Neck pain is a nuisance. Whether it’s because you slept in a strange position, suffered a previous injury or made a sudden movement – something we all hate when it happens to us – feeling a crack in the neck can spoil your day, in the best of cases. Now you can discover why it occurs and what you can do to relieve pain, so that moving puts a smile on your face instead of a wince.
Anyone can experience neck pain. In fact, most experience it from time to time, usually due to poor posture or muscle overload. However, sometimes neck pain is caused by an injury, such as whiplash, a fall, or a blow in contact sports. If this is you, you may need medical attention.
Neck pain symptoms
The symptoms of neck pain vary from a simple discomfort to a very sharp pain. Most symptoms of the pain are nothing to worry about. However, some symptoms may indicate a more serious problem that needs medical attention. We’ll help you figure out when neck pain is a cause for concern and when it’s not.
The symptoms and signs of neck pain can be 2:
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the neck
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- sharp pain
- General discomfort and pain
- Headache
- Pain that is aggravated when you hold your head in one position, such as when driving or working on a computer
If pain occurs after an injury, fall, or accident, you should see a doctor right away. It could be a sign that there is damage that requires medical treatment.
Neck pain can seem much scarier than it really is. Most pain goes away on its own with home remedies. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you’d better see a doctor:
- Persistent pain that does not get better in days
- Intense headache
- numbness or tingling
- Difficulty grasping objects
- Pain that spreads to one or more extremities
Causes of neck pain
Basically, the upper part of the spine and spinal cord, our neck, is made up of seven vertebrae that form what is known as the cervical spine. For that reason we sometimes refer to neck pain as cervical pain. Between these vertebrae are cartilage discs that provide cushioning. There are also nerves that run throughout the neck, as well as muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow us to turn our necks or move and support our heads. Neck pain can be caused by a strain or injury to any of these structures.
Depending on its cause, pain can be acute or chronic – that is, it can be short-lived and go away quickly, or it can be long-lasting and recurrent.
How to avoid neck pain?
- Apply heat to the neck using warm, moist heating pads or towels, or take a hot bath
- Massage and move the neck
- Stretch your neck
- Reduce stress
- Apply ice to the injured area
- Maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, or walking
- Sleep in a position that provides good support for your neck
- Do exercises to strengthen your neck
Neck Pain Relief
If you want to fully enjoy everything that’s going on around you, like turning your head to see that beautiful butterfly flying by your side, you’ll need to focus on pain relief. The key lies in identifying the cause of your pain and the treatment you follow. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
You can try Voltadol gels, for pain caused by contractures, sprains, strains and bruises of the muscles, ligaments, tendons or joints. Voltadol and Voltadol Forte are medicines that contain diclofenac diethylamine, a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that fights pain and inflammation at its source to accelerate natural recovery. So you can enjoy the joy of movement again!
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