Understanding Your Fibromyalgia Pain – Why Opioids Often Do Not Work

fibromyalgia neck pain vta brain pain differences

The brain's VTA may play a role in fibromyalgia pain.

Many people with neck pain from fibromyalgia find that opioids are not particularly effective at managing their pain. New research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism suggests that this may be because brain signals differentiating pleasure and pain are confused in those with the syndrome. What does this mean for treatment of fibromyalgia? Are opioids ever a good idea for those with this type of pain? Read more

The Difference Between Neuropathy and Nociceptive Pain (and why it matters)

neuropathic vs nociceptive pain neckNeck pain can have a variety of causes, some more serious than others, and the way that we describe that pain is important for understanding its likely progression and appropriateness of treatments.

We all recognize that the body is a complicated system where the mind can affect pain perception and pain perception can affect the mind. In some cases mind-over-matter really is key to resolving neck pain as both internal mental factors and external environmental factors within our control can have a significant effect on how pain is felt, if at all. Read more

Neck Lumps and Cysts – Are They Dangerous?

sebaceous cyst lump in neck

This sebaceous cyst would usually require no invasive treatment.

Lumps in the neck can be caused by a wide variety of things, some of which are relatively benign and others which warrant immediate attention and can be highly dangerous. Neck cancer, blood vessel inflammation, lymph node swelling and other problems may all be at the root of neck lumps and pain and so it is extremely important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to find out the cause. Read more

Inflammation and its Role in Disc Degeneration and Neck Pain

Inflammation and its Role in Disc Degeneration and neck pain

Many of the same inflammatory processes involved in Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes are also involved in disc degeneration.

How does inflammation contribute to the degeneration of spinal discs and the onset of chronic neck pain? By understanding the role that inflammatory processes play in the rupture, collapse, and herniation of discs in the cervical spine we may be better placed to relieve symptoms, slow down degenerative processes and perhaps even help reverse existing damage. Read more

Peppermint Oil for Tension Headaches and Neck Pain

peppermint oil for neck pain and headachesGerman researchers it seems are way ahead when it comes to investigating natural remedies for neck pain and tension headaches. Articles published in 1994 and 1996 note the benefits of using peppermint oil for tension headache relief over conventional treatments such as acetaminophen. So how does peppermint oil help with pain relief and will it also work for your neck pain? Read more

Ear Pain, Headaches, Pressure, Dizziness and Neck Pain – What's the Cause?

head neck jaw and ear painNeck pain may occur in isolation but it is also often accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. These range from shooting pains into the arms and hands to difficulties swallowing or even dizziness and nausea. How can you tell if something serious is causing your neck pain, rather than it just being an acute symptom of sleeping in a draughty room? What are your symptoms really telling you? Read more

Tension Neck Syndrome – Solutions for Construction Workers

tension neck syndrome trapezius muscle anatomyTension neck syndrome is a pretty common condition that is caused by muscle strain in the upper back. The nature of repetitive work in cramped and uncomfortable postures common to the construction industry mean that tension neck syndrome is particularly prevalent amongst those doing manual labour.

The condition can result in neck stiffness, muscle spasms, and neck pain and/or pain radiating from the cervical spine to the shoulders, head, and even into the arms and chest. This condition is particularly common in those working in the construction industry, but there are ways to reduce the risk of tension neck syndrome in such jobs, with many of these solutions also applying in other areas of life. Read more

Slipped Disc Symptoms – How To Cope

Slipped DiscA slipped disc, also commonly referred to as a herniated disc, can result from injury, improper lifting, or age-related wear and tear. As you grow older, the shock-absorbing discs located in between the individual vertebrae of your spine gradually lose their youthful elasticity and water content, which makes them more susceptible to tearing and rupture. A torn disc is colloquially known as a “slipped” disc, although while discs can become misshapen, they do not technically slip out of place.

While often painful, a slipped disc can also sometimes manifest without any symptoms at all. In any case, if you do experience back pain, neck pain, or weakness, numbness, or tingling in your back, arm, or leg, you could have an injured disc and you should see your physician right away to obtain a proper diagnosis. Oftentimes, when begun early, conservative treatment for a slipped disc is very successful in helping patients to cope with this sometimes debilitating condition and get on with their lives. Read more

Herniated Disc Causes – What You Can Do To Avoid Disc Damage

Herniated Disc CausesOftentimes, a herniated disc causes discomfort that stems from damage to the outer shell of one of the flexible cushions that separate the stacked vertebrae of the spine. Each intervertebral disc has a tough outer covering called an annulus fibrosus, and this outer layer surrounds a soft inner core. The top one-third of the annulus fibrosus has nerve endings, and if there is a tear in the annulus fibrosus, the nerve endings can become irritated and painful. In addition, the tissues of a torn disc can impinge  on a nearby nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, weakness, or a pins and needles sensation in the extremities. So, you may ask, what causes a disc to tear in the first place? There are actually many factors that can lead to a herniated disc. While some causes, such as improper lifting techniques, are avoidable, others, like simple genetics, are not. Read more

Relieving Neck Pain, Arthritis, and Spinal Degeneration

inflammation arthritis neck pain Ankylosing-SpondylitisNeck pain can be a result of arthritis and spinal degeneration so what can you do to ward off the effects of wear and tear on the spine? Or, if you have already accumulated that wear and tear, how can you give your body the best shot at repairing the damage and possibly even reversing spinal arthritis to relieve neck pain? Read more