Chronic Neck Pain
(Neck Pain, Chronic)
Definition
Chronic neck pain is pain that occurs over a long period of time, usually more than six months. There are many causes for this condition. The pain can range from mild to severe.
Contact your doctor f you have experienced neck pain over a period of time without relief.
Nerve Pain in Neck
Causes
Chronic neck pain can be caused by:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Disk degeneration
- Neck injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle strains
- Poor posture
- Spinal stenosis
- Cancer
- Prior spine surgery
- Vertebral compression fractures
Risk Factors
The causes of chronic neck pain usually are also the risk factors. These factors increase your chance of chronic neck pain. Tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to chronic neck pain. These may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle aches
- Numbness down shoulders or arms
- Tingling
- Burning pain
- Sharp pain
- Dull pain
- Pain shooting down the arms
- Loss in range of motion of the neck or arms
- Shoulder pain
Muscles of the Neck
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Orthopedists specialize in bones and joints. A neurologist or neurosurgeon specializes in the nerves and spinal cord.
Tests may include the following:
- X-rays —test that uses radiation to form an image; used to look at neck bones
- MRI scan —test that uses magnetic waves to form an image; used to look at spine and its nerves
- CT scan —type of x-ray that uses computer to form an image; used to look closely at spine and neck bones
- Electromyography (EMG)—test that measures how well the nerves and muscles work
- Myelography —type of x-ray that uses contrast to view the spine and its nerves
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may prescribe therapy for your neck pain. A therapist may work on strength exercises and stretching. Some cases may need ultrasound treatment, traction, heat, ice, or other therapy.
Medications
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)—to treat the pain and reduce inflammation
- Opioid pain medications (morphine-like medications)—to treat moderate or severe pain
- Certain antidepressant medications—sometimes used for neck pain
- Antiseizure medications (eg, Gabapentin , Topiramate , etc.)
- A corticosteroid injection —to treat the pain and reduce inflammation caused by disk disease
Surgery
Most cases of neck pain are treated medically. In some cases surgery is needed. The type of surgery will depend upon the cause of pain. For example, if you have a herniated disk in your neck, surgery will remove part of the disk .
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting chronic neck pain, take the following steps:
- Maintain good posture.
- Take breaks from stationary activities like driving or working at a computer.
- Sleep on your back or side and use a supportive pillow.
- Stretch your neck, back, and shoulders as needed.
- Make sure your desk chair and keyboard are at proper heights.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
http://www.physiotherapy.ca/public
References:
Neck pain. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neck-pain/DS00542 . Accessed November 6, 2008.
Neck pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00231 . Accessed November 6, 2008.
Neck pain. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/513.html . Accessed November 6, 2008.
What you need to know about neck pain. American Physical Therapy Association website. Available at: http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=24761 . Accessed November 6, 2008.
Last reviewed December 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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