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By Dr Zulfikar BuxAssistant Professor of Emergency MedicineI am often confronted by patients who complain that their neck is hurting and they came to ensure that their pressure wasn’t high. Some think that once they have neck pains it’s because their blood pressure is high.Dr Zulfikar BuxThere is no direct association between high blood pressure and neck pains. For the most part, neck pains are usually because of a muscle strain and do not require extensive testing and treatment. However there are instances where one’s neck pain can be indicative of a more serious cause.WHAT CAN CAUSE NECK PAIN?Neck pain mostly occurs when there is a problem with or injury to any of the parts (“structures”) in the neck. The structures in the neck include:* Bones – The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones make up the top part of the spine and are called the “cervical vertebrae.” Neck pain can happen when the bones get worn down or develop abnormal growths (called “bone spurs”).* Ligaments – Ligaments are strong tissues that connect bones to other bones. Ligament damage can happen when the neck moves back and forth suddenly (called “whiplash”),wholesale jerseys, such as in a car accident.* Discs – Discs are cushions that sit between the bones. When the discs change shape or move out of position, people can have symptoms.* Muscles – Muscles hold the head up and make the neck move. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or tension, such as from poor posture or stress.* Nerves – A bundle of nerves (called the spinal cord) travels down the middle of the spine. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. People can have symptoms if their nerves are irritated or pushed on by nearby bones or discs.WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN PEOPLE WITH NECK PAIN HAVE?People can have different symptoms that include:* Pain, stiffness, or tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or arms* Headaches* Neck weakness* Being unable to move or turn the neck* Pain when turning or tilting the head* Numbness or strange feelings (such as pins and needles) in the shoulders or arms* Trouble walking or moving the legs* Having no control over the bladder or bowelsWHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR OR NURSE?You should see a doctor or nurse if you have:· A severe injury to your head or neck· Severe pain· No control over your bladder or bowels· Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs· Pain that doesn’t get better after you treat it at home for one week· When you neck pain is associated with chest pain or runs up your neck to your jaws (may indicate a “heart attack”)DO I NEED TO HAVE TESTS?Most people do not need any tests. Your doctor will do an exam. He or she will feel your muscles and check how your head and neck move.But some people might need tests. Tests can include:* X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or other imaging tests – Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.* Muscle or nerve tests to see if the muscles and nerves work normallyIS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO FEEL BETTER?Yes. To reduce your symptoms, you can:* Take a pain-relieving medicine such as Ibuprofen or Panadol* Massage the muscles that are tight or tense* Put ice on the area to reduce pain – You can rub ice on the area for 5 to 7 minutes. Or you can put a frozen bag of peas or a cold gel pack on the area for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day.* Put heat on the area to reduce pain and stiffness – Take a hot shower or hot bath, or put a hot towel on the area. Don’t use heat for more than 20 minutes at a time and do not use heat if you know that your neck pain was due to an injury. Don’t use anything too hot that could burn your skin.* Do neck exercises – Different exercises can stretch the neck, shoulder, and back muscles and help make them stronger.* Reduce stress – Stress can make pain worse and prevent symptoms from getting better. Try to reduce your stress. You can ask your doctor about exercises that can help you relax.* Watch your posture – Try to keep your neck straight in line with your body and avoid activities that involve a lot of neck movement. When you sleep, keep your head and neck in line with your body. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side. Ensure you have a comfortable pillow.Your neck connects your control centre (head) to the rest of your body. Do not hesitate to see your doctor if you are not sure what’s causing your neck pain. |
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