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All Posts Tagged: neck pain

ALL-ABOUT-NECK-PAIN

ALL ABOUT NECK PAIN

Neck pain is a usual medical condition. There are such a lot of causes, it is able to come from a number of illnesses and disorders and may involve any of the tissues inside the neck. Most of the people revel in neck pain or stiffness occasionally. Most of the times neck pain may be relieve within few days because it isn’t that serious.

Common causes of neck pain:

Some general and frequent causes of neck pain are;

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Neck strain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Poor posture
  • Neck damage like whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve

Symptoms of neck pain:

You may experience following symptoms if you’re suffering from neck pain;

  • Pain and stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Dizziness and blackouts
  • Grating and clicking noises
  • Muscle spams
  • Sleep disturbance

Diagnosis of neck pain:

For the diagnosis of neck pain following tests are available;

  • X-ray evaluation
  • CT scan
  • Bone scan
  • MRI scan
  • Myelogram
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Nerve conduction pace test (NCV)

 

 

How neck pain is treated?

  • Apply ice for the first few days. Then apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or with the aid of taking a hot shower.
  • Take a few days off from sports and activities that worsen your signs, and heavy lifting. When you resume regular activity, do as slowly as your symptoms ease.
  • Exercise your neck every day. Slowly stretch your head in up-and-down and side-to-facet motions.
  • Avoid carrying heavy shoulder bags.
  • Avoid assisting the telephone between your neck and shoulder.
  • Change your position often. Don’t take a seat or stand in one unique position for too long.
  • Get a gentle neck massage.
  • For sleeping; use a special neck pillow
  • Don’t use a neck collar without your doctor’s approval. Because in case you don’t use them properly, they can make your signs worse.
  • Adjust your desk, chair and computer.

Sleep in a terrific function.

  • Don’t use too many pillows.

Other medical treatments for neck pain include;

  • Pain drugs; stronger pain drug treatments, muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants may be used for pain relief.
  • Physical therapy; accurate posture, alignment and neck-strengthening exercise assist you to in relieving neck pain.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); delivers tiny electrical impulses which could relieve pain by way of placing electrodes on your skin close to the painful areas.
  • Steroid injections; corticosteroids are usually injected near the nerve root or into the muscle groups on your neck to assist with the neck pain.
  • Short-term immobilization; a smooth collar that supports your neck would possibly also assist relieve pain.
  • Acupuncture; is a sort of neck pain remedy in which tiny needles are inserted at a number of web sites on the skin which then launch painkillers and interferes with the signals in your brain which are related to pain.

For further information call us on 815.412.6166

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SAVE-YOURSELF-FROM-NECK-PAIN

SAVE YOURSELF FROM NECK PAIN

The neck is part of a long flexible column (the spinal column) which extends through most of the body. Spinal cord and nerves are further supported by strong ligaments and muscles that are attached to the vertebrae. Neck pain is a day-to-day complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor or bad posture whether it’s leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench.

How neck pain is treated?

Neck pain treatment depends upon your diagnosis. Doctor will perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history and then refer you to specialist if necessary. Neck pain treatment may include;

  • pain medications
  • corticosteroid injections
  • muscle relaxants
  • neck collar
  • traction
  • antibiotics if you have an infection that’s causing you neck pain
  • hospital treatment or staying if a condition such as meningitis or heart attack is the cause
  • ice and heat therapy
  • exercise, stretching, and physical therapy
  • surgery which is rarely needed
  • acupuncture
  • chiropractic treatment
  • massage
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The following tips can help you find neck pain relief and can work as neck pain treatment.

  • Apply ice for the first few days. Then apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or by taking a hot shower.
  • Take a few days off from sports and activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting. When you resume normal activity, do as slowly as your symptoms ease.
  • Exercise your neck every day. Slowly stretch your head in up-and-down and side-to-side motions.
  • Avoid carrying heavy shoulder bags.
  • Avoid supporting the phone between your neck and shoulder.
  • Change your position often. Don’t sit or stand in one particular position for too long.
  • Get a gentle neck massage.
  • For sleeping; use a special neck pillow
  • Don’t use a neck collar without your doctor’s approval. Because if you don’t use them properly, they can make your symptoms worse.
  • Adjust your desk, chair and computer.
  • Sleep in a good position.
  • Don’t use too many pillows.

When surgery is needed

When conservative neck pain treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be needed. Surgery is generally required when;

  • Conservative therapy is not helping you
  • The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the legs and arms
  • The patient experiences difficulty with walking or balance
  • The patient is in otherwise good health condition

There are several different surgical options which can be utilized, the choice of which is influenced by the severity of each case. Other factors include patient’s age, how long someone has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

Pain management institute cure acute and chronic long term pain to resume a normal life style. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

 

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Chronic Neck Pain, Structure of the neck & Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain is considered a standout amongst the most widely recognized sorts of chronic pain. As per the research, 34-43% of the individuals report suffering from neck pain. Moreover, the research also concluded that around 14-22% percent of the overall population suffers from chronic neck pain. It is considered a chronic neck pain when it is observed that the pain lasts longer than six months.

Individuals with neck pain regularly refer to it as a persistent ache. It can likewise be stabbing or burning. In the event of a chronic neck pain, patients frequently portray the painful areas as sensitive to the touch or report that mild pressure appears to hurt more than they should. At times, numbness and tingling can take place in one or both arms. A headache also can result from chronic neck pain. Also, persistent muscle strain is normally connected with neck pain. The body’s ordinary reaction to pain is for the muscles to tighten up. Dependent upon the time factor, this persevering muscle strain can start to ache too.

The Framework of The Neck And Shoulders

As per the fact that getting familiar with some of the fundamentals of the body helps in order to deal with the conditions and treatments all the more adequately. By a delightful structure in nature that enables us to turn our head and see in all directions, the neck is structured to be somewhat unstable. Maybe to adjust this, the muscles in the neck are probably the quickest, most forceful muscles in the body, and have the absolute most endurance of any muscles.

The muscles of the head and neck work to control vital, day to day actions, for example, facial expressions, talking, chewing and swallowing and even the movement of the eyes. The neck and shoulders are organized so that they are reliant on alignment and balance between the muscles and fascia that bind them together while enabling the movement.

Causes of Chronic Neck Pain

With such a significant number of us eyeing into computers or gazing down at our smartphones the most part of the day, as per the research that almost 20% of us have suffered from neck pain within the past three months. Following are the most common causes of chronic neck pain:

  • Poor Posture
  • Soft Tissue Injury/Trauma
  • Degenerative Diseases/Arthritis/Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Pinched Nerves / Radiculopathy / Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Fractures

Some Particular Medical Conditions

It’s uncommon, yet conceivable for a medicinal condition to state pain up into the neck and shoulder area. It is wise to consult with a doctor if no other reason for neck and shoulder pain is recognized.

At The Point When Neck Pain Is Serious

A few symptoms related to neck pain could show the health of a nerve root or the spinal cord is in danger, or maybe there is a fundamental illness or infection. These symptoms can incorporate:

  • Radiating Pain
  • Tingling
  • Deadness
  • Or Faintness Into The Shoulders, Arm, Or Hands

Moreover, extreme neck pain from a trauma, for example, a car accident or falling down steps, required emergency care.

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stiff-neck

Why a stiff neck could leave you no good

Up till now in a wink, everyday life became almost futile to manage for the 59 year old Lawyer from Illinoise, in United States of America

Her neck became so stiff and agonizing that she could not turn her head, which afflicted her ability to even drive safely.

“ I had to park at distant from other cars as I had so much difficulty getting in and out of the car.”, said Janice, 59 years old

She strived getting in and out of her bed and says she came to dismay going to sleep at night because of the agonizing she had to suffer

The acceleration and severity of her neck pain eventually compelled Janice to take an early withdrawal from her job.

“The final straw was when I wasn’t even able to bend to put my shoe lace and my husband had to do it for me. I decided to go to see the doctor as something wasn’t in my favor”

When she sought help, Janice was diagnosed with severe neck muscle sprains, a neck stiffening condition that causes pain and tenderness in the tendons and ligaments around the neck and shoulder. Also, there are several other causes that lead to soaring neck conditions including,

  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Whiplash
  • Degenerative disc disease

Janice says: “ I was lucky that I had a physician Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD,  who understands how debilitating a neck pain could be, and Is well versed in treating neck pain,  but I have heard many stories of people who have been misdiagnosed or when they finally being diagnosed the condition worsens

“I had a bit of a catastrophe as I became hopeless to get better.” Janice then came to know the Pain Management Institute, with its potential support, advice and cooperation Janice was able to manage her everyday life better than ever

Many patients suffering from severe neck pain, initiate taking steroids too quickly without proper consultation and their body requirements and end up with the hallmarks reversed, Says Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD. In the present days newer and highly potential neck pain treatments have been introduced with lesser side effects which may include, Activity modification, Ice and/or heat therapy, Over-the-counter pain medication, Physical therapy, Manual manipulation, Massage therapy, Acupuncture, Prescription medications

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Know the red flags to your neck pain

A sudden outbreak of neck pain is common. In nine out of ten of us experience chronic neck pain at some point in our lives. In most cases it is irrespective of any serious ailment and neck problem and usually the precise cause of the pain is not clear. Mostly chronic neck pain symptoms arise from poor posture and minor sprains. Some cases show full recovery, the general guidance to overcome chronic neck pain is to keep the neck active. Pain killers are helpful only easing pain, however, the chronic neck pain may need further treatment

Recent Studies at The Pain Management Institute have examined neck pain overall have found higher rates in women than men at an older age.

Causes and red flags to neck pain

 Non specific neck pain

This is the most observed type of chronic neck pain often called simple and instantaneous neck pain. Usually the accurate cause or source of the is unknown. It may involve slight trains and sprains to the muscles and or ligaments in the neck. Poor posture may also add cheese to pain in some cases. For instance; neck pain is usually common among people who spend more of their time working at a desk in the position bent forward.

 A whiplash

 A whiplash occurs if you face an accident by means of a vehicle such as a crash. Sudden jerks to the will lead to severe neck pain

 Cervical Radiculopathy

If the nerve root is pinched or damaged as it passes out from your vertebral column in your neck and the cervical region. The condition is known as the cervical radiculopathy. The condition, not only give rise to severe neck pain, but also you may feel numbness, pins and needles sensation and weakness in certain parts of the arm

Some red flags to cervical radiculopathy

 

Cervical radiculopathy can become more serious, some rare cases that may lead to cervical radiculopathy causing non tolerable neck pain includes; rheumatoid arthritis, bone disorder, infections, cancer and other acute injuries

 Symptoms

The pain is usually initiated from your neck and spreads to the shoulder or the root of your skull. You may feel hindrance while moving your neck, the pain becomes worse with movement. The neck pain may spread to your arm and hands. This is because of the pinched nerve that goes to your arm from the spinal cord in your neck. You must consult your physician if any of the symptoms occur, as the physician will examine any pressure on your nerves.

 

Final thoughts

Research by Dr. Zaki concludes that chronic neck pain is more associated with occupational, physical activities such as hand operated handling of heavy objects, poor postures and excessive use of workstations, Dr Zaki suggests that psychological factors such as mood swings, anxiety and depression contributes to neck pain.

 

 

In case you or any of your loved one is suffering from chronic neck pain and looking for a safe and cost-effective treatment, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at 815-464-7212. He is a world renowned Pain Medicine Physician who has been practicing regenerative injection therapies for the past several years with remarkable results.

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What is causing your neck pain?

The neck is made up of the spinal cord that lengthens from the head to the upper body. The discs in  the spinal cord are called cervical disc the main function of  these discs are to absorb any sort of trauma or bump. The bones, tissues and muscles of your neck allows movement. The neck pain is caused by the  damage of these ligaments and bones or in same causes the shocks received by these parts

People experience neck pain or stiffness in many cases due to bad stance or excessive use. However, in many other cases the pain can be caused by a severe injury or trauma

Usually, neck pain is not due to crucial illness and can last in a couple of  days. If you experience your neck pain more than a week and it is accompanied with other symptoms, visit your doctor immediately

Causes of neck pain

There can be several reasons for a stiff neck or chronic neck pain

Muscle spasm or sprains

The muscle spasm can be caused by the  activities or attitude of an individual .

These activities might include;

  • Bad stance
  • Working in the same position while sitting at the desk
  • Sleeping in an inappropriate gesture
  • Bouncing the neck during exercise

Injury

The neck area is exposed during the injury or sudden falls, or accidents where the ligaments of the neck area are forced to expand than their normal capacity. In any case, if the cervical disc is injured it will also damage the spinal cord

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be an indication of heart attack, in case of heart attack other symptoms are also experienced such as;

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Abnormal Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Jaw pain
  • Arm pain

If any such symptoms arise you need to immediately call an ambulance or visit the emergency

Meningitis

Meningitis caused  by swelling of  thin  tissues around the brain and the spinal cord. People with Meningitis usually experience stiff neck and fever, headaches. It can be a fatal disease, if you experience any such symptoms seek emergency treatments

Other causes

Other than the above, there might be the causes that increase neck pain

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Top 3 Tips To Do Away With Neck Pain!!

Is it because of the neck pain that you are facing trouble while sleeping? And the discomfort you are going through is such higher that you are compelled to wake up two or three times at night reason being that your neck has become stiff. Adding to this, if you are not having a good night’s sleep then how your day can be full of energy. You will definitely feel exhausted the whole day. This chronic neck pain, if left untreated then it will become worse and a little movement would become a big trouble.

Considering the problem of neck pain, either faced by the office goers, house wives, or people belonging to any age group we have jotted down here top three ways that if followed will surely help in battling with the pain.

Here Are The Top Tips!

Your Pillow Height!

People usually don’t comprehend this method; however it’s the focal point from where you can start treating your acute neck pain. Use a pillow that is not too high or not too low for your neck and supports the natural curve of your neck. Now when the pillow is maintained properly, what must be the adequate position to sleep?

For the back sleepers – For the people who sleep on their back, for them the best use is of a thin pillow that will help give a good support to your spine as well as the neck

For the side Sleepers – People habitual of sleeping on their sides should use a thick pillow that will provide protection to their shoulders and ensure that their head and neck are adjusted in the middle of their shoulders

Say No To Phone Usage!

It has undoubtedly become an entertainment to use mobile phones at night just before closing our eyes. But this bad habit if not ceased can land you in a chronic condition of neck pain.

Stretch Your Neck Before Sleeping!

If you are a person who sits on a stiff chair working all day long then, you are advised to at least stretch your neck as this will help in easing the tight muscles that might be the reason of chronic pain.

If you or any of your loved one is suffering from neck pain or any other body pain, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at (815) 464-7212). He is an expert anesthesiologist and certified Pain Management Specialist who has been practicing pain relief techniques for the past several years with effective results.

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Neck Or Shoulder Pain? Here is the Solution!!

Both the shoulder and neck when are in trouble, they make it very much difficult for a person the movement, the performance of various tasks whether at home or outside, reason being these are the most important areas in a body that are responsible for movement most of the time. At work also, when there is chronic shoulder pain or neck pain he/she will start loosing focus on their work. This altogether means that something at workplace or at home is being done that is triggering the pain.

What are the causes of shoulder pain?

Let’s find out, that what in actuality are the common causes leading to shoulder pain.

  • In case, you are working with the arms raised above your shoulder level
  • Bad postures
  • You are sitting in one position for a longer time and thus your muscles have to hold your body weight for a greater amount of time
  • Vibration felt in the body as a result of over rough roads etc
  • In case you expose your body to extreme temperature
  • Unwanted pressure on your shoulders that gives rise to uneasiness
  • The stress that is observed when you rest your hands rather your wrists on a some hard desk

What Tips Can Help Fight the Pain?

There are certain tips that must be followed in order to fight the shoulder pain or the neck pain that you are facing. These belong to both at work and at home.

A 3 Minute Break will do it all!!

Sitting on the chair and working constantly will not only stress yourself but will also create pressure on some specific muscles. So, get up from your place and take a 3 minute break involving stretching your neck and shoulders, going out for a while etc.

Rearrange Your workplace

Everything needs some modification in order to make the place more cozy and comfortable. Probably, it might be your sitting area that is making you feel uneasy and contributing towards acute shoulder pain. Not only the heights of the monitor involving the chair and your eye level must be at a certain level but the place where you sit must be totally in support of your spine.

Change things

Yes, a change is very important in order to give the place a new look be it at home in your room or at your workplace. Change your mouse keeping side, involve yourself in those activities that will help switch your muscle groups.

If you or any of your loved one is suffering from a certain acute shoulder pain or personal injury any other body pain, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at (815) 464-7212). He is an expert anesthesiologist and certified Pain Management Specialist who has been practicing pain relief techniques for the past several years with effective results.

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Here Are the Best Ways To Treat Neck Pain!!

There are times when after work or our daily routine of chores we feel tired and exhausted, feeling pain in different parts of the body, but thinking that they would all vanish after resting we do the same. But unfortunately, this is not the solution, because if for some time we feel that our neck pain has decreased a little then perhaps at night we are unable to sleep because of the chronic pain. Therefore, pain of any kind of intensity shouldn’t be ignored at all.

Here for your own self treatment, we have shed light upon some quick tips that you can follow on your own and halt the pain from becoming a severe one.

 Some Quick Remedies

Stay Hydrated

You must be thinking that how drinking water is linked with your neck pain. Let’s get into the explanation of it. Water is essential for the discs present in the vertebrae of your spine. If no water is reached in this place then the disc height as well as the spinal alignment would get disturbed.

 Phone Usage

People usually cradle their neck while looking at the phone or while talking which unknowingly contributes towards neck pain aggravation. To prevent this act and get rid of the pain you should:

 

  • Use a Bluetooth hands free
  • Hold your phone at a good height so that there is no pressure build in the spinal area
  • Take breaks from your busy routine

A Neck Supporting Chair

Poor posture is also the reason of chronic neck pain. If you feel difficulty in moving your neck, then first and foremost you must check the way you are sitting. Probably your posture is not so good or you cervical spine is getting disturbed by the way you sit.

Consider using a neck support chair, in which you will not have to worry about your neck anymore. You just have to maintain a neutral position and relax yourself on the chair thus decreasing the chance of a neck pain.

Physical Therapist

In case of persistent neck pain, don’t stress yourself, instead visit a physical therapist who will be able to diagnose the cause behind it and suggest the appropriate medications for treatment.

 

If you or any of your loved one is suffering from neck pain or any other body pain, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at (815) 464-7212). He is an expert anesthesiologist and certified Pain Management Specialist who has been practicing pain relief techniques for the past several years with effective results.

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How To Treat Back Pain Non Surgically?

Surgery Is Not The Only Option For Back Or Neck Pain

Yes, this is true that, it is not necessary surgery will work out for everyone for removing the pain of neck or back, in fact, 95% people find relief from pain through undergoing non-invasive and non-surgical treatment and that non-surgical treatment comprises of medication, physical therapy, pain management and exercise. Those who come across neck pain first time, always ask themselves that will they be able to get better without opting for a surgery? The answer for this is that more than 95% of people experiencing pain in both neck or back do not have to undergo surgery, and they get the perfect treatment for their this specific pain through non-surgical options. Because of the latest advancement in the medical field these non-surgical treatment options are replacing traditional surgery option and having seen their natural healing capability people are opting for them. They give excellent results when it comes to getting rid of pain.

·        Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories

NSAIDs work by eliminating inflammation and providing pain relief. Injured ligaments and joints may cause pain straight away or by nerves which get irritated as they leave the spine. NDAIDs should be taken on a regular basis at therapeutic dosing in order to have a true anti-inflammatory effect. NSAIDs consist of ibuprofen and Naprosyn and you must consult your physician if you wish to get a long-term therapeutic dosing of NSAIDs.

·        Physical Therapy Is The Best Alternative To A Surgery

During physical therapy, many different treatments just like applications of heat and cold, ultrasound and massage are mostly used for alleviating pain and stiffness. Therapeutic exercise is mostly prescribed in order to build a strength and good range of motion. Patients can learn about healthy posture and relaxation techniques. Gentle cervical traction can also be prescribed, if the doctor thinks that it will work for you.

·        Pain Management And Its Benefits

Pain Management is to prevent and treat your back pain and many other health problems by treating misalignments or subluxation in the spine. Manual Spinal Adjustment is the main part of proper pain treatment, and other therapies comprise of muscle stimulation, Tens “transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, ultrasound or heat and ice therapy. Adding to this it may also consist of exercise, massage therapy and stretching.

Conclusion

In order to select the right non-surgical treatment option, going to the right place matters a lot and for that Pain Management Institute is the best option as you will find doctors and staff devoted to provide the best the non-surgical treatment to patients suffering from back pain. So, do not waste your time and call on this number (815) 464-7212 for an appointment.

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