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Ra eran ram recom the ntt nn wee , n a H E A L T H Neck pain can be a real pain in the neck Learn to differentiate mild pain from a potentially series illness or injury You may have been called a \pain in the neck\ or bothered by someone you consider to be a \pain in the neck,\ but worse than that can be having real pain in the neck. The most common causes of neck pain are muscle strain or tension. These often result from bending over a desk for hours, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or twisting and turning the neck abruptly while exercising. Poor posture or placing a computer monitor too high or too low can increase the chances you will suffer neck pain. Other causes of neck pain include a herniated disc. arthritis, fibromyalgia (pain syndrome throughout the entire body), and less commonly, meningitus (inflammation of the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord). Accidents and falls can cause severe neck injuries, including whiplash, frac- tures of the vertebrae (bones of the neck and spine), and even paralysis. What to do for minor neck pain For minor neck pain from common causes, the National Institutes of Health recommends the following: * Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. * Apply heat or ice to the painful area. One good method is to use ice intermit- tently during the first 48 to 72 hours and follow with heat from a heating pad. hot showers or hot compresses. Do not sleep with a heating pad or get in such a relaxed position that you are in danger of falling asleep with a heating pad. * Perform slow range -of- motion exer- cises to gently stretch your neck mus- cles. Move your neck up and down, side to side, and from ear to ear. * Ask a partner to gently massage the sore or painful areas. * Try sleeping on a firm mattress without a pillow or with a special neck pillow. When you need to call your doctor Not all neck pain succumbs to self- care. The following circumstances should prompt a visit to your doctor * After one week, self-care has not helped ease your neck pain. * You have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand. * You have swollen glands or a lump in your neck. * Your pain does not respond to stan- dard doses of over-the-counter pain medication. You should get emergency care by going to a hospital or calling 911 if: * Your neck pain was caused by a fall, blow or injury and you cannot move your arm or hand. * You have a fever and headache and your neck is so stiff that you cannot touch your chin to your chest. This could be an indication of meningitis. Finding the source of the pain and relieving it Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask detailed questions about when the neck pain first devel- oped,. where it seems to be located, what makes it worse.and possible accompa- nying symptoms,. such as numbness, tin- gling or weakness in your arm or hand. Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and blood work may be ordered. If the diagnosis is pain due to muscle spasm or pinched nerve, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant and possibly a more powerful pain reliever. If there is nerve damage. you may be asked to wear a neck collar and he referred to a neurologist, a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treat- ment of diseases of the nervous system. If meningius is suspected, you will be sent to an emergency department for fur- ther tests, antibiotics and admission to the hospital. If a thyroid condition is sus- pected, addmonal follow -up tests will be needed Some methods to help prevent neck pain The following techniques are recom- mended by the Natonal Institutes of Health and offered here by the Medical Society of the State of New York * Get regular exercise and try relax stress and tension to the neck muscles * Learn how to properly stretch your neck and upper body and do so every day. especially before and after exercise. * If exercise tends to cause neck pain. apply ice to your neck after physical activity * Practice good posture, especially if you sit at a desk all day. Keep your back well supported and adjust your comput er monitor to eye level Stretch your neck every hour or so * When working from printed docu ments, use a documents holder and pos: ton it at eye level * If phone work is a major part ef your job. use a telephone headset * When diving. use seat belts tow pre vent injunies «Wear a heimet when ming a bike scooter, or skateboard Sleep well Make sure your pillow properhy and comfortably supports your head and neck and your mattress is firm enough [hsv information is provided by the Medial Socwty of the Stute of New York (MSSNY ). 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Whether you require treatment for a shoulder condition, or any other musculoskeletal problem. the physi- cians of Orthopedic Associates of Long Island can help you return to the you desire with less invasive solutions for all your orthopedic conditions. Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, LLP (631) 689-6698 ' Nestor Blyznak, MD, PC ___ Jeffrey Muhlrad, MD. PC Eric Dubrow, MD Douglas Petraco, MD. PC Bryan Hanypsiak, MD Steven Puopolo, MD | Richard Hindes, MD, PC Philip Schrank, MD Neil Kurtz, MD, PC OUR CONVENIENT OFFICES: East Setauket, Ronkonkoma, Wading River, and Riverhead _ Extremity MRI machine located in our East Setauket Office § ._ ames mommerme w mureman
