HEAD & NECK.

OUR METHODS IN HEALING

Head and neck pain is an extremely common condition and there are many recognisable symptoms associated with it. Neck pain is often associated with headaches and can also refer to pain in the shoulder and arm.

Our physiotherapists at Platinum Physiotherapy provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for head and neck conditions including:

  • Headaches
  • Acute wry neck pain
  • Cervical postural syndrome
  • Nerve root pain
  • Stiff Neck
  • Whiplash

WHY SHOULD I HAVE SERVICE?

It usually includes stretching and strengthening exercises, which build neck strength, improve flexibility, and train the muscles that are attached to the cervical spine. Stronger back and core muscles also help provide proper support for the spine and prevent neck pain.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE SERVICE?

A head massage may help relieve stress and reduce tension. It may also ease migraine or headache pain, lower blood pressure, improve circulation to your head and neck, and promote hair growth. Before using essential oils, make sure they’re diluted, and do a patch test before using on a large area of skin.

When to see your doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a week, consult a doctor. Also see a doctor if you have:
  • severe neck pain without apparent cause
  • a lump in your neck
  • fever
  • headache
  • swollen glands
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • trouble swallowing or breathing
  • weakness
  • numbness
  • tingling

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CONDITIONS ?

A head massage may help relieve stress and reduce tension. It may also ease migraine or headache pain, lower blood pressure, improve circulation to your head and neck, and promote hair growth.
TYPES:
  • pain that radiates down your arms or legs
  • inability to move your arms or hands
  • inability to touch your chin to your chest
  • bladder or bowel dysfunction

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of neck pain may include:
  • Stiff neck. People with neck pain often describe feeling as though their neck is “stiff” or “stuck.” Neck pain can sometimes cause a decreased range of motion.
  • Sharp pain. Neck pain may feel like sharp or “stabbing” pain that is localized to one area.
  • Pain when moving. Neck pain is often exacerbated by moving, twisting, or extending your cervical spine, either from side to side or up and down.
  • Radiating pain or numbness. Your neck pain may radiate to your head, trunk, shoulder, and arms. If your neck pain involves the compression of a nerve, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in either of your arms or hands. Neck pain that is from a pinched nerve may feel like a burning or sharp pain that starts at the neck and travels down the arm. Talk with a doctor if you experience this symptom.
Neck pain or stiffness can happen for a variety of reasons. Muscle tension and strain This is usually from activities and behaviors such as:
  • poor posture
  • working at a desk for too long without changing position
  • working at a desk for too long without changing position
  • sleeping with your neck in a bad position
  • jerking your neck during exercise

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Usually, a medical history and a physical exam are enough for a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause of neck pain. A healthcare provider will first eliminate serious causes of neck pain, like pressure on your spinal cord, myelopathy, an infection or cancer.

  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Imaging tests 
  • X-rays: 
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): 
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: 

In rare instances, your provider may order additional tests, including:

  • Electrodiagnostic tests: 
  • Lab tests:

TREATMENT

Treatment aims to relieve your pain and improve movement in your neck. Most causes of neck pain eventually improve and can be managed at home. Your provider will suggest treatments to manage your symptoms, including:

  • Pain medications and muscle relaxers: Medicines, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease neck pain and inflammation, and muscle relaxants to help your neck muscles heal, are common first-line treatments for neck pain.
  • Physical therapy: You may work with a physical therapist or a fitness trainer to learn exercises and movements that strengthen the muscles and tendons in your neck and improve flexibility.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit: A TENS unit applies a low-level electrical current to your skin near your nerves to disrupt the pain signal causing discomfort.
  • Steroid injections: A shot near the nerve roots can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Alternative therapies: Your provider may recommend acupuncture to relieve pain, or massage to help loosen tightened muscles contributing to your discomfort. 
  • Surgery: Most causes of neck pain don’t require surgery. Still, you may need surgery if one or more of the vertebrae in your spine has shifted out of place or is putting pressure on your nerves.

MEDICATIONS

You can take steps to prevent neck pain related to strains and tense muscles.

  • Practice good posture.
Position electronic devices, like computers and phones, so you don’t have to slouch or strain your neck when using them.
  • Adjust your sleep position.
Maintain good posture when you’re asleep. If you sleep on your back or side, use a pillow to support your head so your head and neck are aligned with the rest of your body.
  • Stay active.

 If you work a job that involves sitting for long periods, take occasional breaks to move around and stretch your entire body, including your neck muscles.

  • Don’t carry heavy weight on your shoulders.

 Avoid carrying heavy objects like book bags or suitcases over your shoulder. Instead, consider using luggage or bags with wheels.

  • ANTIDEPRESSANTS :
Some types of antidepressants — particularly duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline — have been shown to relieve chronic back pain.

SURGICAL AND OTHER PROCEDURES

Head and Neck Surgery. Head and neck surgery can treat a variety of problems of the head and neck. Conditions include thyroid problems, sinus disorders and head and neck cancers. Many patients with cancers in the head or neck receive surgery to remove tumors and cancerous tissue.

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS FOR HEAD & NECK PAIN

What are common head and neck conditions?
Common infections such as a cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, mononucleosis, strep throat, ear infection, or infected tooth often cause swollen lymph nodes. However, swollen lymph nodes can also signify more serious conditions.
What are the complications of head and neck?
In head and neck surgery, complications can arise due to airway compromise, vascular injury, infections and rarely physiologic causes. Carefully performed surgery is the cornerstone of success.
What is the purpose of head and neck assessment?
The head and neck. Peritonsillar Abscess examination is the portion of the physical examination done to observe for signs of head and neck. Peritonsillar Abscess disease or illness.
What is the most common head neck and spine injury?
The most common neck injuries include a crick in the neck, a muscle strain, a neck sprain, whiplash, a herniated disc, a neck fracture (break in a cervical bone), a cervical dislocation, stingers and burners (temporary injuries to the nerve root or brachial plexus), and a spinal cord injury.

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