While everyone has likely had a “crick in the neck” before, there can be some times where real pain is involved. It is important to be checked out by a doctor or chiropractor to determine the cause and treatment options available to Chicago residents. In some cases, other areas of the body will also hurt, such as the shoulders or back.
Causes
In many cases, the cause of your irritation can be a simple muscle strain or poor posture. While many people walk around hunched over, it can cause a lot of problems with the back, shoulders and necks. Also, if you routinely workout, you may have strained the muscles in the area, causing it to feel cricked or painful.
Other causes can include trauma (such as a car accident), bone or joint abnormalities, tumors and degenerative diseases. However, before getting upset or worried about the irritation, remember that most of the time, the cause will be from overworking the muscles or not sitting up properly.
Diagnosis Options
Neck and shoulder pain is typically diagnosed in Chicago by use of various tests, such as MRI, CT scanning x-rays and EMG and other electrodiagnostic options. An MRI is sometimes used to find the nerve elements that are causing the problem and can also find problems with ligaments and tendons. A CT scan is also used as an MRI when an MRI cannot be used or doesn’t show anything that the doctor thinks should be there.
X-rays are the most common way to diagnose these types of problems and can reveal a narrowing between spinal bones, tumors, slipped discs, a narrowing in the spinal canal, arthritis-type diseases, a spinal instability and even fractures. Whenever the irritation seems to be because of nerve problems, an electrodiagnostic study may be used to help diagnose the problem.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment you receive will be based on the type of professional you see. Doctors will often use medications such as anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the pain and inflammation in the body. They will also suggest pain-relieving medicines.
In other cases, muscle relaxers and antidepressants may also be used to lower the irritation.
Chiropractors will typically use heat or ice to reduce swelling and help numb the area, and then will typically provide massage to the area and show you exercise that will help build up the muscles.
Go to the site Sportsinjurycenters.com for more information.
