Neck Pain

Treatment For Neck Pain And Whiplash Injuries

Neck supports the head and is a flexible part of the body. It contains vertebrae supported by ligaments. Neck is more prone to diseases as it is less protected organ. Neck pain may be caused by abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments and bone joints. Sometimes tumor or infection may also cause neck pain. Neck pain may lead to pain the back, shoulder and the arms.

Neck pain can also be caused by degenerative and inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis (causes wear of the neck joints) or rheumatoid arthritis (causes destruction of the joints) Neck pain can also be caused by cervical disk generation. In very rare cases neck pain is cased by injuries. Neck pain caused by accident is known as whiplash.

It is caused by pulling the neck beyond the movement limits. Generally whiplash gets cured in some weeks but in 15 to 20 % people it causes chronic pain. Neck pain is one of the symptoms of the whiplash. In addition, symptoms of whiplash include concentration and memory problems. Diagnosis: Orthopedists take complete history of the pain from the patient. After physical examination they go for x ray, CT scan, MRI scan, Myelogram or electromyogram. X ray gives the image of vertebrae. MRI helps in spinal cord and nerve roots evaluation. Myelogram is specific study making use of x-rays. It checks whether there are tumors or infection. Blood tests are also done if necessary. If neck pain is accompanied by memory and vision problems, ringing in the ear dizziness, irritability, tiredness, then it may be the whiplash case.   Treatment: Treatment for neck pain and whiplash injuries depends on the extent and stage of the problem. In first 24 hours after injury, ice is applied. Treatment includes injections, physical therapy and in some cases, surgery. Orthopedist may recommend rest and neck collar. Immobilization was the trend in the past but now doctor prefer for free aerobic movement as soon as possible. Symptoms of whiplash get resolved in 6 to 7 months. For chronic pain rehabilitation program is recommended which include physical exercise. If herniated disk or bony narrowing of spinal canal is causing pain surgery is required. Surgery is recommended if there are possibilities of paralysis.