1. Description and Diagnosis
The cervical spine is a unique part of the spine consisting of seven different vertebrae. It is capable of maintaining a human head that weighs 15 to 20 pounds as it moves in many different directions. Hence, the cervical spine is very vulnerable to injury and pain. If you are having cervical pain, a doctor will have to run tests to see what is going one with your neck before he can make a diagnosis. Once he knows what is going on, he can provide the proper treatment. The doctor will do an oral exam where he will ask you questions about your medical history. He will also do a physical exam. Finally, he will do neurological test on the cervical spine and take several X-rays.
2. Causes of Cervical Pain
There are many causes of cervical pain. The most obvious cause is injury, most commonly from an auto accident. Other common causes include poor posture, obesity, having weak abdominal muscles and growing older. Anything that puts pressure on one's neck can be the cause of cervical pain.
3. Whiplash: The Main Cause
Whiplash is one of the most common causes of cervical pain. Whiplash is not a medical term; it is used to describe neck strains and sprains. It usually happens during an automobile accident. There Its symptoms are neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, difficulty swallowing and shoulder and back pain. A doctor will usually prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications to treat whiplash.
4. Home Remedies for Cervical Pain
There are a few home remedies that are used to treat cervical pain. Lying on a heating pad or an ice bag will sometimes reduce or eliminate the pain. In addition, one can try laying on a rolled up towel or a roll pillow for a while. A good neck massage, neck stretches and exercises also might be beneficial for relieving cervical pain. Taking daily doses of vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium will increase the strength of bones and could possibly help to make the cervical area of the neck feel better.
5. Follow the Doctor's Orders
When you has a neck injury or cervical pain, do not ignore your doctor's advice. What may seem to be a pulled muscle could actually be the signs and symptoms of a larger problem. Go to the doctor with any type of ongoing cervical pain. By carefully following a doctor's order for treating cervical pain, one should completely recover from this condition.
