Neck pain can happen to just about anyone. Next to headaches, it is a very common symptom that may seem harmless. Yet it is disruptive to our lifestyle and if left untreated, it could cause much suffering and incapacitate us. Sometimes, neck pain could be a temporary condition that disappears with time. But more often than not, it is more than meets the eye.
UP TO THE NECK IN PAIN
The neck is composed of the bones (called vertebrae), ligaments, discs, muscles, joints and spinal cord. These structures are supplied with nerve endings that will detect painful problems when they arise. Normally well co-ordinated, the various parts of the cervical
spine are Positioned to handle all the movements, stresses, and strains of the body gracefully. However, if any one part is injured or starts to wear out, significant pain and discomfort will occur.
There are many possible causes of neck pain and they commonly include muscle strain, trauma, disc herniation, degenerative cervical spine and inflammatory cause like rheumatoid arthritis and infections. In Annie Tiang TCM years of practice, we have also seen more rare causes like infection and tumours.
SYMPTOMS THAT JUST WON'T GO AWAY
There are a wide variety of possible symptoms, depending on the severity of the underlying problem. 
·Pain
Sufferers can have pain in the neck, shoulder, and pain in between the shoulder blades, arms or even head. To differentiate the various possible sources, the doctor has to determine if the pain is mechanical or non-mechanical in nature. Mechanical
pain is characteristically aggravated or increased with activity and diminished with rest or positional changes. Non-mechanical pain is not relieved with rest or positional changes.
· Numbness/Weakness
The cervical spine houses important nerve structures like the nerves that supply the upper limbs and the spinal cord. Each nerve that exits the spine at different levels provides sensation to the skin of the upper limb that follows a specific dermatomal
distribution and innervates their respective group of muscle in the upper limbs. If the nerve root is impinged at the neck level, the patient will experience symptoms of variable degrees of sharp, boring or shooting pain to the arms on the affected side. Such pain is termed radicular pain. The most common causes of nerve impingement at the neck level are herniated disc or bone spurs termed osteophytes, which results in irritation to the nerve and eventually causes the nerve to loose its function.
Hence, the patient may experience pain, numbness or weakness in the distribution area where the nerves provide sensation to the skin and strength to the muscles.
· Gait Disturbances
Difficulty in walking may be caused by neck problems. When the spinal cord is compressed at the neck, one may have impaired balance-resulting in unsteady walking. It can be difficult to detect as it may develop gradually or develop at an age where
things are beginning to slow down. People with myelopathy will find difficulty with manoeuvres that require a fair amount of coordination, e. g, walking
up and down the stairs, and fastening the buttons on clothes,
DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS
Various investigation may be recommended for assessment of the neck problem. They Include X rays (cervical spine), MRls and CT scans.
CHOICE OF TREATMENT
Annie Tiang TCM have more than 40yrs of experience in this field and have developed specialised treatment towards neck pain. The common treatment of neck pain is stated below
Meridian message therapy through following the acupoints and blood points can effectively clears the soreness in the neck. Which relieves signs of soreness and numbness.
Herbal medicine are all natural remedies that removes humidity in the body, as well as enhance the immunity in the body, and removes headaches.
Acupuncture is one of the most important and effective way of curing neck pain there are 30 acupuncture point in the neck. We have specifically chosen 30 points that can improve headaches numbness in the hand.
Bone setting, cervical spine traction and heat treatment
All these choices of treatment will be taken into effect to help patients improve and relieve their pains and soreness. These treatments are all natural and safe. Come to Annie Tiang TCM now and cure your pains!
SPOT THE WARNING SIGNS!
1. Neck pain that radiates to the arms
2. Neck pain that is worsening and persistent
3. Associated numbness /weakness of the limbs
4.Associated gait disturbances
5.Neck pain that keeps one awake at night.
6. Neck pain with associated fever, chills or symptoms of Infection
It ls vital for you to seek medical advice early