Testing for Severe Osteoarthritis… Before it Develops?

neck pain osteoarthritisNew research suggests that testing for three specific biomarkers in the blood could predict who will go on to develop severe osteoarthritis, a potential cause of neck pain. Osteoarthritis is a condition that tends to arise later in life after wear and tear on the joints but up until now there was no blood test to let patients know their possible risk of the disease, making preventative efforts hard to promote. Read more

NSAIDs – The True Cause of Headaches and Neck Pain?

headaches and neck pain MOHWhen headaches and neck pain occur together there can be a variety of explanations ranging from concussion after a serious fall, head and neck tumours causing obstructed circulation or nerve activity, stress and muscle tension and even, it seems, overuse of NSAIDs for neck pain leading to medication-related headaches.

Around 1% of the US population is thought to experience medication overuse headaches and while these are more common in those with primary headaches it may be that neck pain is also a trigger. Read more

Neck Pain and Xanax Withdrawal

xanax withdrawal and neck painThere are numerous causes of neck pain but many people don’t realise that withdrawal from medications can be one such trigger. This is particularly true of medications taken to help with anxiety and depression, which can also have the effect of relaxing muscles and desensitising users to pain. Neck pain during Xanax withdrawal is, therefore, a common concern that may be easily overlooked considering the other issues faced by those quitting benzodiazepines. Read more

How to Avoid Age-Related Neck Pain

neck pain age related postureNeck pain is a common problem for older adults but some simple postural tips could help lower your risk of pain and disability and maintain a high quality of life, whatever your age. By keeping the spine nicely aligned you can reduce wear and tear and keep your back and neck strong and supple so as to lower your susceptibility to injury. So, without further ado.. Read more

Musculoskeletal Problems, Migraines, Sleep, and Mental Health – What's the Connection?

neck pain depression insomnia musculoskeletal healthA recent study in Spain has investigated the prevalence of painful musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, neck pain and back pain with migraine, anxiety, depression and problems sleeping. What they found should help influence health care policy worldwide. Read more

Neck Pain – Is it Your Purse's Fault?

neck pain woman's purse chihuahaImagine tucking a small chihuahua under your arm and heading out for drinks, making sure not to drop that pooch as you navigate the subway, sidewalks, and a crowded bar. Imagine doing this every day for the rest of your life and then consider how that might contribute to the development of chronic neck pain. Read more

Kids, Headaches and Gum – Something to Chew On.

Teenager girl makes chewing gum's bubble

26/30 children had headache relief by quitting gum.

Kids can get headaches for a lot of reasons but if your kid is regularly complaining of headaches and jaw pain it might be time to look at their gum-chewing habits. A new study suggests that excessive gum chewing might be a missed headache trigger in teens. Read more

What is Osteoarthritis and How Can You Reduce Spine Degeneration from this Common Cause of Neck Pain?

osteoarthritis neck pain causesAs one of the most prevalent chronic musculoskeletal diseases in the world, osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic neck pain. This condition usually affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to deformity, swelling, and impaired mobility and function, in addition to causing pain. Read more

Neck Pain and Gout at Christmas

gout and neck pain christmas turkey purine foods

Aside from turkey, there are many foods those with gout might want to avoid.

Gout probably wasn’t on your list of things for Santa to bring this year so why is your January starting with a gout attack and neck pain? There’s likely a clue or two lurking in your drinks cabinet and refrigerator (think Christmas goose, or turkey!) so maybe that new year resolution can involve a gout-free 2014 by finding out what other foods to avoid when you have gout. 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