Our neck comprises various structures, including cervical ligaments that provide support to the spine, akin to thick rubber bands. The muscles in this area contribute to both support and mobility. Additionally, the neck bears the weight of the head, allowing for movement in various directions. However, it is more susceptible to injuries and illnesses that can result in pain and restricted range of motion, as it lacks the robust protection afforded to other spinal segments.
Neck discomfort can be caused by traumas, mechanical or muscular problems, arthritis in the neck. It might range from minor pain to severe pain.
Neck pain is a common problem, and women are likely to experience more neck pain as compared to males. In the present times, many people will encounter neck pain, and seeking neck pain treatment in Singapore is fairly common.
What causes neck pain?
Below, we have curated the list of crucial reasons that cause neck pain:
- Cervical strain: When you hurt your neck muscle, it causes pain and stiffness in the upper back or shoulder for about six weeks.
- Cervical spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the cervical spine result in disc space narrowing, loss of bone form, and growth of bone spurs. But it can be treated.
- Cervical discogenic pain: Changes in cervical disc structure can cause neck pain that worsens with head movements and spreads to arms.
- Cervical facet syndrome: Neck pain caused by facet joint problems, which worsen by neck extension and spread to the arms, shoulders, or shoulder blades.
- Whiplash injury: Neck Pain caused by a sudden movement of the cervical spine forward or backward, often resulting from car crashes.
- Cervical myofascial pain: Tender muscular pain sensitive to touch is a sign of myofascial problems in the neck area.
- Cervical stenosis: Middle spinal canal narrowing those results in cervical spinal cord damage, which causes paralysis, poor coordination, and problems urinating.
- Cervical radiculopathy: It occurs when a protruding disc, spinal arthritis, or a tumour compressing a nerve irritates a nerve root.
- Cervical “slipped” disc: In this severe case of neck pain, the disc’s inner, gelatine-like substance pushes through its outer capsule due to excessive pressure.
Some Common Causes of Neck Pain
Here are some common causes of neck pain:
- Slipped Disc / Prolapsed Disc
- Nerve Impingement/Compression
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Muscle and Ligamental Pain Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Symptoms & Diagnosis of Neck Pain
- Neck Pain Symptoms
Below, we are mentioning some symptoms of neck pain:
- Pain that is often made worse by keeping the head still for extended periods of time, such as when driving or using a computer.
- Tightness and spasms in muscles
- Decreased ability for head movement.
- Headache
- Neck Pain Diagnosis
- Physical Examination: Checking muscle strength, range of motion, and painful spots.
- Imaging Tests: Get an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to see the structures of the neck.
- Medical History: Reviewing past injuries, illnesses, and symptoms.
- Nerve studies: Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may be carried out to assess nerve function.
- Blood tests: These could be prescribed to look for infections or underlying medical issues like arthritis.
- Injections used for diagnosis: Injections of steroids or local anaesthetics are occasionally used to pinpoint the location of pain.
Structures of the Neck Pain
What Treatment are Available in Singapore for Neck Pain?
Your doctor may recommend the following neck pain treatments in Singapore:
- Physiotherapy: The structures supporting your neck are strengthened when you mix stretching and strengthening exercises with heat, cold, or other comparable therapies.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Tiny electrical impulses that may reduce pain are delivered by electrodes applied to your skin close to the uncomfortable neck region.
- Epidural Steroids Injection: Your doctor may conduct an epidural injection to inject steroids into the area surrounding the nerve roots to reduce inflammation if there is evidence of nerve root irritation causing discomfort.
6 Benefits of Performing Neck Stretching Exercises
- Neck bending: Gently tilt the head forward, bringing the chin up to the neck. After a little hold, release the breath. You should repeat 10 to 15 times to ease your neck and back muscles.
- Shoulder rolls: Roll shoulders forward and back ten to fifteen times. Now, bend your arms and tuck your shoulder blades together.
- Neck rotation: Look right, hold, then look back. Ten to fifteen repetitions per side. Take a little break in between each movement.
- Neck tilting: Turn head to the right, pause, then turn back. Repeat on each side ten to fifteen times.
- Vertical shoulder stretches: Grasp the left wrist with your right hand and extend your arm to the right. Hold, let go, and repeat each side ten to fifteen times.
- Upper back stretches: Bend forward with straight elbows and hands on a low counter. Breathe out, let your neck loose, and round your upper back. Ten times over, repeat.
Preventing Neck Pain and Maintaining Proper Posture
- Avoid sitting in one place for extended periods of time. Take 5 minutes break from your desk, workstation, etc.
- Set a computer monitor so that it is at eye level to avoid gazing up or down at it.
- Avoid putting weight on your upper back while carrying a backpack or a pocketbook over your shoulder or carrying small children on your shoulders.
- Avoid working overhead for extended periods of time.
- Hold your head up and keep your shoulders back and down to maintain proper posture.
- Use the armrests on your chair or car to support the arms.
- You can sleep in a neutral posture by using enough pillows to keep your neck straight and in line with your body. Steer clear of sleeping with your head turned to the stomach.
- Keep bulky items close to your body instead of extending your arms.