Neck Discomfort: Rehabilitation Insights and Self-Care Tips

Q: Neck Discomfort: Rehabilitation Insights and Self-Care Tips

Hi： <br>Q1： Will there be any sequelae? Is it common to feel a pulling sensation? <br>A1： Intermittent pulling is currently not associated with any clear sequelae. <br>It is a common occurrence.<br>Q2： Should I rest for a while before resuming neck traction? How long should I re

Discomfort in the neck?

Hello Doctor, in March of this year, I experienced tingling and numbness in my left index finger and thumb (including the web space) and visited a rehabilitation clinic.
An X-ray showed that there was compression at the C4-C5 vertebrae.
Initially, I only received electrical therapy, but the results were limited.
Later, I added neck traction and combined it with acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine (starting with massage, but later only acupuncture).
However, I felt anxious during the neck traction and only went for it twice before stopping, continuing only with acupuncture.
The tingling in my fingers persisted but eventually disappeared about 3-5 days ago.
In August, I experienced discomfort in my cervical spine again, with soreness and numbness in my left shoulder and arm when looking up.
I visited another rehabilitation clinic (without an X-ray, but the doctor assessed it as C6-C7 vertebrae) and underwent electrical therapy and neck traction.
During the traction, I felt a pulling sensation in my left shoulder, arm, and back, and my index and thumb began to feel numb (I weigh 66 kg, and the traction force was 9).
After the session, I mentioned to the therapist that it might be due to my sitting posture being too upright (not leaning against the chair back), but I felt a bit anxious at home, possibly worrying about potential sequelae.
Additionally, the day after the neck traction, I felt a slight strain-like sensation in my left shoulder, arm, and chest during certain movements.
Currently, I plan to refrain from rehabilitation for a while and would like to ask:
1.
Is there a risk of sequelae? Is the pulling sensation a common occurrence?
2.
Should I take a break for a period before resuming neck traction? How long should I rest before I can return to rehabilitation?
3.
What self-soothing exercises can I do at home? For example, can I rotate my neck side to side? Is heat therapy advisable?
4.
Can I take anti-inflammatory pain medication? (Ibuprofen 200 mg per tablet)
5.
Since this has occurred twice this year, are there any specific concerns I should be aware of? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Xiao Jiang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/27

Dr. Li Weiqiang reply Rehabilitation

Hi:
Q1: Will there be any sequelae? Is it common to feel a pulling sensation?
A1: Intermittent pulling is currently not associated with any clear sequelae.
It is a common occurrence.
Q2: Should I rest for a while before resuming neck traction? How long should I rest before starting rehabilitation again?
A2: Each person's condition is different.
If discomfort is present, it is advisable to rest and then reassess the ability to resume rehabilitation.
Q3: What self-soothing exercises can I do at home? For example, turning my neck side to side? Heat therapy?
A3: You can do these, but do not overdo it.
Q4: Can I take anti-inflammatory pain relievers? (ibuprofen 200mg/tablet)
A4: It is permissible to take them as needed to alleviate symptoms.
Q5: This has occurred twice this year; is there anything I should be concerned about?
A5: It may be related to posture or improper muscle contractions.
Maintain correct posture and learn to relax.
Wishing you peace and health,
Director of the Rehabilitation Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare,
Li Wei-Chiang

Reply Date: 2020/08/27

More Info

Neck discomfort, particularly when associated with symptoms like numbness or tingling in the fingers, can be quite distressing and may indicate underlying issues such as cervical spine problems. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing symptoms related to cervical spine compression, specifically at the C4-C5 and C6-C7 levels. Here’s a comprehensive response to your questions, along with some self-care tips and rehabilitation insights.

1. Will there be any long-term effects? Is the pulling sensation common?
The sensation of pulling or discomfort during neck traction can be common, especially if the muscles and ligaments are tight or if there is irritation around the cervical spine. However, if you experience significant pain or worsening symptoms, it’s essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. As for long-term effects, it largely depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms and how well they are managed. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and adherence to recommended therapies can help minimize the risk of chronic issues.

2. Should I take a break from traction therapy? How long should I rest before resuming?
If you are feeling discomfort or anxiety about the traction therapy, it may be wise to take a break. Listen to your body; if you feel that the treatment is causing more discomfort than relief, it's best to pause. Generally, a break of a few days to a week can be beneficial, allowing your muscles to relax and recover. During this time, you can focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises and self-care strategies.

3. What self-care exercises can I do at home?
There are several gentle exercises you can perform at home to help alleviate neck discomfort:
- Neck stretches: Slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
- Chin tucks: Sit or stand up straight and gently tuck your chin toward your chest, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for a few seconds and repeat several times.

- Shoulder rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward to relieve tension.

- Heat therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the neck can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.

4. Can I take anti-inflammatory pain relief?
Yes, you can take ibuprofen (200 mg) as needed for pain relief, provided you do not have any contraindications for its use. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily limit. If you have any concerns about taking this medication, consult your healthcare provider.

5. What should I be aware of given the recurrence of symptoms this year?
Since you have experienced symptoms twice this year, it may be beneficial to keep a symptom diary. Note when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action. Additionally, consider discussing preventive measures, such as ergonomic adjustments at your workstation, posture correction, and regular physical therapy sessions to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles.

In conclusion, while neck discomfort can be challenging, understanding your symptoms and taking proactive steps can significantly improve your quality of life. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and to seek their guidance on any new or worsening symptoms. Regular follow-ups and a tailored rehabilitation program can help you manage your condition effectively.

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