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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #17829
2 days ago
11

sar mein dard - #17829

Harsh

I am dealing with this annoying pain in my neck, like a constant nagging that just won't go away! It started about a month ago when I was lifting some heavy boxes while moving, I thought maybe it was just muscle strain at first, ya know? But now it feels like sar mein dard that radiates sometimes to my shoulders, and I just can’t shake it off. I tried stretching, using warm packs, but nothing seems to really work. I went to a doctor, and they suggested some physical therapy, but I'm kind of skeptical about that... is that really going to help with the sar mein dard? Also, why does it feel worse in the morning? I wake up and it’s like someone’s trying to twist my neck off! I read somewhere that stress might contribute too. Does anyone else feel like this sar mein dard just gets worse when you’re stressed out? Any advice on what’s worked for you? I'm starting to worry it might be something more serious, but I don’t want to run to the doc again just to hear the same old things. Help!

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Doctors’ responses

It’s possible that what you’re dealing with is more than just a simple muscle strain, especially since you mentioned the pain has persisted for over a month and at times radiates to your shoulders. This could be indicative of conditions like cervical strain, tension headaches, or even a cervical spine issue like a herniated disc. Physical therapy can actually be quite effective in these cases. It can help strengthen your neck muscles and improve posture, which might be contributing to that nagging pain. Sometimes, these conditions are exacerbated by poor posture, especially if you’ve been doing physical labor, and therapy can address both the muscles and the alignment issues.

As for the pain being worse in the morning, it could be due to sleeping posture or how your head is supported by your pillow. Ensuring that your neck maintains a neutral position during sleep can alleviate morning pain. Consider trying a cervical pillow designed to support your neck’s natural curve. Stress can indeed magnify any kind of pain by increasing muscle tension, including tension headaches where the discomfort starts in the neck and radiates to the head - like the kind you’re describing. Techniques like mindfulness, regular exercise, or even yoga can help manage stress levels.

If the pain continues to be unmanageable or is worsening, returning to a medical professional is advisable. You could ask about diagnostic imaging like an MRI if there’s suspicion of something more serious like disk issues. In the meantime, take regular breaks if you’re involved in any activity that stresses your neck, and apply anti-inflammatory measures like cold packs or NSAIDs if necessary; just make sure you’re not overusing them. The key is a balanced approach combining lifestyle changes, possibly physical therapy, and ongoing stress management. If symptoms like numbness, weakness, or severe pain occur, it would be best to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

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