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Neck Pain, Swelling & Aches

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Neck Pain and Problems

Neck pain is a very common condition and most of us will have it at some point in our lives. Ranging from mild discomfort in the neck to severe, painful condition that radiates down to one or both the arms, neck pain and problems are generally caused by an injury from a fall, whiplash accidents, or poor posture. Neck swelling and pain can also be caused by contact sports, or sleeping in an awkward position. Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. 

Neck pain can be acute or chronic. Most people with back or neck injuries suffer from acute pain, which lasts for a week or two, and usually subsides on its own; without medical treatment. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts for more than a month and requires medical treatment.

If you experience persistent neck ache, or difficulty moving your neck, it’s time to consult an experienced orthopedic specialist or orthopedic spine surgeon.  

At Felix Hospitals, our multidisciplinary team, comprising orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical and occupational therapists, and support staff closely work together to relieve your neck ache and get you back to your active life.

The most common symptoms associated with neck pain and problems include:

  • Pain in neck that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or upper back
  • Tension headaches
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Dizziness and blackouts
  • Muscle spasms
  • Limited range of motion

If your neck pain lasts more than a few days, or if you have symptoms other than pain and stiffness, or suddenly develop neck stiffness along with difficulty lifting both arms above your head, you should see a specialist immediately.

You may be asked to consult a neurosurgeon if:

  • Neck pain accompanies fever or headache
  • Pain shoots down one or both arms
  • There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
  • Stiff neck makes it hard to touch chin to chest

  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Pinched nerves
  • Sleeping in wrong position
  • Whiplash accidents
  • Sprain or a strain
  • A flare-up of cervical spondylosis
  • Fracture
  • Tumor
Conditions Related to Neck Pain
  • Cervical Spondylosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Cervical Osteoarthritis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Slipped, Bulging or Herniated Disc
  • Spinal Stenosis and Myelopathy
  • Cancer
  • Meningitis
Neck Pain and Heart Attack

Although neck swelling and pain isn’t related to the heart, sudden or severe neck pain could be a sign of a heart attack. If you’re having a heart attack, you typically experience other symptoms along with neck pain, including:

  • Arm, jaw, or upper back pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

There are several factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing neck pain and problems. These include:

  • Being female
  • History of neck injuries
  • Poor posture
  • Smoking
Complications

Neck pain can sometimes involve damage to bones, muscles, discs, or ligaments, but pain can also be caused by damage to nerves or the spinal cord. At times, when the spine is injured, the spinal nerve root can be compressed which causes pain accompanied with weakness, numbness, and tingling in an arm, which needs immediate medical intervention.

Medical Management

Neck pain treatment depends on how severe your pain is and the underlying cause. Common non-surgical treatment options may include:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options
  • Medication that includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medicines
  • Steroid injections usually given into the small facet joints of your neck
  • Physical therapy, including applying heat or ice, massage, and strengthening exercises
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy
  • Collars to support the neck
  • Posture modification
Surgical Management

If non-surgical treatment fails to relieve your neck pain, you may need surgery. The orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons at Felix Hospitals have extensive training in the most advanced surgical procedures to treat neck pain, including minimally invasive spinal cord compression surgery. However, in many cases, spinal fusion surgery is performed.

Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a union between two or more vertebrae. Screws or plates may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. This procedure helps in strengthening and stabilizing the spine, besides helping to reduce severe and chronic neck pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most common treatments for chronic neck pain. Most physical therapy programs for neck pain involve strengthening and stretching the neck exercises. This helps to reduce pain and/or stiffness. However, the specific methods and exercises used in physical therapy, as well as the duration of the treatment plan, can vary from person to person.

 

Why Choose Felix Hospital for Neck Pain and Problems?

At Felix Hospital, we provide comprehensive diagnosis, world-class treatment, and unparalleled patient care to all our patients. Our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons provide advanced care for conditions of the neck and spine. 

Here’s what makes us the best choice for the neck pain and problems treatment: 

FAQs

You can start by consulting our orthopedic specialist for your head and neck pain. However, based on your symptoms and assessment, the orthopedic specialist may refer you to another specialist, such as a neurologist at our hospital.
You should seek medical care if your neck ache is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have radiating pain into your shoulder or down your arm.
Neck pain may be a sign of cancer if you have a lump or swelling that does not heal. Or if your neck swelling and pain is accompanied by other signs, like persistent throat or facial pain, frequent headaches, numbness in the head and neck region, ear pain or ringing in the ears, voice changes or hoarseness, or nasal problems, etc.
Neck pain may be a sign of a heart attack if you are a female, and if your neck pain is accompanied by other signs, like severe fatigue, shortness of breath, sudden or excessive sweating, or chest pain or pressure.
Yes, our physical therapists at Felix Hospitals offer individualized plans that can be very effective for neck pain. However, your doctor will be in the best position to advise you on the most effective treatment for your neck pain.