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shock absorbers between the bones in the neck (called
the cervical spine) dry out and become weaker over time.
The result: more pressure on the joints, which can lead to
cervical spondylosis—or arthritis of the neck.
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, arthritis of the neck affects more than 85 percent
of people over age 60. Treatments that may offer relief
range from over-the-counter medications to steroid-based
injections.
Only rarely is neck pain caused by an infection, a
systemic illness, or a tumor.
WHEN TO GET YOUR NECK CHECKED
Neck pain is often temporary and goes away with time.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, as well as cold
compresses and hot showers. For many people, even
severe pain gets better at home within a week or two.
“However, some neck pains need to be diagnosed
and treated immediately,” says Craig
McNabb, MD.
Seek medical care ASAP, says Dr. McNabb,
if you:
■ ■
Experience a severe head or neck
injury, such as in a vehicle crash or a
fall in your home
■ ■
Are injured and have neck pain that
radiates down your arms and legs
What if you have neck pain but you
haven’t been injured? See a provider if:
■ ■
The pain is severe, continuous,
and isn’t better after a week of home
treatment
■ ■
The pain radiates down your arms
and legs
■ ■
You also have headaches, numbness,
tingling, or weakness
WHAT A PA I N !
A stiff or sore neck can really ruin your
day—or your whole week. But do you need to have a
doctor or health care provider check your neck? Knowing
what causes most neck pain can help you decide.
IT’S A COMMON ACHE
Every year, some 32 million people in the U.S. get a pain in
the neck. Two common causes are:
■ ■
Muscle strain from things such as stress, poor
posture, or sleeping in an awkward position
■ ■
Soft-tissue abnormalities due to
an injury—like a concussion while
playing a contact sport or whiplash
from being in a rear-end collision
Neck pain is also among the
most common aches people
experience as they age. That’s
because the disks
that serve as
Healthy
joints
Need a neck check? Our
physical medicine and
rehabilitation specialists can
help. Call
360-414-2700
.
Craig McNabb, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehab
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Musculoskeletal Clinic
1615 Delaware St.
Longview, WA
360-414-2700
Is a kink in your
neck cramping
your
s
tyle
?
The Joint Replacement
Center at PeaceHealth
St. John Medical Center
participates in the Marshall
Steele program, along with
more than 80 other hospitals
nationwide. We rate in the
top 5 percent of hospitals
in the program for average
length of stay: 95 percent of
our patients are discharged
directly home rather
than to a rehabilitation
facility. At 90 percent
inpatient satisfaction
scores, we rate 12 points
higher than average for
Washington hospitals.
WHAT OUR
PATIENTS SAY:
“You all are such wonderful
people. I will be back for
the next one. You all make
us feel like family! NO
complaints at all!!”
“Excellent hospital stay.
Everyone was so gracious
and kind. You can really tell
you guys care about your
patients and put them first.
Great work up there.”
Learn more about our joint
replacement programs in
our wellness offerings on
page 6.
Leading the
way in joint
replacement
4
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call