Introduction Symptoms Conventional treatment Prevention

Causes Diagnosis Homoeopathic treatment

Few of the common causes of neck pain have been listed below:

• Over-use - muscular strain is one of the most common causes of neck pain
• Remaining in abnormal postures for prolonged periods - falling asleep on sofas, chairs, etc
• Stress - physical and emotional stress
• Injuries - from sporting events, day to day minor injuries
• Cervical Spondylosis - a degenerative type of arthritis of the joints of Cervical (neck) spine
• Spinal Stenosis - condition of narrowing of the spinal canal leading to pressure on the nerves
• Spinal Disc Herniation - a condition in which the disc between bones of the spine (Intervertebral disc) starts protruding or bulging causing pressure on the nearby nerves. This condition is also commonly known as 'Slipped Disc'
• Severe degeneration - usually as a result of past injuries or whiplash accidents
• Referred pain - pain arising in a place different from the neck but being felt in the region of the neck. Mostly upper back problems may cause the pain to be referred to the neck region.

• The symptoms may be gradual in onset or may start suddenly
• Pain may be localised to the neck region or may radiate to the nearby regions
• Neck soreness (one sided or bilateral)
• Stiffness
• Pain around the shoulder blades
• Arm complaints (pain, numbness or weakness)
• Tingling sensation
• Burning pain
• Headache
• Tingling numbness, pain or weakness in arms
• Difficulty in writing
• Tiredness
• Giddiness

Diagnosis of the cause of neck pain is essential for instituting the right treatment. The medical history and examination findings point towards the kind of diagnosis in most cases. However, certain investigations are required in most cases to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the investigations that are generally done in cases of neck disorders are as follows:

• X-ray
• CT scan (Computerised Tomography scan)
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Bone scan
• Bone scan
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve Conduction Velocity test

The treatment is instituted after adequate evaluation of the cause of the neck pain. However, certain groups of drugs remain common to multiple conditions and these are as follows:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Muscle relaxants
• Local injection of Steroid or anaesthetic drugs
• Local application of muscle relaxants
• Immobilisation: Using a sling, cast or a splint, the neck is immobilised to prevent any further damage and to help the healing of the affected part

Surgery is considered as an option in very few patients who do not respond to a combination of rest, medication and physical therapy. In cases where there is increased pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root (due to a herniated disk or bony narrowing of the spinal canal) surgery may be necessary. Following an injury that has caused a fracture in the cervical spine, surgery may be required to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis.

Homeopathy has very good scope in the treatment of most of the cases of neck pain. In a few cases that require surgery, the scope of Homeopathy may be limited to palliation of the pain.

In conditions with neck pain due to improper postures, over-use, stress, early cervical spondylosis, injuries, etc. Homeopathy can give excellent results in most cases. The treatment not only helps the existing pain but also prevents the further progress of the condition and prevents complications.

In cases with advanced pathological changes, the role of medical treatment remains palliative. However, it must be noted that even in such cases, the benefits of Homeopathy are that the treatment is completely safe and without any side-effects whatsoever. Homeopathy is strongly indicated for all cases of neck pain.

• Exercise your neck (and body) regularly
• Attain and maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce your stress and tension
• Eat healthy food and get enough calcium
• Avoid slouching
• Support your back adequately while working at the desk
• Adjust computer monitor to eye-level
• Wear seat belts and use other safety equipment to reduce injuries
• Use proper sports equipment and get trained thoroughly to use them
• While sleeping, use a pillow that adequately supports your neck
• Stop smoking
• Lift heavy items safely
• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods without any change in posture

During an acute attack:

• Complete rest in bed is strongly suggested
• Avoid sudden movements of the neck, running, jumping, etc
• Take proper head rest while sleeping; do not use very thick pillows
• Do not lift heavy weights
• Cervical collar to support the neck may be used
• Physiotherapy, shortwave diathermy, massage, traction or exercises should be undertaken under doctor's guidance only

Neck exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of neck muscles:

Isometric exercises help in strengthening the muscles of the neck region. These movements are performed while resistance is being given by the hands as shown in the illustrations below:

Flexion of neck: Apply light backward pressure on your forehead with both hands and resist the backward movement of the head with your neck.

Extention of neck: Place your palms at the base of the head and apply light forward pressure. Try to resist the forward movement of the head by pushing your head backward.

Side-bending: Start by keeping your head in a neutral position. Apply light pressure with the right hand above the right ear while trying to resist the movement of the head. Repeat the same exercise on the left side.

Flexibility exercises help in improving the mobility of the neck and reducing the spasm of the muscles.

Flexion: Sit erect and bend the head forward and try to touch your chin to you chest. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Go back to normal position of the head and repeat the exercise again.

Extention: Take your head back slowly, as far as you can, so that the chin points upwards. Stay in this position for 5 seconds and then come back to the erect position. Repeat the exercise.

Neck rotation: Sit erect and turn your head slowly to the right. Bring it back to the neutral position, relax and then move it to the left. Repeat the exercise.

Side bend: Sit erect; tilt your head towards your right shoulder so that your right ear moves closer to your right shoulder. Then slowly come back to the neutral position. Repeat the same exercise on the left side. Repeat this entire exercise few times.

The Yogasans mentioned below must be performed only under the guidance of a Yoga instructor initially; thereafter, once they have been mastered well, the person can perform them independently.

Dhanurasan: Lie down on back. Grasp the ankles with the hands, without bending the legs at the knees. Raise the trunk and the legs so as to make a bow as shown in the figure.

Naukasan: Sit erect; tilt your head towards your right shoulder so that your right ear moves closer to your right shoulder. Then slowly come back to the neutral position. Repeat the same exercise on the left side. Repeat this entire exercise few times.

Bhujangasan: Lie down on back. Grasp the ankles with the hands, without bending the legs at the knees. Raise the trunk and the legs so as to make a bow as shown in the figure.