Neck Pain Treatment in Singapore
Content
- What are the Non-Surgical Treatments Available for Neck Pain?
- What are the Surgical Treatments Available for Neck Pain?
- What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?
- 6 Common Causes of Neck Pain
- What is the Anatomy of the Neck?
- How Can the Source of Your Neck Pain Be Diagnosed?
- Why Is the Health of Your Neck Important for Neck Pain?
- How Can You Reduce the Risk of Developing Neck Pain?
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Our Orthopaedic Doctor and Surgeon for Neck Pain Conditions
Dr. Razmi
FAMS (Ortho) | M Med (Gen Surg) (SG) | FRCSEd (Gen Surg) | MBBS (SG)
Dr. Razmi, a practicing orthopaedic and spine consultant at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
Dr Razmi routinely performs discectomy (minimally invasive surgery), decompression surgery, spinal fusion, motion preservation surgery including dynamic stabilization and dynamic fusion technologies and lumbar and cervical disc replacements. He is the first surgeon in Singapore to perform stand-alone anterior approached spine fusion using the Synfix implant.
What are the Non-Surgical Treatments Available for Neck Pain?
Physiotherapy
Physical therapists design exercise programs to improve neck flexibility, strength, and posture. They may also use techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and modalities like heat and cold therapy to manage pain and improve mobility.
Cervical Collars
Cervical collars are sometimes used to provide support to the neck and restrict movement, which can help reduce strain on the neck muscles. However, their prolonged use is generally not recommended as it can lead to muscle weakening and stiffness.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of your spine and neck with the aim of relieving discomfort in your neck. It does not rely on medication or surgery but may be done in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy.
What are the Surgical Treatments Available for Neck Pain?
Artificial Disc Replacement
This procedure removes a damaged or degenerative spinal disc with an artificial one. If you have a pinched nerve in your neck, this treatment is used to remove the disc that is applying pressure to the affected nerve. It can also reduce the chances of future spinal degenerative diseases along with reducing stress on the spine.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDFÂ is a common surgical procedure used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. In ACDF, the damaged disc is removed from the front (anterior) of the neck, and the space is then filled with bone graft material. The adjacent vertebrae are fused together using metal plates, screws, or cages to provide stability.
Cervical Spine Fusion
This is a surgical procedure that fuses two of your vertebrae together into a single piece of bone to stabilise the neck. It is also performed as a treatment for conditions such as severe degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, fractures, and pinched nerves. Additionally, bone grafts, metal screws, plates, and rods may also be used to hold the vertebrae together.
Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy
This procedure is performed from the back (posterior) of the neck and involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone to create more space for nerve roots exiting the spinal cord. It’s often used to treat conditions such as herniated discs or bone spurs that are compressing nerve roots. Unlike fusion procedures, laminoforaminotomy aims to decompress nerves while preserving spinal motion.
What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a common discomfort experienced by many and can be identified through various symptoms. Knowing that you have this condition will help with early detection and treatment.
- Headaches
- Drop in Sleep Quality
- Numbness or Tingling
- Limited Mobility of Neck
- Persistent Aches and Stiffness
While rest and self-care are touted as the cure for some of these symptoms, we recommend visiting a healthcare professional instead of turning to Do-It-Yourself treatments or simply taking a painkiller and going to bed. This is because these symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition at play.
6 Common Causes of Neck Pain
This condition involves the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs located between the cervical vertebrae (neck bones). As these discs lose their cushioning and hydration over time, they can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck.
A herniated disc can occur in the cervical spine when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck and potentially down the arm.
Muscle strain in the neck can result from overexertion, poor posture, or sudden movements. Whiplash, often caused by rapid back-and-forth movements, can lead to soft tissue injuries and muscle strain in the neck area.
Arthritis can affect the joints between the cervical vertebrae and the facet joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion in the neck. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common types that can impact the neck.
Inflammatory conditions like myositis can cause inflammation of the neck muscles, leading to pain and discomfort in the neck area. This may also lead to swelling as well as pain, as well as varying recovery periods depending on severity.
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, can develop on the cervical vertebrae due to degeneration. These bony growths can press on nerves, leading to pain, and may develop as a result of wear and tear on the neck's structures.
What is the Anatomy of the Neck?
Understanding the intricacies of neck anatomy is essential for comprehending the origins of neck pain and the factors influencing its development. Let’s delve into the anatomy of the neck, exploring its various components in detail.
The neck is divided into 4 distinct compartments, each housing essential structures and serving unique purposes.
The vertebral compartment can be imagined as a shield that surrounds the spinal column. It houses the cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7) which form the backbone of the neck. Each cervical vertebra has specific features and functions related to supporting the skull, enabling head movement, and protecting the spinal cord that runs through the spinal canal within the vertebral column.
Unlike other compartments, the vascular compartment comes in pairs. You can think of it as a highway for blood circulation. It contains blood vessels like the carotid arteries, responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and the jugular veins, which drain blood from the brain and face. The intricate network of vessels within this compartment ensures proper nourishment and waste removal.
The neck is also further separated into regions known as triangles. There are two major triangles, known as the anterior and posterior triangles, each containing complex structures that influence the movement and functions of the neck.
This triangular space is bordered by muscles and is home to vital structures like the thyroid gland, hyoid bone, and major blood vessels. Within this triangle, the submandibular and submental regions house salivary glands and lymph nodes, while the carotid sheath contains the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve. Additionally, the anterior triangle is also where medical professionals often navigate during procedures
Visualize the posterior triangle as a gateway to the back of the neck. It's bordered by muscles like the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and the clavicle bone.. Within this triangle, you'll find structures like the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control the arm and hand muscles, and the accessory nerve, responsible for shoulder movement. The posterior triangle serves as a pathway for nerves and blood vessels travelling to and from the upper limb
How Can the Source of Your Neck Pain Be Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the source of neck pain involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
- Take a detailed history about your symptoms or knee injury
- Perform physical examination of your knee and other relevant joints
- Organize imaging modalities such as Xrays or MRI for detailed diagnosis
- Assess your level of function and estimated return to function
Why Is the Health of Your Neck Important for Neck Pain?
Preventing Headaches
Tension and strain in the neck muscles can trigger headaches that radiate from the neck to the head. Chronic headaches can significantly diminish our quality of life, affecting productivity and personal well-being.
Preserving Posture
The neck plays a crucial role in maintaining proper posture, which has far-reaching effects on our overall musculoskeletal health. Poor neck posture can lead to imbalances in other parts of the body, contributing to issues like back pain and muscle tension.
Promoting Nerve Function
The neck houses intricate nerve pathways that connect the brain to various parts of the body. Optimal neck health supports the efficient transmission of nerve signals, ensuring smooth communication between the central nervous system and peripheral regions.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Developing Neck Pain?
Maintaining good posture is paramount in reducing the risk of neck pain. When you spend time frequently hunched over the computer or mobile phone, it can easily affect your posture, leading to further problems down the road. Furthermore, many may think that extended hours of sitting will not affect the neck as much when compared to engaging in physically demanding activities. However, it can lead to slouching which will affect your posture and therefore lead to neck pain.
It's simple to brush off minor injuries or scrapes and carry on with our day, especially if we have a busy schedule. But do you know that the 7 vertebrae in our neck can be shifted out of place even due to incidents that may seem minor? If ignored, this misalignment can gradually accumulate, resulting in discomfort, limited mobility, and even chronic pain.
When we are stressed, it doesn't just impact us psychologically but also physically. Imagine your body as a tightly coiled spring, with muscles tightening when stress takes its hold. And this can be a source of discomfort, stiffness, and aching in our necks.
Activities like swimming, walking, or yoga can enhance your posture, strengthen your neck muscles, and reduce the risk of pain. While engaging in these activities, you should also remember to practise proper techniques to avoid straining your neck along with warming up your body before starting.
Are You or a Loved One Suffering from Neck Pain?
Neck pain can be a debilitating condition that prevents you or your loved ones from living life to its fullest. Feel free to book an appointment to receive a personalised consultation where we will diagnose your condition and recommend a suitable treatment.
Related Conditions
Typically referred to as a pinched nerve in the neck, cervical radiculopathy (or CR) happens when a nerve in the neck (cervical spine) is inflamed or compressed. As a result, you may also feel pain radiating into your shoulder or arm, along with muscle weakness and numbness.
Whiplash is a condition where you experience a neck injury from sudden movement. While its name may seem to refer to a single concept, it can give rise to a wide range of conditions. Additionally, there is no restriction in the direction of the movement that can cause this condition. It can occur as long as the incident is forceful and rapid, resulting in the neck bending beyond its normal range without any restraint.
