When you have injured your neck, the only thought you most likely will have is: When will I receive neck pain relief? Spinal pain can be an excruciating experience. With different causes and varying degrees of pain, it can be a delicate position in which you find yourself. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to alleviate the pain and possibly eradicate the problem. Take a look at the following things you should know about your situation:
Causes and Types of Neck Pain
As you are most likely aware, there are multiple types of pains associated with the neck. To achieve neck pain relief, you must first find the source of the pain. First, and always foremost, contact a medical professional, such as your doctor, for a formal diagnosis.
Discs
The spine is comprised of vertebrae, or small bones, and in between each vertebra is a disc. A disc is a sponge like material that provides support and flexibility to the spine. It can be extremely painful when a disc “slips” or moves. Problems with discs can cause numerous different types of pain, and until the discs are set back into place, the sufferer will not experience neck pain relief.
Nerves
Just as there are thousands of nerves throughout the body, the spine and neck contain hundreds of sensitive nerves. When these nerves become lodged between discs, they often create a painful sensation. These are sometimes known as pinched nerves.
Sleep Position and Poor Posture
Injury to the neck can occur from a number of different sources. One of the most common origin of the pain comes from sleeping in a poor position. While this may seem like a simple fix, improper sleep positions can cause difficulties. It is not always easy to fix a bad sleep position. Likewise, poor posture can cause undue pressure to the neck, causing hurt to the person.
Injury
Another common source of pain is injury. Whether you have been in a car wreck, experienced a sports-related injury, or have had a recent fall, the neck is vulnerable to both direct and indirect impact. Always check with a doctor if you have experienced some fall or hit to your body and have neck pain afterward.
Solutions
Thankfully, neck pain relief is attainable if you seek the proper treatment. Because a popular source for the problem lies in the alignment of the spine, including the position and placement of the discs and nerves, osteopathic manipulation is a great option for a lot of patients.
Osteopathic therapy involves the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, bones and nerves of the body. Doctors of Osteopathy, or D.O., have had great success in treating injuries to the spine. Osteopathic physicians are certified medical doctors who are licensed to prescribe medications and practice medicine, as well as surgery, like other physicians. Yet, these doctors take a more holistic approach, viewing an injury in its totality.
Other options include physical therapy and as a last resort, surgery. If there is ever any doubt, consult a trusted physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan.