Neck Injury Treatments
The neck is one of the most important parts of the body. Without it, you would have a very difficult time moving, looking around, and staying alert. That’s because the neck supports the full weight of your head and is responsible for the range of motion associated with the head. Unfortunately, because it is supporting arguably the most vital aspect of your body, it is susceptible to aches, pains, and injuries. You may experience various neck injuries, but thankfully neck injury treatments are also likely available regardless of severity.
Common Neck Injuries
While neck injuries are common, there are some types of neck injuries that are seen more frequently than others. The first one is whiplash. Whiplash occurs due to the forceful and often rapid motion of the neck in a back-and-forth manner. If you picture the cracking of a whip, it is similar to whiplash, hence the name. Whiplash can cause significant stiffness, pain, headaches, tenderness, and other unpleasant symptoms.
The second most common neck injury seen by physicians is repetitive strain. This occurs when the muscles or tendons in the neck are pulled or torn, often caused by poor sleeping patterns and posture. Symptoms include pain with movement, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
The third most common neck injury revolves around issues with the discs. The discs in your neck act as shock absorbers between the vertebra. With normal wear and tear or through means of herniation, you may experience pain that reveals itself through feelings of electricity in the arms, weakness, tingling, and stiffness. Thankfully, there are ways to treat a multitude of neck injuries.
Diagnostics before Neck Injury Treatments
The first step in treating a neck injury is through diagnostics. This is the practice of identifying the specific issue and injury at hand. Diagnostic care types include X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. These can help identify whether there are any issues with the bones, tissues, blood vessels, or any other internal structure of the neck. After the issue is identified, the process of treatment can begin.
Medical Care
The most common forms of neck injury treatments are found under the umbrella of medical care. Medical care, otherwise known as modern medicine, uses features like medications, therapies, and surgery to care for the body. When you have a neck injury, your physician may prescribe you pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to help with your pain and speed up the healing process.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the issue, procedures like physical therapy or surgical intervention may be necessary. Physical therapy is the use of exercise to strengthen the injured area and improve the range of motion, while surgical intervention is the process of undergoing treatment through operative techniques. However, traditional medical care isn’t the only option for neck injury treatment.
Alternative Therapy
Though traditional medical care is considered the most common treatment option for neck injuries, it is not the only one. Alternative therapy is available, too. Alternative therapy refers to everything not traditionally covered under modern medicine and tends to use more natural techniques.
Common options for neck injury treatments in alternative care include physical therapy or massage therapy. If you’re interested in alternative treatment for your neck injury, it’s imperative that you speak to your physician to gather more information.
Treat Your Neck Injury Today
If you’re suffering from a neck injury, the next step is locating a physician to care for your pains. Medical Care of WNY is one of the top practices in Buffalo that focuses on a variety of care and treatment options for you.
Regardless of your neck injury and the type of treatment you desire, our welcoming staff has your back. To schedule an appointment or talk with our physicians, call us today.
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