Neck and spine pain can be common occurrences for many individuals, and you’ll find a number of factors contributing to the pain and discomfort. Treatment can be as simple as a chiropractic realignment and inflammation medication or as challenging as surgery.
What is Neck Pain?
Pain or discomfort associated with your neck or spine can be serious for some individuals. There are a number of sources at the center of the pain which can include whiplash, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and neck strain. It can also come from diseases or illnesses such as meningitis, tuberculosis, and fibromyalgia. A physician can assess the areas for damages and implement the right treatment plan based on your injury.
Sources of Neck and Spine Pain
There are a number of factors that can contribute to your neck and spine pain. Individuals who overuse their muscles by lifting weights, working in the yard, and sitting hunched over in front of the computer can suffer a muscle strain. Your body can also suffer wear and tear as you age and osteoarthritis can develop throughout your neck area. Illnesses and diseases can also cause neck pain and can include rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, tuberculosis and cancer.
Other things such as whiplash from a vehicle accident can require a significant recovery treatment plan due to the severe pain and discomfort. When the vehicle is hit at a high rate of speed, your neck tissue is stretched beyond its normal limit. Car accident injuries are particularly stressful, and you may be due compensation to help you get well. Whether you need to contact a Florida, Kansas, or New York accident lawyer, there are people whose job is to help you get the funds you need to recover.
Treatment
Depending on the type of injury and pain that you’re going through, you can treat your neck injury in a number of ways. A physician should diagnose your pain first and can offer a number of tips for treatment. Something less severe can be treated through simple at home methods. Applying heat by way of a heating pad, bathing in warm water or a hot shower can soothe the pain and distress. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation and lessen your discomfort.
Exercise
Exercises to strengthen the spine and neck areas may also be beneficial, but you need to go slow. Keeping the area mobile is your primary goal, and you may have to take gradual steps to achieve that level. Deep tissue massage therapy or a chiropractic alignment can also soothe and strengthen your body. By concentrating on the areas where you’re experiencing the most discomfort, a massage therapist can work out the knots and tension.
Most expect an easy fix in one treatment, but you may need to schedule a number of appointments until you begin to experience relief. Individuals with cancerous tumors or more serious problems associated with the neck area may be required to have surgery. This is typically a last resort and a second opinion should always be discussed before you go under the knife.
Stiffness, soreness and being unable to move the neck is a common problem suffered by many, especially those injured in a car accident. Fortunately, most individuals find relief from the pain within four to six weeks. However, for those whose pain fails to disappear, you may need further consultation to get at the root of the problem.
Savannah Bobo is a blog contributor and freelance writer from northwest Georgia who has experience neck and spine pain and soreness from car accidents and work-induced injury. If experiencing pain and soreness from an accident, New York accident lawyers at the Perecman firm have experience with construction, malpractice, and car accident cases in their state, and can help you by answering your questions with concern and diligence.