Neck Pain Health Article

Magnetic field therapy

Magnetic field therapy, which involves the application of a pulsed magnetic field to an injured area of the body, has been gaining in popularity as a treatment for chronic muscular and joint pain. It is thought that magnetic treatments relieve pain by increasing the flow of oxygenated blood to injured tissue. Some studies indicate that magnetic field therapy is useful in relieving chronic neck pain, particularly pain associated with whiplash injuries.

Medications

Some forms of neck pain can be treated by medication. Osteoporosis is often treated with a combination of hormone therapy and such compounds as alendronate (Fosamax) or etidronate (Didronel). These medications are intended to prevent further weakening of the bone. Pain caused by osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis is usually treated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with RA may also be given injections of gold salts or methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex). Pain from severe fibromyalgia may be treated with local anesthetics or muscle relaxants.

Appliances

Patients with neck pain caused by traumatic injury, chronic muscular strain, a herniated disk, some forms of osteoarthritis, or congenital deformity may need to have the neck temporarily kept from moving (immobilized) in order to heal. A cervical collar may be used in milder cases. Chronic or severe pain may require more extensive bracing, or traction and a period of bed rest.

Surgery

Surgical treatment may be needed to replace damaged joints in severe cases of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Herniated disks occasionally require surgery to fuse the vertebrae around the disk. Some patients with severe cases of ankylosing spondylitis may need to have the cervical spine stabilized by surgery. Most cancers of the neck are removed surgically after a course of radiation treatment.

Expected results

The results of treatment for neck pain vary widely because of the number of possible causes. While mild arthritis and minor stress injuries in the neck respond well to treatment, cancers in the neck have low survival rates because they are often stage III or stage IV metastases of cancers elsewhere in the body.

Prevention

Some potential causes of neck pain are difficult to prevent because they involve a genetic predisposition or component. These include ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and RA. Others are easier to prevent by lifestyle choices. Attention to proper posture, the choice of office chairs and other furniture proportioned to the person's height and size, and exercise breaks from office work, study, or musical practice can help to lower the risk of neck pain from chronic muscular stress. Diet as well as exercise is a prominent factor in the prevention of osteoporosis. The risk of trauma to the neck can be lowered by observing safety guidelines and wearing protective equipment during contact sports. The use of certain types of shoulder harness while driving appears to lower the risk of whiplash injuries. Lastly, meditation and other spiritual practices are effective in lowering the level of emotional stress that often underlies chronic neck pain.

BOOKS

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PERIODICALS

Andersen, J. H., A. Kaergaard, P. Frost, et al. "Physical, Psychosocial, and Individual Risk Factors for Neck/Shoulder Pain with Pressure Tenderness in the Muscles Among Workers Performing Monotonous, Repetitive Work." Spine 27 (March 15, 2002): 660–667.

Constantoyannis, C., D. Konstantinou, H. Kourtopoulos, and N. Papadakis. "Intermittent Cervical Traction for Cervical Radiculopathy Caused by Large-Volume Herniated Disks." Journal of Manipulative Physiology and Therapeutics 25 (March-April 2002): 188–192.

Ehrmann-Feldman, D., I. Shrier, M. Rossignol, and L. Abenhaim. "Risk Factors for the Development of Neck and Upper Limb Pain in Adolescents." Spine 27 (March 1, 2002): 523–528.

Hildebrandt, V. H., P. M. Bongers, F. J. van Dijk, et al. "The Influence of Climatic Factors on Non-Specific Back and Neck-Shoulder Disease." Ergonomics 15 (January 2002): 32–48.

Thuile, C., and M. Walzl. "Evaluation of Electromagnetic Fields in the Treatment of Pain in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy or the Whiplash Syndrome." Neurorehabilitation 17 (2002): 63–67.

Zhu, X. M., and B. Polus. "A Controlled Trial on Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain." American Journal of Chinese Medicine 30 (2002): 13–28.