Chronic Back and Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions 

Most people in India suffer from neck pain. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting 16.7% to 75.1% of people worldwide. A little discomfort in the neck or back can disturb your regular life and result in cervical pain if not treated on time.  

When it comes to treatment, it’s better to refer to the best doctors. Dr Raveesh Sunkara is the best spine surgeon in Hyderabad, with 10+ years of experience treating brain and spine conditions.  

But before treating, it is essential to understand the signs, symptoms, and causes of back neck pain. In this blog, we will clarify everything related to neck and spine pain and how to get neck pain relief. Let’s get started with the blog.  

What is Chronic Back and Neck Pain? 

The term “chronic back and neck pain” describes persistent back and neck discomfort that usually lasts longer than three months but can last for years. This kind of pain can be either continuous or sporadic, and it can impact the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, or neck (cervical spine).  

Changes in posture, tense muscles, or the deterioration of spinal structures are frequently linked to it. Mild to severe chronic pain can impair a person’s quality of life, cause a stiff neck, and limit their range of motion. 

What Can Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain? 

Neck and shoulder muscle pain are widespread in people and many of them even ignore it. This ignorance might result in a lot of stress, as permanent pain can lead to cervicalgia (a medical term for neck pain).  

Several factors can cause neck pain. These are some of the common causes that need your attention-  

1. Muscle Strain: Muscle strain can cause pain in the neck and shoulder. Sitting on a chair or neck for a long time can lead to muscle fatigue and strain. Strain can cause less as well as severe pain in the neck.  
2. Cervical Disc Degeneration: Disc degeneration is the gradual deterioration of the cervical spine’s (neck region) intervertebral discs as a result of aging or trauma. Shoulder and arm pain, numbness, or tingling may come from this.  
3. Cervical Radiculopathy: This disease can be caused by irritation or sensation in the nerve of the neck. Symptoms include deep pain in the shoulder or arm.  
4. Whiplash Injury: If you have been through a car accident, then you will experience a whiplash injury in your head that will damage your neck and shoulder tissues. Even after recovery, some sort of stiffness is still experienced by people.  
5. Stress and Tension: Emotional stress can cause muscle stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and neck. Prolonged stress can increase the likelihood of pain and stiffness in these muscles, creating a vicious cycle of misery. 

Neck Pain or Cervical Symptoms

1. Neck Pain Stiffness 

You will experience stiffness in your neck (can’t be able to move the neck). When you try to move it, you experience pain. 

2. Muscle Weakness 

Weakness in the hands, arms, or shoulders that might make it challenging to carry out daily duties. 

3. Constant Pain 

You experience constant and severe pain in the middle or back of your neck, and if it exceeds, then it will go to the shoulder and back.  

4. Numbness or Tingling 

People experience a pin-or-needle sensation in the neck nerve, which means that they have issues with the nerve.  

5. Headaches 

Experiencing continuous headaches is a sign of cervical spine or muscle tension. It’s crucial to get neck pain treatment as soon as possible.  

6. Tenderness 

Discomfort while applying pressure to the shoulder muscles or neck can be caused by inflammation, tension, or strain of the muscles brought on by injury, stress, or bad posture.  

How To Treat Neck and Back Pain? 

You can relieve the pain with some homemade solutions at some point. But if the pain persists for a long time, you need to seek treatment from a doctor.  

1. Heat and Cold Therapy 

You can apply an ice pack or cold material wrapped in a cloth to the paining area. Gently keep it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the swelling and get neck pain relief.  

On the other hand, some pain can be treated with hot therapy. Apply a hot water bottle bag or heating pad to the affected area for 20 minutes. This will increase your blood flow and calm the pain.  

2. Spine Surgery 

Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other structural problems that don’t improve with conservative measures may occasionally necessitate surgery. 

You can seek the best spine doctor in Hyderabad and get your surgery done by a professional surgeon. Dr Raveesh Sunkara offers different types of spine surgeries and provides the best treatment you need.  

3. Massage Therapy 

Massage or neck pain exercises help ease tense muscles, increase blood flow, and lessen discomfort and inflammation. A professional massage therapist who specializes in treating shoulder and neck pain might be worth seeing. 

For at-home treatment, target the shoulders, upper back, and neck with a handheld massager, foam roller, or massage ball.  

Conclusion 

Neck and Back pain seems to be harmful to your health if not diagnosed early. By taking massages, cold-hot therapy, and some medication, you can cure your pain.  

But sometimes, the pain can grow to such an extent that you need surgery. If you are in search of this, then Arete Hospital is one of the best spine hospital in Hyderabad. Contact us now and seek a 1:1 consultation from Dr Raveesh Sunkara.  

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