Singapore Neck Pain TCM Centre

 

Neck pain is a common problem in Singapore. The neck has a significant amount of motion, and supports the weight of the head.  However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion.

Neck pain refers to pain that originates in the cervical spine. The symptoms can be sore muscles, headaches or tightness across the upper back musculature. Neck pain is also a very common medical complaint. Neck pain may result from muscle strain, arthritis, disc degeneration, poor posture, or injury.

 

The neck is made up of many different structures. Cervical ligaments (like thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine.  The muscles allow for support and motion.

 

Pain in the neck can be due to injury, a mechanical or muscular problem, a trapped nerve caused by a bulge in one of the discs between the vertebrae, or from arthritis of the neck.

 

It can range from very mild discomfort to severe, burning and disabling pain.

 

Slipped Disc

What is the cause of neck pain?

The causes of neck pain can be several. The neck is made up of many components – bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves – and any of these can be hurt resulting in pain. More than that, a pain in the jaw, head or shoulders may also spread to the neck. In the same way, malfunctions in your neck can also bring pain to other parts of your body, such as your head, upper back, shoulders or arms. The most common cause of neck pain, however, is muscle and ligament strain, especially from poor posture, or from an injury. Wear and tear from the ageing process or arthritis can be culprits too.

What are the common symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain hits in different ways – cramping, stabbing or intermittent. If the nerves are involved, it can result in numbness, tingling feeling, loss of sensation or weakness in arms or legs.

Muscle strain or sprain is usually easy to self-diagnose. They typically occure after a strenuous activity or prolonged incorrect posture, which puts excessive strain on the neck muscles. Such pain, however, usually improves within a few days. Consult Dr. Kevin Yip if the pain does not let up within a week or two, or if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe pain from an injury, eg. car accident, a fall, etc. In such cases, bone fractures is what you need to beware of.
• Shooting pain radiating to your shoulders or arms, or numbness and tingling in your fingers. Such pain may result from nerve irritation.
• Weakness in the arms or legs, walking difficulties, urinary retention or incontinence, or change in bowel function may indicate injury to the spinal cord.

Save your neck

Posture for your neck:

Long hours at a desk or computer cause the head and shoulders to creep forward, a posture that takes its toll on the neck over time. Take frequent breaks by getting up and taking a walk. Roll your shoulders back, as if you were pinching your shoulder blades together. Aligning the top of the computer monitor to eye level will also help to prevent unnecessary strain.