Neck Pain

Neck Pain is one of the most common forms of pain especially for the working class in Singapore today. However, there are ways in which we can prevent and keep the soreness and pain at bay. By educating ourselves on the subject matter, we are better equipped to deal with the problem and can take better control over our situations. 

There are ligaments, bones, and muscles at our neck that help support and provide motion for the head. Inflammation or abnormalities can cause neck pain and stiffness.

Neck muscle strains are typically caused by poor posture or holding an awkward position for a prolonged period of time. However, reasons can range from poor posture, physical and mental stress, and Osteoarthritis to other health conditions. Most neck harm/pain should feel better in a few days or weeks. If pain persists beyond the time frame and numbness or loss of strength in arms can be felt, it is time to consult for medical care.

Symptoms

Neck pain symptoms can range in severity and duration. Oftentimes, neck pain signs and symptoms include:

1. Pain that’s worsened by holding your head over a prolonged period of time. Such as working over a computer or driving.
2. Headache. Pain in your neck may also cause a headache called Cervicogenic headache. Which can be a symptom of migraines as well.
3. Neck pain may increase if your cervical spine is palpated (examined physically) 
4. Muscle tightness, stiffness, and spasms
5. Numbness, tingling, or weakness may be caused by compression of a nerve around the neck. If the pain is burning or sharp and travels down to the arm, it may be caused by a pinched nerve.
6. Decreased mobility to move head freely

Causes 

There is a myriad of reasons that may contribute to Neck Pain. Identifying them can increase our chances of prevention. And prevention is better than cure. 

1. Muscle Tension and Strains: typically caused by poor posture and overuse. Such as having too many hours working over a computer or your smartphone or while driving can often trigger muscle strains. Minor things such as reading a book or gritting your teeth can also contribute to Neck pain.
2. Repetitive motion; can wear your joints out. Just like most joints in your body, your neck joint tends to wear out with age and use. Musculoskeletal diseases such as Osteoarthritis causes the cushion known as the cartilage between your vertebrae to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.
3. Nerve compression; can be caused by bone spurs and herniated discs in the vertebrae of your neck pressing against nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
4. Accidental Harms: The neck is particularly vulnerable to accidental harms. Especially in falls, accidents, and in sports whenever the muscle and ligaments may be forced out of their range. If your neck bones (cervical vertebrae) are fractured it can also damage your spinal cord. Physical harm caused by rear-end impact from car accidents can cause strain on the neck from whiplash as well. 
5. Heart attack: Neck pain can also be a symptom for heart attack when it is accompanied by other symptoms such as. Stiff neck, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, sensitivity to light, and fever.
6. Meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Symptoms include Stiff Neck, Nausea,  Vomiting , sensitivity to light, and fever

Prevention:

Neck pain is usually associated with poor postur and age related wear and tear. Keeping your head centered over the spine can help prevent neck pain as well.

1. Good posture while standing and sitting make sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips. Your ears directly overt your shoulders.
2. If you travel long distances or work for long hours at your computer therefore spending alot of time sitting down. Take breaks to stand up and stretch in 1-2 hour intervals.
3. Adjusting the furniture at your workstation to be ergonomically friendly. Such as keeping the monitor at eye level and feet grounded to the floor while sitting.
4. Smoking can increase risks for many health issues. Neck pain is one of them.
5. In comparison to sling bags, carrying backpacks is preferred. Travel as light as possible as the weight can strain on your neck.
6. Be mindful of your sleeping positions. Your head and neck should be aligned to your body. Make sure your pillow is also supporting your neck and there is no gap. Sleeping on your back is recommended, with pillows below your knees to flatten your spinal muscles.

Therapy Programs And Interventions:

• Lifestyle Modification

Our consultants will tailor a program, especially for you by diving into understanding your lifestyle. From your circadian cycle, and your diet to the physical demands of work that you go through. We will not only help you recover but also equip you with the tools necessary to prevent further aggravations in the future.

We will be able to provide therapy to correct any muscle tension and joint restrictions while prescribing the right exercises to support recovery. Such exercise will be able to help create good habits for the patient, as well as educate them through first-hand experience. 

• Shockwave Therapy Intervention

A clinically advanced non-invasive equipment This intervention helps patients with pain by reducing joint inflammations. Improving muscle imbalances and creating healthy circulations for your joints. It also helps loosen scarred tissue from chronic muscular conditions and accidental harms.

• Nerve And Muscle Stimulation Therapy 

Neuromuscular Stimulation, otherwise known as the Nerve and Muscle Stimulation Therapy is a mode of pain management. It involves the passing of electrical impulses or currents through painful areas around the body. This method is effective because it interferes with the development of further pain symptoms or diseases. This is an effective way of interfering is through the deliberate pulsations made through the skin. By promoting an increase in local blood circulation, muscle rehabilitation is processed further with re-education through electrical muscle stimulation. As a result a reduction of muscle spasms and prevention of retarding disuse atrophy. Furthermore, it helps with maintenance and increases the range of motion. Specifically in the management of chronic pain, post-traumatic acute pain, and post-surgical acute pain.

• Innate Care: Turmeric Curcumin supplements

Innate Care: Turmeric Curcumin offers superior curcumin absorption compared to other turmeric brands. With its patented formula, it has the highest concentration of curcumin resulting in 48x more absorption. This helps with joint support, cartilage formation, anti-inflammation, liver detoxification, and cholesterol regulation.

• Innate Care: Physio Aid and Joint Health

With 11 essential ingredients, Innate Care Physio Aid Joint Health supplements maximizes the absorption of all essential nutrients into your joints and bones. Allowing a healthy growth of cartilage and bones. Containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, you will face a reduction in joint inflammation and pain.