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 A
"pain in the neck" is not always a laughing matter.
The ache caused by sleeping in an awkward position near an
open window can be unpleasant and might even linger for a
few hours but it's not true neck pain. The same may be said
for stiff neck and soreness resulting from a little gardening
or some light sports activity.
Acute,
persistent and chronic neck pain can be very serious business
and should never be ignored. If you are experiencing chronic
neck pain call SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management,
today!
 Auto
accidents
Falls
Obesity
Heavy
lifting
Disk
injury
Osteoarthritis
Proper
evaluation
Exercise
Weight
loss
Bend
knees when lifting
Wearing
proper shoes
When neck pain is increasingly apparent an examination should
be scheduled with our team of physicians that include: neurologists,
chiropractic physicians, and physical therapists, as soon
as possible. An evaluation will determine if cervical spine
injuries are involved or if pressure is being exerted directly
on the spinal cord. In either situation a planned treatment
program must begin immediately under professional supervision.
Generally,
there are two cervical type chronic pain categories. Both
involve the first seven vertebrae in the spine extending down
from the base of the brain to just below the shoulders. The
spinal cord is of prime concern in this body region and injury
can result in compression and possible permanent damage. It
is widely known the spinal cord is the most fragile tissue
in the body and consequently any damage is irreparable. Although
major strides are being made in this area of medical research,
spinal cord repair is not presently possible.
The
primary cervical chronic pain is that of a dull ache radiating
down from the shoulders and arms. It sometimes includes noticeable
feelings of weakness in the muscles in those regions. This
kind of pain can often be traced to a herniated disk, or disks,
pinching nerve roots in the neck. The disks, of course, are
the intervertebral disks between the vertebrae in the spinal
column.
The
disks are the shock absorbing segments in the column and include
a gelatinous, flexible center allowing for full movement of
the spine. Since they are soft and pliable they can become
misshapen or bulge under pressure. The disks may herniate
when injured and push into the spinal canal. In this event,
numbness and "tingling" may be felt in the hands
or arms.
The
secondary type of cervical chronic pain is caused by pressure
directly on the spinal cord. The feeling of "pain"
may be very mild but nearly always causes weakness in the
arms or legs. Walking can be difficult and accompanied by
poor balance and stiffness in the neck. Because the pain itself
is mild and radiates outward it can be misdiagnosed if not
checked by a specialist in neurology.
Commonly
the result of automobile accidents, a significant number of
neck and spinal injuries also occur annually in both amateur
and professional sports. Most are an outgrowth of contact
sports such as football in high schools, universities and
professional leagues. If accidental injury is detected an
evaluation should be scheduled promptly with a qualified physician.
Untreated neck injuries can lead to spinal cord damage hours
or even days after the accident. Spinal cord damage is irreversible
and paralysis may result. Broken or cracked vertebra may include
neurosurgical referral to prevent further injury.
Some
simple basic prevention may be helpful. Such things as a firm
support behind the head on long car drives; proper pillows
for sleeping; and an office chair with a solid back support
often relieve pain and prevent discomfort.
For
more information about car accident injuries, slip and fall
accidents, sports injuries and work injuries call for testing
and professional evaluation. SHCC Centers for Neurology and
Pain Management offers four conveniently located health care
centers in South Florida. Arrange for an appointment, now.
Call
Us For More Information About Neck Pain & Neck Injuries
(866)
426-3876
info@painmanagement.ws
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