If you spend a lot of time working on the computer, driving, or reading, you will experience neck problems over time.

The following example of a football quarterback illustrates how the neck can be misaligned over time. When the quarterback is hit from behind, in slow motion, we can see how he arches his body, including his neck. A quarterback is trained to receive hits and he is used to this kind of pounding to the body, so in most cases he will shake it off and get up but over time he will experience back and neck discomfort

Our spine is made out of vertebrae which are more likely to shift if we do something extreme to them. Rapid, extreme movements and bad posture will affect the neck and back.

If you have cervical lordosis, a group of vertebrae in the spine is affected and the condition is usually caused by severe trauma. But as we said before, it is not only accidents that can lead to misalignment of the spine. Activities that involve keeping our heads down or lower, or protruded more than their normal position, will result in problems in the long run.

Neck traction can assist in resolving these problems. Neck traction therapy can relieve pain and discomfort caused by misalignment of the spine.

Always consult a doctor before you begin any kind of neck traction therapy.

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Cervical Neck Pillows – Why do need them?

The popularity of neck pillows has increased dramatically since the last years. Many sleep and neck pillows have been launched at the market by different neck pillow manufacturers and retailers. These neck pillows are even recommended by the doctors.

Cervical Neck Pillows – Why do need them?

Neck Pillows – Why is it so Special?

What’s so special about these Neck pillow? There are stories about how this neck pillow miraculously reduced numerous ailments. You can see the neck pillow on TV, radio, even in the papers. How does this neck pillow work and why is everybody talking about this pillow?

To understand the working of neck pillow, you need to understand the spine. Most people don’t realize how the parts of your body affected by the spine would ail us as we grew older. Millions of people are suffering from neck pain due improper spinal support during sleep. The best solution is to get a cervical neck pillow while you sleep to support your spine.

What’s Difference between Quality Neck Pillow and Imitation?

Not all neck pillows has the same quality. There are cheaper, lesser-quality imitations in the market. These imitations don’t provide the support that quality neck pillows are known for, eliminating the benefit of owning a neck pillow altogether.

It is important to know the different a quality sleep pillow from a cheap imitation. High quality neck pillows are made of innovative visco-elastic material, or in layman’s terms, “memory foam”. These pillows are made from a material that was developed for NASA. Because of their molecular structure, these neck pillows offer unsurpassed support to the head, neck and shoulder region, perfectly aligning the spine and relieving chronic neck, shoulder and back pain in those who use them.

Try ComSoft Neck Pillow NOW!

Our Products:

ChiSoft Neck Traction Pro II $110.00 More Info	ChiSoft II Neck Traction with Magnet $80.00 More Info
Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow $45.00 More Info	ChiSoft Neck Traction $58.00 More Info

Cervical Neck Pillows – Why do need them? The popularity of neck pillows has increased dramatically since the last years. Many sleep and neck pillows have been launched at the market by different neck pillow manufacturers and retailers. These neck pillows are even recommended by the doctors.

Cervical Neck Pillows – Why do need them?

Neck Pillows – Why is it so Special?

What’s so special about these Neck pillow? There are stories about how this neck pillow miraculously reduced numerous ailments. You can see the neck pillow on TV, radio, even in the papers. How does this neck pillow work and why is everybody talking about this pillow?

To understand the working of neck pillow, you need to understand the spine. Most people don’t realize how the parts of your body affected by the spine would ail us as we grew older. Millions of people are suffering from neck pain due improper spinal support during sleep. The best solution is to get a cervical neck pillow while you sleep to support your spine.

What’s Difference between Quality Neck Pillow and Imitation?

Not all neck pillows has the same quality. There are cheaper, lesser-quality imitations in the market. These imitations don’t provide the support that quality neck pillows are known for, eliminating the benefit of owning a neck pillow altogether.

It is important to know the different a quality sleep pillow from a cheap imitation. High quality neck pillows are made of innovative visco-elastic material, or in layman’s terms, “memory foam”. These pillows are made from a material that was developed for NASA. Because of their molecular structure, these neck pillows offer unsurpassed support to the head, neck and shoulder region, perfectly aligning the spine and relieving chronic neck, shoulder and back pain in those who use them.

Try ComSoft Neck Pillow NOW!

Our Products:

ChiSoft Neck Traction Pro II $110.00 More Info	ChiSoft II Neck Traction with Magnet $80.00 More Info
Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow $45.00 More Info	ChiSoft Neck Traction $58.00 More Info

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