Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

Published on: May 10, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Neck Pain: Symptoms, Causes, And How To Treat It

Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle tension, and injury. There are several treatments that can help relieve neck pain, including exercises, massage, and chiropractic care. Some people may also need to take medication to ease their pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.

Treatment for neck pain often depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the pain is due to muscle strain, over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient. However, if the pain is caused by nerve compression or arthritis, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. Physical therapy and chiropractic care are often effective treatments for neck pain, and surgery may be an option in severe cases. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your particular situation.

Neck pain can be caused by a number of things, ranging from bad posture to arthritis. Symptoms can include stiffness, discomfort, and sometimes even headaches. Treatment depends on the cause, but may involve medications, physical therapy, or surgery. Here's what you need to know about neck pain.

Causes of Neck Pain

The most common cause of neck pain is poor posture. If you spend a lot of time hunched over your computer or looking down at your phone, it can put a strain on the muscles and ligaments in your neck. This can lead to pain and stiffness. Other causes of neck pain include:

Neck pain is a very common condition that can be caused by a number of things. Most often, neck pain is caused by stress or strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck. This can happen due to poor posture, arthritis, wear and tear on the tissues of the neck, or because of an injury. There are many different symptoms of neck pain, and they can vary depending on the cause. Some common symptoms include stiffness, soreness, headaches, tenderness on touch, and difficulty moving the head or neck. Neck pain can range from mild to severe, and in some cases it can lead to disability.

Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by a number of different factors. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and may include stiffness, headaches, nausea, and difficulty moving the neck or head. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain, but may involve over-the-counter or prescription medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, or surgery.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

The most common symptom of neck pain is a dull, aching sensation in the neck. This can be accompanied by stiffness, tenderness, and/or referred pain (pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders or upper back). Other possible symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or headache.

What are some potential causes of neck pain?

There are many potential causes of neck pain, including muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, whiplash, tension headaches, and herniated discs. In some cases, neck pain may also be due to referred pain from other sources such as the stomach or heart. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include stiffness, muscle spasm, headaches, or pins and needles feelings. Common causes of neck pain include poor posture, muscle tension, injury, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Luckily, there are many things you can do to treat neck pain and prevent it from coming back.

Conservative treatments such as ice/heat therapy, massages, and stretching exercises can help provide relief for minor to moderate neck pain. If your pain is more severe, you may need physical therapy or chiropractic care to help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. In some cases, you may also need medication

Most neck pain resolves itself within a few days or weeks with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your neck pain is severe or gets worse over time, it’s important to see your doctor. They can determine the cause of your neck pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

To treat neck pain, there are a number of options. simple home remedies like applying ice or heat to the affected area can often provide relief. over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can also be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain. There are a number of different symptoms that can accompany neck pain. Some people may only experience a dull ache, while others may have sharp pains, tingling, or numbness. The location of the pain may also vary, depending on the cause.

Read Blog

Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
Vitamin D Deficiency
Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

Dietary Factors
Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
Socioeconomic Constraints
Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
Living Conditions and Health
Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
Weak immune system ? more infections
Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
Lab tests:
- Haemoglobin & complete blood count
- Serum ferritin for iron stores
- Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
- 25-OH vitamin D test
- Serum B12, folate
- Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
- Protein / albumin levels

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
Bone deformities or pain
Severe or recurrent infections
Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.