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Cervical neck pain is a common reason people head to the doctor. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of spinal issues of the neck, and it’s characterized by dull or sharp pain in the area. It can be caused by anything from everyday neck strain to more complicated spine problems, and so it ranges from a minor annoyance to a potentially debilitating complaint.
Facing cervical neck pain can really get you down, and if you’ve only just come to the conclusion that you’re suffering from it, it’s often difficult to know where to turn. In this article, you’ll learn three things you should know about so that you can get as much relief as possible and solve your pain once and for all.
Most Issues are Not Serious
One of the first things you should understand is that the vast majority of injuries involving the cervical spine aren’t serious.
Unfortunately, activities like staring at computer screens and looking down at smartphones for hours have become the norm in today’s world, and this can place a lot of strain on the neck. There are many small muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia around the complex structure of the upper spine, and any one of these or a combination can become irritated simply from daily habits.
Gentle stretches, as well as maintaining a consistent effort to practice good posture, can help a great deal here. In many cases, the neck pain resolves completely with these changes only.
Referred Pain May Be Your Problem
It’s crucial to understand that often, cervical pain isn’t coming from the neck itself, but the surrounding structures. The muscles surrounding the shoulders, upper back, and even the skull are all interconnected, and a problem in one area can result in referred pain in another.
Again, issues like this are usually related to posture, and sometimes, mild scoliosis (slight curvature of the spine) may be at play. To get a full diagnosis, visiting a reputable physiotherapist is recommended (you could either self-refer privately or go through your GP).
Understanding Surgical Options
In some cases, a surgical solution may be the best course of action. This is an unlikely outcome and is usually only reserved for people with severe pain, but in these situations, physical manipulation of the spine is required.
Thankfully, spine surgery has become much less invasive over the last couple of decades, and the highly advanced techniques used minimize patient discomfort and maximize outcomes. Of course, what specific type of surgery you’ll need will depend on the nature of your discomfort and the sort of issue you’re facing, so be sure to outline everything thoroughly to your GP to understand the next steps.
Wrapping Up
Having cervical neck pain doesn’t have to dictate your life, and you most certainly don’t have to ‘just live with it’. There are always options, no matter how severe the problem is for you. Hopefully, you now feel a little more primed with the knowledge you need to move forward. Good luck!