Generally, many people experience stiff or painful necks that usually get better after several days or some weeks. In most cases, it does not indicate anything serious. However, the pain may persist for several months which could be a sign of a serious medical condition that require to be addressed. For better results, early interventions on neck pain Russellville may be necessary.

Usually, the cervical spine or the neck is usually a coordinated network of bones, nerves, joints as well as muscles which are usually directed by the spinal cord and the brain. It is usually designed for stability, strength and nerve communication. However, there are several problems which could cause painful neck. At the same time, irritation of the nerve pathways may cause pain in the head, arms, shoulders, and the hands.

Usually, there are a number of factors that may cause painful necks, these include poor sleeping positions, long use of computers leading to muscle straining due to wrong positioning. In addition, stress and anxiety which could strain the muscles resulting in too much pain due to the tension exerted. Other contributing factors include joint and bone abnormalities, tumors, trauma and degenerative diseases.

There are also a wide range of symptoms of this condition. One of the symptom is stiffness that makes it difficult to turn the head. Another symptom is stabbing or sharp pain in a particular spot. Also, a person may feel tenderness or soreness of the general area, or a painful situation radiating down into your arms, shoulders, and fingers or up into your head.

Sometimes, the symptoms associated with painful necks can even be more problematic. Such symptoms are such as a numbness, tingling or weakness that goes into the arms, shoulders and fingers, trouble lifting or gripping objects, loss of bowel or bladder control, as well as difficulty walking, coordination and balancing. However, minor painful necks are often ignored. At the same time, the pain could be so agonizing interfering with daily activities. Also, the ache could be short-lived, constant or recurrent.

In Russellville AR, painful necks can be diagnosed in various ways. One way is via x-rays. The x-rays may reveal narrow spaces between spinal bones, slipped discs, tumors, diseases such as arthritis, instability of the spinal column, and fractures. Another noninvasive procedure known as magnetic resonance imaging may also provide more details on nerve-related elements, as well as ligament and tendons problems.

Other diagnostic methods are such as CT scan or myelography which is sometimes used instead of magnetic resonance imaging. Also, electro-diagnostic studies may be used in diagnosing painful neck, arms, shoulders as well as tingling and numbness.

The treatment for the neck soft tissues may include anti-inflammatory medications, but your doctor may also recommend using pain relievers. Nevertheless, depending on the origin of your painful condition antidepressants and muscle relaxers may be helpful. Other treatments may involve using moist heat or ice and exercises. However, when the nerve roots or spinal cord are involved, a surgical procedure may be recommended but your doctor will always recommend the best treatment method.