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The neck, or the cervical spine, is one of the most complicated and intricate body structures. It is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. Given below are some of the most important structures in the neck.
The spinal cord connects to the brain at the base of the skull. It then travels down the spinal column, supplying the body with nerves along its length.
The cervical nerves help control the head, neck, and the rest of the body – including forward, backwards, and sideward movement. The nerves which exit the spinal cord in the neck typically provide control and sensation to the arms and hands.
The cervical bones or the vertebrae consist of seven bones separated from one another by intervertebral discs, allowing the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.
They are located between each vertebra and are responsible for absorbing pressure while also enabling movement and flexibility in the neck.
Several muscles are present in the neck to allow the movement of the neck and maintain its shape and structure.
The cervical ligaments help to hold all of the structures above together.
Cervicobrachial pain is neck pain and stiffness associated with pain in the arm and shoulder. It can be caused by one or more of the following:
The most prevalent cause of neck pain occurs when soft tissues become strained or sprained from overuse or extension, such as from poor posture, for example, leaning over your computer for a long time or sleeping with your neck in an awkward position can cause neck pain. Some other activities that can result in neck pain are repetitive motions, such as turning your head sideways repetitively while swimming or dancing.
Nerve compression is typically caused by herniated discs and often results in neck pain that radiates to the head and arms. In addition, nerve irritation in the neck can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to neck pain. In addition, other health problems, such as meningitis and fibromyalgia, can also cause pain in the neck and may need immediate medical attention and treatment.
Neck pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks. The duration and intensity of neck pain are classified as follows:
It is better to have an early intervention by a physician. If the pain persists for long and is accompanied by any of the following, it requires urgent investigation:
After studying the patient’s medical history, the following tests are performed for diagnostic purposes of neck pain.
This involves an inspection of the patient’s neck for any abnormalities. Various tests and observations are performed to understand better the neck’s posture, range of motions, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensations felt in legs and arms.
For a diagnostic injection test, the doctor injects anaesthesia (with or without other substances) into the cervical spine to isolate a particular structure, for example, a nerve or a facet joint. If the injection stimulates pain (or relieves it), it is interpreted that the pain source is the nerve or facet joint under study.
In most Dubai clinics, the following treatment methods are recommended and provided to patients who have pain in the cervical spine:
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as anti-inflammatory and nonsteroidal medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are typically tried first for neck pain. Some NSAIDs can be applied on the skin topically, such as Voltaren gel. Patients must ensure they have no allergies to such medications.
Many treatment plans for persistent neck pain include physical therapy to improve neck strength and flexibility. Physical therapies vary in length and structure depending on the patient’s case. Some of these are as follows;
To treat neck pain, surgery is not very common and is typically performed for the following reasons;
Dr Sherief is one of the most renowned spinal surgeons for cervicobrachial pain treatment in Dubai. He is a comprehensively trained and highly skilled spine surgeon in Dubai, known for treating a range of spinal conditions with effective treatments.
He is also one of the rare surgeons who is trained in robot-assisted surgery. His patient reviews are a testament to his effective treatment techniques and his discreet, caring, and comforting approach. You can read more about Dr Sherief or book an appointment to consult him personally.
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