Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Treatments For Neck Pain Conroe Patients Will Find Helpful

By Harold Stevens


Neck pain has numerous causes. Most of them can be attributed directly or indirectly to the connective tissues found in the region including muscles, ligaments tendons and bony elements. This symptom may be acute or chronic. The acute type is mainly the result of infections while the chronic type is mainly attributable to degenerative conditions affecting the cervical spine. There are a number of important facts relating to neck pain Conroe residents will find useful.

Neck muscle strains account for a majority of the cases that are seen in most clinics. The good news is that most minor strains involving ligaments and tendons are self-limiting and typically resolve in a day or two. A number of homemade remedies to help alleviate the symptoms exist. For instance, application of cold compressions at the affected area helps reduce associated inflammation and expedites the healing process.

Hot compressions are just as effective as the cold compressions. They work by enhancing blood flow to the painful site which in turn increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for wound healing. Using over the counter medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac helps to relieve the pain and to make one comfortable even as healing takes place. Massage therapy is another treatment that is always considered under this category.

If the home remedies fail to relieve the symptoms then consider seeing a doctor for a more comprehensive diagnosis. The doctor usually takes a clinical history and performs a physical examination. In the history, the interest is to establish the main characteristics of your symptoms such as the duration, the timing, the intensity and the exact site. An examination seeks to establish the source of the problem.

In some cases, the condition is associated with several other symptoms such as double vision, headache, shoulder ache, arm numbness, and so on. This association usually suggests the involvement of cranial nerves and the meninges and calls for urgent evaluation by a doctor. If there is accompanying low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis is a possibility.

A number of investigations are helpful in making the diagnosis. Radiographic images such as Plain radiographs, CT scans and MRIs are particularly important. The plain radiographs and CT scans are requested for if the problem is thought to originate from the bony structures. The MRI, on the other hand is used in the case of soft tissue disease. In the case of a suspected infection, a blood test may be done.

This condition is largely preventable by avoiding the aggravating factors. In the event that these factors cannot be avoided, there is a need to engage in strengthening exercises regularly and to use protective gear when need be. Those at the greatest risk include athletes who are involved in contact sports such as rugby, football and martial arts.

Neck pain is caused by many factors that include trauma, degenerative conditions and infections. The symptoms vary in duration and severity depending on the cause. Most can be managed with ease at home using easily available therapies. However, there are a number that are very serious as to require evaluation of an expert.




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