Q: I spend much of my time working at the computer and my neck has become stiff and what's worse - I feel a pinching sensation down my left arm. For six months, I have gone to a chiropractor. Can you help me understand where my pain is coming from and other options I might consider?
A: We often joke about our jobs or bosses being a "pain in the neck." But, some of our on-the-job habits can trigger the kind of neck pain that's no laughing matter. If you want to avoid developing neck problems, there are several things to keep in mind. Of course, if you are currently experiencing neck pain or stiffness, your doctor should rule out any serious medical causes.
Your physician should conduct a thorough clinical evaluation. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may order an MRI, which will reveal any anatomical abnormalities, such as nerve impingement or spinal stenosis.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports neck pain can develop for a number of reasons. For example, sitting at our desks, we put extra strain on the neck muscles when we:
• look down for extended periods without breaks
• cradle the phone between our neck and shoulder
• tense the muscles as we work
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), there are two serious types of neck pain that require immediate medical attention. The first is dull pain in the neck that radiates down the shoulders and arms usually caused by a herniated disc in the neck pressing on the nerve root. The second sometimes isn't felt in the neck at all, that's because the pressure is on the spinal cord, causing imbalance or weakness in other parts of the body, such as the hands and arms.
While you can alleviate some of these problems through good posture and regular breaks, neck pain can also result from other factors including injury or underlying conditions. Consulting with your doctor as soon as possible is especially important if neck pain does any of the following:
• lasts for more than a week
• if it's accompanied by headache and fever
• if other symptoms are present such as numbness or tingling
It is important that the results of your treatment be directed to those levels causing your symptoms, not your MRI. Treatment can range from a conservative approach, i.e. medication, physical therapy and exercises, to spine surgery.
Dr. John Spallino is a Medical Information Specialist at LSI. In this capacity, he facilitates patient education by conducting nationwide informational seminars, in addition to interpreting and analyzing radiographic imaging. To learn more about Dr. Spallino, click here.
LSI's Ask the doctor column is also featured in our monthly newsletter, The Spinal Column. To subscribe, click here.
A: We often joke about our jobs or bosses being a "pain in the neck." But, some of our on-the-job habits can trigger the kind of neck pain that's no laughing matter. If you want to avoid developing neck problems, there are several things to keep in mind. Of course, if you are currently experiencing neck pain or stiffness, your doctor should rule out any serious medical causes.
Your physician should conduct a thorough clinical evaluation. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may order an MRI, which will reveal any anatomical abnormalities, such as nerve impingement or spinal stenosis.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports neck pain can develop for a number of reasons. For example, sitting at our desks, we put extra strain on the neck muscles when we:
• look down for extended periods without breaks
• cradle the phone between our neck and shoulder
• tense the muscles as we work
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), there are two serious types of neck pain that require immediate medical attention. The first is dull pain in the neck that radiates down the shoulders and arms usually caused by a herniated disc in the neck pressing on the nerve root. The second sometimes isn't felt in the neck at all, that's because the pressure is on the spinal cord, causing imbalance or weakness in other parts of the body, such as the hands and arms.
While you can alleviate some of these problems through good posture and regular breaks, neck pain can also result from other factors including injury or underlying conditions. Consulting with your doctor as soon as possible is especially important if neck pain does any of the following:
• lasts for more than a week
• if it's accompanied by headache and fever
• if other symptoms are present such as numbness or tingling
It is important that the results of your treatment be directed to those levels causing your symptoms, not your MRI. Treatment can range from a conservative approach, i.e. medication, physical therapy and exercises, to spine surgery.
Dr. John Spallino is a Medical Information Specialist at LSI. In this capacity, he facilitates patient education by conducting nationwide informational seminars, in addition to interpreting and analyzing radiographic imaging. To learn more about Dr. Spallino, click here.
LSI's Ask the doctor column is also featured in our monthly newsletter, The Spinal Column. To subscribe, click here.
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