Neck Problem

    
      Re: Neck Problem
    


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Posted by CCF NEUROSURGERY MD on September 02, 1997 at 13:56:49:

In Reply to: Neck Problem posted by Darcy on September 02, 1997 at 02:50:32:

: : Is it possible to hurt your neck and not realize you done so?
  : Lately I had the pain shoot up the the side of my neck and travel back of
  : my head, It always feel like something cracking back there now like when
  : you crack your knuckles. At times I get allot of pain dull pain in the neck now.
  : Could this be serious, since I had this problem for months now?
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Dear Darcy,
Neck pain is a common complaint among patients, second to low back pain.
Usually the pain is of a musculo-skeletal origin and responds well to rest
and analgesics.  At times the pain may be due to degeneration of the bones
or "arthritis" in the joints of the cervical vertebrae.  More unusual
things may be fractures, vascular problems, or tumors, to name a few.  It
should be emphasized that most cases are musculo-skeletal in origin and
respond well to conservative treatment.
The important questions are whether you have any weakness, pain, numbness,
or tingling down your arms or legs.  In more serious cases, people have
trouble with bowel and bladder control.  Should you notice these symptoms
you should seek the evaluation of a neurologist.
Most people will find relief for general neck pain in simple rest and
analgesics (Tylenol or Advil).  If the pain worsens or persists beyond a
few weeks or if you notice the symptoms described above, you should seek
the opinion of a neurologist.  
Good luck.