Health: If your neck gets stiff like Shubman Gill's, will you be treated in the hospital or will it heal on its own?

Shubman Gill Neck Spasm Details: Shubman Gill suffered a stiff neck. He was playing a match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital. Shubman Gill is the captain of the Indian cricket team. His injury is a big deal for the entire country. But imagine if this happened to an ordinary person. Neck stiffness is common in people. This increases neck pain. For some, it resolves, while for others, it causes prolonged pain. What should we do in such a situation? Should we go to the hospital or do something ourselves? What should we do if the pain becomes unbearable? To find answers to these questions, we spoke with Dr. Bhuvana Ahuja, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroanaesthesia and Pain Management at Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital, Delhi. Let's learn more about this pain.

What exactly is neck stiffness or pain?
Dr. Bhuvana Ahuja explained that a CT scan will reveal the exact cause of Shubman Gill's neck problem, but if it happens to a normal person, it could be due to several factors. Sudden neck pain could be simply a spasm. This involves spasms or swelling of the neck muscles, meaning the neck muscles become stiff. This can cause severe pain. Another possible cause is cervical radiculopathy, which is more painful than simple spasms. In cervical radiculopathy, the cervical discs begin to dislocate, compressing the nerves in the neck.

This causes a pinching pain, a sharp pain. Dr. Bhuvana Ahuja explained that a third condition could also be causing this condition. It could also involve complications involving the cervical vertebrae. The neck contains seven small bones called vertebrae that connect the spinal cord. Sometimes, these vertebrae become injured or compressed, leading to neck stiffness. These three factors are primarily responsible for neck stiffness, pain, or discomfort. However, the most common cause these days is text neck syndrome. This condition is caused by constantly being glued to your mobile phone. Sometimes, it can also be caused by tumors, cancer, or pre-existing medical conditions. In such cases, an examination will reveal the underlying cause.

What will happen with this pain?
Dr. Bhuvana Ahuja explained that whether it's a spasm, cervical radiculopathy, or a problem with the cervical vertebrae, all three conditions put pressure on the muscles and compress the nerves in the neck. This can also compress the blood vessels, reducing blood supply to the cells. When the blood supply decreases, oxygen supply also decreases. All of this will cause some cells to die, disrupting the balance of fluid flowing in and out of the cells. This will cause severe pain. Furthermore, compression of the nerves will prevent signals from reaching the nerves in the neck, leading to decreased control over the arm and numbness or tingling. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications later.

Does everyone need to go to the hospital?
Dr. Bhuvana says that this depends on the severity of the pain or the severity of the injury. In many cases, light exercise can resolve within seven days. However, if the pain persists, it indicates a serious underlying condition. An MRI is necessary. Treatment is then tailored accordingly.

What is the treatment for neck stiffness?
Neck exercises are typically performed for this condition. Dr. Bhuvana Ahuja says that if you are experiencing neck pain, everyone doesn't need to go to the hospital. If the pain is not severe, it can be cured by neck movement and rotation. This involves isometric exercises. You can learn the method from a physiotherapist. You can also apply a painkiller gel. Painkillers are given for pain. Separate medicines are given for nerve pain. However, it is important to be careful that if you have neck pain, do not go to a masseur under any circumstances; this could worsen the situation.

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