Neck pain / neck pain is a common complaint. At least maybe at least once in a lifetime, we have experienced it. Neck muscles can become tense due to poor posture (for example when working at a computer, or doing work in a bent position for too long). Neck pain can also be caused by other conditions, such as osteoarthritis / calcification of the cervical joints (vertebrae in the neck area). In addition, neck pain can also be caused by other, more serious conditions, although cases are rarer, so it is very important to seek medical attention.
Symptoms that are usually experienced by patients:
- Pain in the nape area that arises after working in a still head position for a long time (eg looking down for a long time)
- Tension on the back of the neck, shoulders, even to the back of the head.
- Pain when moving the neck.
Consult a doctor if:
- The pain is intense
- Lasted for several days without getting better
- Pain radiating to the arm/hand
- Accompanied by complaints of headaches, numbness / numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands / feet.
Prevention:
- Maintain good posture while working
- Interspersed with breaks while working, do some simple neck muscle stretching / exercises in your free time
- Position the chair / desk so that it supports good posture
- Avoid clamping the cellphone with the neck for a long time.
- Avoid carrying heavy items on your shoulders.
- Avoid making the "crack-crack" of the neck bones.
- Sleep in a good position.
Handling/medical rehabilitation measures for neck pain can be carried out through physiotherapy programs, for example by using diathermy devices, TENS, exercises /exercise, and so on, according to the patient's condition.
Comprehensive treatment should also be carried out, either with a neurologist, orthopedist, or other specialist doctors if needed. In serious conditions, surgery may be needed.
Article written by dr. Rene Rizaldi Pradnasurya, Sp.KFR (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).