Neck Pain

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If neck pain occurs after an injury, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, seek medical attention immediately.

Does Rilassáre's complementary medicine replace traditional medicine?

No. Our complementary medicine protocols (nutrition, psychological support, and general medicine) are designed as an adjunct to the treatment a patient may already be receiving, never as a substitute. Every case is individually assessed by our medical team, since no intervention is free of risk and its suitability depends on each person's clinical history.

What is neck pain?

Anyone can suffer from neck pain. In fact, most people experience it from time to time, usually due to poor posture or muscle strain. However, sometimes neck pain is caused by an injury, such as whiplash, a fall, or a blow in contact sports. If this is your case, you may need medical attention.

Whether it's from sleeping in an odd position, a previous injury, or a sudden movement, feeling stiffness or pain in your neck can affect your day-to-day life.

Below you'll find why it happens and what you can do to relieve it, always in coordination with a doctor's assessment when the pain persists.

Neck pain symptoms:

Neck pain symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Most symptoms are not a cause for concern. However, some symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

Signs and symptoms of neck pain may include:

• • Stiffness or difficulty moving the neck.
• • Muscle stiffness or spasms.
• • Sharp pain.
• • General discomfort and pain.
• • Headache.
• • Pain that worsens when holding your head in the same position, such as while driving or working at a computer.

If neck pain occurs after an injury, fall, or accident, seek medical attention immediately. It could be a sign of damage that needs medical treatment.

Most neck pain improves with simple home measures. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it's best to consult a doctor:

• • Persistent pain that doesn't improve in a few days.
• • Severe headache.
• • Numbness or tingling.
• • Difficulty grasping objects.
• • Pain that radiates to one or more limbs.

Causes of neck pain

The upper part of the spine, our neck, is made up of seven vertebrae that form the cervical spine. That's why we sometimes refer to neck pain as cervical pain. Between these vertebrae are cartilage discs that provide cushioning.

There are also nerves running through the neck, as well as muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow us to turn the neck or move and support the head. Neck pain can result from strain or injury to any of these structures, and depending on the cause, it can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term and recurring).

Some causes of acute neck pain include:

• • Poor posture.
• • Sleeping in uncomfortable positions.
• • Repetitive movements.
• • Cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerve.
• • Carrying a heavy bag on the shoulder.
• • Trauma or injury.
• • Unspecified causes.

Chronic neck pain may be caused by various conditions, which should be evaluated by a doctor.

Sometimes emotional stress can also contribute to neck pain. Anxiety, stress, and even depression can make the neck muscles tense up excessively, contributing to that discomfort.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about injuries, illnesses, or activities that might be causing your neck pain.

During the physical exam, they will check how well you can move your neck, and look for tenderness, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands.

If your pain started after an injury or hasn't improved after a few weeks, your doctor may order imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to check the neck bones, discs, nerve roots, and spinal cord.

How is neck pain treated?

The type of treatment you need will depend on whether your neck pain is caused by activities, an injury, or another medical condition. Most neck pain caused by activities can be relieved at home, though it's always advisable to have it assessed by a professional if it persists.

For sudden-onset neck pain, general measures include:

• • Applying local heat (heating pad or warm shower) for short periods, or alternating with cold, whichever feels more comfortable.
• • Avoiding further injury by adjusting how you sit or sleep.
• • Consulting a physical therapist, chiropractor, or doctor for supervised exercises and manual therapy.

Check with your doctor before taking any pain reliever or anti-inflammatory.

For chronic neck pain, your doctor may prescribe medication, physical therapy, massage, or yoga to relieve tension, always under their supervision.

Surgery is rarely needed to treat neck pain, but it may be considered if the pain is caused by a specific medical condition, such as pressure on nerve roots, a tumor, or spinal canal narrowing.

Complications of neck pain

Untreated or chronic neck pain can limit range of motion, affect sleep quality, and in some cases contribute to recurring headaches or general discomfort. That's why it's important to seek medical evaluation when the pain persists or worsens.

Can neck pain be prevented?

You can help prevent neck pain caused by stress or muscle tension with a few habits:

• • Avoid spending long periods in positions that strain your neck, such as sitting at a computer for extended periods.
• • Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor, and take short breaks several times each hour.
• • Check your pillow and sleeping position; use a pillow that keeps your neck aligned and avoid sleeping on your stomach with your neck twisted.

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