Bay Area chiropractor says he is seeing "text neck," pre-arthritis symptoms in younger people

From cbsnews.com

A Bay Area chiropractor is sounding the alarm as he says he has been seeing more younger clients experiencing symptoms from "text neck." 

"You would start to feel tightness in the cervical spine here, it's going to come down and tight pulling sensation," Dr. Paul Dancy of Joint Chiropractic in San Leandro, told CBS News Bay Area. 

"Children are now starting to come in with text neck. And some children are starting to come up with pre-arthritis before they're 21. That's never been heard of," he added. 

He advises people to lie down, extend their arms, and hold the phones above their heads, or people should hold their phone at eye level, rather than looking down.

"Bring the phone all the way up, all the texting you need to do, respond to emails. Hold it neck up," Dr. Dancy said. 

Angel McTiller has been seeing Dr. Dancy for the past seven years, and said she's been having neck pains. 

"Because it's like constant, yeah, and so now, I just have relief," she told CBS News Bay Area. 

She added that she is concerned about this alarming trend of text neck in the younger generation. 

"It's creating more health issues for these children and it's not giving them the quality of life that they need, especially growing up in their formative years, and it's taking away from that," McTiller said. 

Bianca Ennix is an attorney and said she spends hours in front of a screen every day. She said that she is taking measures to help prevent worse symptoms. 

"Lift my computer up so that my screen is straight ahead instead of me looking down, which is great," she said. "He's suggested different cushions I could put in the back of my chair so it could help support my lower back."

Dr. Dancy is passionate about his work and said he hopes to continue serving and educating families in the Bay Area. 

"Do good work in the community, serve the community, and that's what allowed me to be here for 27 years," he said. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bay-area-chiropractors-text-neck-pre-arthritis-symptoms-younger-people/?ftag=CNM-00-10aag7e 

5 ways to prevent neck and shoulder pain

From restless.co.uk

Research shows that over 20 million people suffer from arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions across the UK. Alongside lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain are among the most common of these, particularly in older adults.

Age is a large risk factor for MSK conditions, simply due to the wear and tear our bodies experience throughout everyday life. However, while we can’t control our age, we can influence other factors that affect neck and shoulder health, such as our posture and sleeping position.

If you’ve been experiencing neck or shoulder pain recently, it’s important to take steps to manage symptoms and treat the root cause. MSK conditions can impact mobility, make daily activities incredibly difficult, and have been linked with a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

With that said, here are five ways to prevent and manage neck and shoulder pain.

What can cause neck and shoulder pain?

There are several potential causes of neck and shoulder pain. We’ll cover some of the most common below.

Health conditions

Certain health conditions, such as neck arthritis, shoulder impingement, and cervical radiculopathy, can cause neck and shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain can also be the result of the flu or pleurisy (inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain).

Arthritis of the neck

Arthritis of the neck, also known as cervical spondylosis, is a common cause of neck pain. In fact, research shows that up to 85% of people over 60 experience cervical spondylosis.

The condition is caused by the disks and joints in our necks naturally wearing over time. Alongside neck pain and stiffness, arthritis of the neck can also cause headaches, muscle spasms, a loss of balance, and grinding or popping sensations in the neck. However, some people don’t experience symptoms at all.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when a shoulder tendon rubs or catches on a nearby tissue or bone as you lift your arm.

Symptoms of shoulder impingement include pain in the top or outer side of your shoulder, pain that’s worse when you lift your arm, and arm weakness.

Shoulder impingement can be caused by injury, overuse of the shoulder (for example, from sports such as tennis), and bursitis (inflammation of the fluid sacs that surround the shoulder joints to allow for movement).

Cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated.

It can cause pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness that mainly affects the neck, but can spread to other areas, including the arms, chest, shoulders, and upper back.

Cervical radiculopathy can be caused by trauma or injury, but is more often an age-related, degenerative condition that affects older adults.

Sleeping position

If your neck becomes locked in an awkward position during sleep or your spine isn’t aligned, this can place excess strain on the neck and shoulders, causing pain.

You can read more in our article: What are the best and worst sleeping positions? The quality of your pillow and mattress can also impact neck and shoulder health.

Injury and muscle strains

Neck and shoulder pain can be caused by injuries or muscle strains.

For example, whiplash, which most often occurs as the result of a slip, fall, or traffic accident, can cause neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and difficulty moving your head.

Similarly, several muscles, including the trapezius and rhomboids, are connected to the neck and shoulders. If these become strained (through exercise, for example), you may experience pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Note: Sudden, unexplained neck or shoulder pain can be a sign of a cardiac event. In this case, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention.

You may be experiencing angina, which is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, caused by the blood supply being cut off from the heart. Angina pain can cause pressure in the chest that may also spread to the neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, or back.

Sudden, unexplained neck and shoulder pain can also be a sign of a heart attack.

How is neck and shoulder pain treated?

Treatment for neck and shoulder pain will depend on its cause. If your pain is mild, you may be able to find relief with home remedies.

However, if you’re experiencing severe pain, it’s important to speak to your GP or other health professional. They’ll be able to determine the cause of your neck and shoulder pain and advise you on the best course of treatment.

For example, people with severe shoulder impingement may require steroid injections or surgery, while those with arthritis of the neck may benefit from physiotherapy.

5 ways to manage and prevent neck and shoulder pain

Alongside treatment, there are things you can do to help manage symptoms and prevent neck and shoulder pain in the future.

We’ll cover some examples below.

1. Add stretching to your routine

Gentle stretches can help to relieve neck and shoulder pain and improve your range of movement.

In this study, regular stretching for four weeks reduced pain and improved neck function and quality of life in office workers with chronic neck or shoulder pain.

Check out these exercises for shoulder or neck problems from the NHS if you’d like to get started. Experts advise adding stretching to your routine gradually to prevent further strain.

Note: If your pain is severe or worsens with stretching, it’s important to stop immediately and book an appointment with your GP or other health professional, such as a physiotherapist.

2. Consider using hot or cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy (for example, using ice packs or heating pads) has been noted as an effective treatment for neck and shoulder pain.

While there’s currently no evidence to suggest whether one is better than the other, experts generally recommend using ice on new injuries, and heat on longer-term ailments (such as arthritis) or once swelling has subsided.

This is because ice helps to reduce inflammation and limits sudden pain from new injuries by slowing circulation, reducing swelling, and constricting blood vessels. Meanwhile, heat relaxes stiff muscles by improving circulation and allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected area, promoting healing.

That said, research suggests that a combined approach may be most beneficial. In this study, people suffering from acute neck or back pain benefited equally from hot or cold therapy when combined with ibuprofen.

3. Take steps to improve your posture

Sitting or standing in a slouched position for long periods places stress on the body, particularly in areas along the spine like facet joints and intervertebral discs. This can contribute to neck, shoulder, and lower back pain.

Over time, poor posture can also cause muscles to adapt by lengthening or shortening, which increases the risk of muscle imbalances and furthers pain and stiffness.

Studies have drawn a significant link between rounded shoulder posture, forward head posture, and neck and shoulder pain.

Good posture requires spinal alignment (also referred to as a neutral spine). Specific exercises, such as child’s pose and thoracic spine rotation, can be useful for improving posture, as can activities like yoga and Pilates.

Check out our article for further tips on how to improve your posture.

4. Adjust your sleeping habits

Neck and shoulder pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Some people struggle to get comfortable, while others find themselves woken up by bouts of pain. Research suggests that as many as 80% of people with arthritis have trouble falling and/or staying asleep.

Experts have also noted that the connection between poor sleep and MSK pain works both ways. Just as neck and shoulder pain can disrupt sleep, a lack of sleep can increase pain and impact the body’s ability to rest and repair itself. For example, research indicates that 70% of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have problems with sleep

However, while getting good quality sleep can be challenging when you’re in pain, there are things you can do to help.

The first involves your sleeping position. According to experts, sleeping on your side or back is more gentle on your neck than sleeping on your front, which can exacerbate pain.

Having a pillow or mattress that’s too firm, thick, or soft can also cause neck and shoulder strain. We have guides for finding the right pillow and mattress on our website.

For more general guidance, you might also find our article, 9 tips for sleeping better with arthritis, useful.

5. Consider whether your work environment could be a contributor

This study looked at shoulder and neck pain in over 12,000 workers from 18 different countries.

It found that neck and shoulder pain were most common in roles that compromised people’s posture, required them to handle heavy objects manually, or sit at a computer desk for long periods. For example, nurses, office workers, manual workers, hairdressers, dentists, and taxi drivers.

If you suspect your work may be contributing to your neck and shoulder pain, it’s worth considering what steps you could take to improve things. For example, steering wheel grips can help drivers relax their hold and minimise neck and shoulder tension, while adjusting workstations closer to eye level can be useful for nurses and manual labourers.

Final thoughts…

Neck and shoulder pain are among the most common musculoskeletal problems. Aside from causing pain and discomfort, neck and shoulder pain can affect mobility and quality of life.

Luckily, there are things you can do to help – whether that means adjusting your nighttime routine or improving your posture.

For further reading, head over to our general health section. Here, you’ll find information on everything from bone health to health and wellbeing courses.

https://restless.co.uk/health/healthy-body/ways-to-prevent-neck-and-shoulder-pain/?contact_id=5e74dd65-8bd7-48a2-a626-ded9a62b692b&utm_source=midweek-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=midweek_email_25-10-16_general&utm_content=midweek_email_25-10-16_general_versionb 

Can Neck Pain Be Due to Psoriatic Arthritis?

From healthcentral.com

PsA can be a pain in the neck—literally—due to inflammation of the cervical joints. A mix of medications and exercise can help provide relief 

You probably already know that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) causes joint pain. But what’s less commonly known—unless you are frequently experiencing it yourself—is that the condition can also cause neck pain.

“Psoriatic arthritis could potentially affect the axial skeleton, which includes the cervical and lumbar spine,” says Elena Schiopu, M.D., a professor of medicine in the rheumatology division for the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. The cervical spine consists of the seven vertebrae that make up the neck, while the lumbar spine consists of the five vertebrae that make up the lower back.

When psoriatic arthritis affects the neck and back, it’s sometimes referred to as psoriatic spondylitis or axial arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Statistics vary, but some research shows that up to 70% of people with psoriatic arthritis can also experience damage to the axial skeleton, according to a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In only about 5% of cases, people with psoriatic arthritis just experience neck and back pain (i.e., without any additional joint symptoms), per the review.

“One of the features of axial spinal arthritis is that it typically starts in the lower spine and sacroiliac joints—where the spine meets the pelvis—and then later on will also involve the cervical spine,” says Philip Mease, M.D., a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the director of rheumatology research at Swedish Medical in Seattle, WA.

Determining whether PsA is causing your neck pain can help you and your health care team come up with a plan for treating it, whether that’s through medications, physical therapy exercises, or a combination.

Cause of Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

When neck pain is due to psoriatic arthritis, the most likely culprit is inflammation, which also causes other types of joint pain among people with psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Schiopu.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body attacks healthy tissues by releasing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. Over time, this can cause damage to the joints, including those of the neck. “In general, inflammatory pain and stiffness gets better with movement and as the day goes by,” says Dr. Schiopu.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

“Neck pain from psoriatic arthritis is nagging and impairing, and interferes with daily functioning,” says Dr. Schiopu. “People notice the pain gets better with movement, but overall, there’s still a loss of range of motion over time.”

Other symptoms of psoriatic neck pain, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology review, include:

• Limited mobility

• Neck (or back) pain and stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes

• Neck (or back) pain that improves with activity and worsens after longer periods of inactivity

While axial arthritis involves the entire stretch of the spine, from the head to the neck, back, and tailbone, about 25% to 50% of people with psoriatic spondylitis also have sacroiliitis, which is pain and stiffness specifically in the sacroiliac joints (the joints where the lower spine and pelvis meet), according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology review. With sacroiliitis, the pain typically lasts longer than 20 minutes, and gets worse at night.

                                                                                           Getty Images/magicmine

Psoriatic Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis

Psoriatic arthritis isn’t necessarily responsible for all—or even any—of the neck pain you may be experiencing. “The neck is also a hot spot for degenerative spine disease [like] osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Schiopu.

“A classic place for degenerative arthritis to show up and start to be symptomatic, even in a patient’s 30s and 40s, is at the fulcrum point of the neck, [between the fifth and sixth cervical joints], where the most bending goes when we move our head,” adds Dr. Mease. The condition becomes even more common as you get older: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85% of people over the age of 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck due to joint degeneration.

That’s why it’s important to get the right diagnosis for your symptoms. “When we hear about neck pain in a person with psoriatic arthritis, it’s important for us to obtain imaging, especially MRI imaging, to determine whether there’s immunologic inflammation going on versus degenerative arthritis, which is very common,” says Dr. Mease. An MRI scan can show markers of inflammation in the bones or joints, which can help doctors determine if the neck pain is caused—in part, or in whole—by psoriatic arthritis.

Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Neck Pain

The treatments for psoriatic arthritis neck pain follow the same guidelines as treatment for psoriatic arthritis in general, and typically include a combination of medications such as immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as lifestyle strategies and physical therapy, says Dr. Mease.

Medications

Some of the immunosuppressant medications that are used to treat psoriatic arthritis include traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, which broadly suppress the immune system to keep inflammation in check. A newer subset of DMARDs, known as biologics, include drugs such as adalimumab and secukinumab which block inflammation-causing proteins. Yet another recent development, targeted DMARDs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, include medications such as tofacitinib, which also blocks certain inflammation-causing proteins, according to the Arthritis Foundation. 

These immunosuppressants will only help relieve neck pain that’s caused by psoriatic arthritis, however—they won’t ease the pain that may be caused in part by osteoarthritis. “Let’s say that 50% of a person’s neck pain is due to psoriatic arthritis and 50% is due to degenerative arthritis,” says Dr. Mease. “[Immunosuppressants] aren’t going to help the pain that’s caused by degenerative arthritis.”

To help ease neck pain from a degenerative condition, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen.

Lifestyle Strategies

Neck pain can be more common among people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other screen, says Dr. Schiopu, who recommends taking frequent breaks from your digital devices and doing some stretches. If you work at a desk, use a high-backed chair to help improve your posture and ease some of the stress on your spine, she notes. If you use a screen in bed, try using a pillow with good neck support, which can help relieve some of the tension you may feel.

Heat or cold therapy can also help, adds Dr. Schiopu. Try taking a hot shower or bath after you wake up to ease any pain and stiffness or apply an ice pack to the area if you’re experiencing inflammation.

Neck Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can affect the joints in the cervical spine, which can cause the nearby muscles to become tight and stiff, says Jonathan Yu, a doctor of physical therapy at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “Joint stiffness can be helped by stretching out some of these muscles, so the muscles can move a little bit better,” he says. “As a result, it can allow for a bit more comfort and relaxation in the joints.”

Here are a few movements to try, from Yu. With any of these exercises, stop if you feel as if you’re in pain. “You should feel more of a stretching sensation rather than a painful sensation,” he says.

Neck Forward Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, bend your chin into your chest until you feel a stretch in the muscles in the back of the neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat two to three times.

Side Bend Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder, stretching out the left side of the neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat two to three times on each side.

Neck Rotation Stretch

Starting from a seated or standing position, rotate your neck to the right side, then bend the neck toward your armpit. You should feel a stretch in the muscles on the left side of your neck. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat two to three times on each side.

Other Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

More commonly, psoriatic arthritis causes symptoms beyond neck pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can include:

• Eye inflammation (uveitis)

• Foot pain (especially where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, such as at the Achilles tendon)

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Lower back pain

• Nail pitting or denting

• Swelling in the fingers and toes

Takeaways

Psoriatic arthritis can affect the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, triggering neck pain (also called psoriatic spondylitis or axial arthritis). This neck pain is caused by inflammation, and while it tends to improve with movement, it can still cause discomfort throughout the day. Osteoarthritis may also be a cause of your neck pain, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis. To ease some of the pain and stiffness, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressant medication and/or recommend a physical therapist who can show you how to perform certain exercises at home.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-neck-pain

Neck Pain: 5 Causes And Precautions To Soothe Physical Strain

From india.com

Pain in the neck as become an increasingly common problem across globe, well gadgets are just on part to take the blame. Did you know there are different types of neck pain too? Here is how to get relief

Using devices gadgets, and smartphones is not merely a luxury anymore, it has become an inevitable part of our lives now. In this digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with smartphones and other handheld devices. Neck pain, a widespread musculoskeletal disorder affecting approximately one in three individuals annually, demands a nuanced understanding of its causes, types, and effective treatments.  Speaking exclusively with india.com, Dr. Vivek Loomba, a renowned Pain Management Physician at The Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, elaborated on the types of neck pain and how we must take required steps to to reduce the pain.

Causes of Neck Pain

1. Physical Strain: The most common cause of neck pain arises from overusing neck muscles, often linked to activities such as intense workouts, weightlifting, and prolonged driving. These strains can lead to ligament or muscle sprains and, in some cases, disk herniation.
2. Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of poor posture, especially during smartphone and laptop use, contribute significantly to neck pain. Dr. Loomba notes a concerning rise in school-going children experiencing symptoms of the “text neck syndrome,” a condition exacerbated by the challenges posed by the pandemic.
3. Whiplash Injury: Sudden, jerky neck movements, often occurring in vehicular accidents, can result in whiplash injuries, a common cause of neck pain.
4. Arthritis: Arthritis of the vertebral joints in the neck is another contributor to neck pain, with factors such as aging and rheumatoid arthritis playing a role.
5. Miscellaneous Factors: Neck pain can also be associated with diverse factors like anxiety, depression, infection, or even tumours.

Types of Neck Pain

1. Occipital Neuralgia: This type of headache manifests as pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, often caused by inflammation or injury to the occipital nerves.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy: Also known as a pinched nerve, cervical radiculopathy results from disk herniation in the neck, causing excruciating pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and fingers.
3. Facet Arthropathy: Arthritis of the small vertebral joints in the neck, leading to neck pain, is termed facet arthropathy and can be associated with aging or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A chronic pain condition affecting neck muscles and fascia, myofascial pain syndrome is often triggered by repetitive motions, stress-related tension, injuries, poor posture, or muscle group inactivity.
5. Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear in the cervical spine result in discomfort and stiffness, a condition referred to as cervical spondylosis.
6. Whiplash Neck Sprain: Caused by rapid trauma to the neck, typically in accidents or car crashes.

Management of Neck Pain

While many cases of neck pain resolve with time and lifestyle adjustments, severe or persistent cases demand a comprehensive management approach. Another crucial component of treatment, physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening neck muscles and tendons. Applying heat to the affected area can alleviate symptoms.

In conclusion, neck pain necessitates timely intervention, especially if symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities. Whether through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or specialized procedures, managing neck pain requires a nuanced understanding and a collaborative effort between patients and healthcare providers.

https://www.india.com/health/neck-pain-5-causes-and-precautions-to-soothe-physical-strain-6536273/