Cavities/tooth decay

 

Cavities/tooth decay

Overview

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.

If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
• Pain when you bite down

When to see a dentist

You may not be aware that a cavity is forming. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels fine. However, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time. Here's how tooth decay develops:

• Plaque forms. Dental plaque is a clear sticky film that coats your teeth. It's due to eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well. When sugars and starches aren't cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria.
• Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth's hard, outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — the first stage of cavities. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid. Dentin has tiny tubes that directly communicate with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity.
• Destruction continues. As tooth decay develops, the bacteria and acid continue their march through your teeth, moving next to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. Because there is no place for the swelling to expand inside of a tooth, the nerve becomes pressed, causing pain. Discomfort can even extend outside of the tooth root to the bone.

Risk factors

Everyone who has teeth is at risk of getting cavities, but the following factors can increase risk:

• Tooth location. Decay most often occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have lots of grooves, pits and crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles. As a result, they're harder to keep clean than your smoother, easy-to-reach front teeth.
• Certain foods and drinks. Foods that cling to your teeth for a long time — such as milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips — are more likely to cause decay than foods that are easily washed away by saliva.
• Frequent snacking or sipping. When you steadily snack or sip sugary drinks, you give mouth bacteria more fuel to produce acids that attack your teeth and wear them down. And sipping soda or other acidic drinks throughout the day helps create a continual acid bath over your teeth.
• Bedtime infant feeding. When babies are given bedtime bottles filled with milk, formula, juice or other sugar-containing liquids, these beverages remain on their teeth for hours while they sleep, feeding decay-causing bacteria. This damage is often called baby bottle tooth decay. Similar damage can occur when toddlers wander around drinking from a sippy cup filled with these beverages.
• Inadequate brushing. If you don't clean your teeth soon after eating and drinking, plaque forms quickly and the first stages of decay can begin.
• Not getting enough fluoride. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities and can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage. Because of its benefits for teeth, fluoride is added to many public water supplies. It's also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses. But bottled water usually does not contain fluoride.
• Younger or older age. In the United States, cavities are common in very young children and teenagers. Older adults also are at higher risk. Over time, teeth can wear down and gums may recede, making teeth more vulnerable to root decay. Older adults also may use more medications that reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and plaque from your teeth. Substances found in saliva also help counter the acid produced by bacteria. Certain medications, some medical conditions, radiation to your head or neck, or certain chemotherapy drugs can increase your risk of cavities by reducing saliva production.
• Worn fillings or dental devices. Over the years, dental fillings can weaken, begin to break down or develop rough edges. This allows plaque to build up more easily and makes it harder to remove. Dental devices can stop fitting well, allowing decay to begin underneath them.
• Heartburn. Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to flow into your mouth (reflux), wearing away the enamel of your teeth and causing significant tooth damage. This exposes more of the dentin to attack by bacteria, creating tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend that you consult your doctor to see if gastric reflux is the cause of your enamel loss.
• Eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia can lead to significant tooth erosion and cavities. Stomach acid from repeated vomiting (purging) washes over the teeth and begins dissolving the enamel. Eating disorders also can interfere with saliva production.

Complications

Cavities and tooth decay are so common that you may not take them seriously. And you may think that it doesn't matter if children get cavities in their baby teeth. However, cavities and tooth decay can have serious and lasting complications, even for children who don't have their permanent teeth yet.

Complications of cavities may include:

• Pain
• Tooth abscess
• Swelling or pus around a tooth
• Damage or broken teeth
• Chewing problems
• Positioning shifts of teeth after tooth loss

When cavities and decay become severe, you may have:

• Pain that interferes with daily living
• Weight loss or nutrition problems from painful or difficult eating or chewing
• Tooth loss, which may affect your appearance, as well as your confidence and self-esteem
• In rare cases, a tooth abscess — a pocket of pus that's caused by bacterial infection — which can lead to more serious or even life-threatening infections

Prevention

Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities. Ask your dentist which tips are best for you.

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner.
• Rinse your mouth. If your dentist feels you have a high risk of developing cavities, he or she may recommend that you use a mouth rinse with fluoride.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule that's best for you.
• Consider dental sealants. A sealant is a protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. It seals off grooves and crannies that tend to collect food, protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sealants for all school-age children. Sealants may last for several years before they need to be replaced, but they need to be checked regularly.
• Drink some tap water. Most public water supplies have added fluoride, which can help reduce tooth decay significantly. If you drink only bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride, you'll miss out on fluoride benefits.
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Whenever you eat or drink beverages other than water, you help your mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. If you snack or drink throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.
• Eat tooth-healthy foods. Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods, or brush soon after eating them. However, foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.
• Consider fluoride treatments. Your dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water and other sources. He or she may also recommend custom trays that fit over your teeth for application of prescription fluoride if your risk of tooth decay is very high.
• Ask about antibacterial treatments. If you're especially vulnerable to tooth decay — for example, because of a medical condition — your dentist may recommend special antibacterial mouth rinses or other treatments to help cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.
• Combined treatments. Chewing xylitol-based gum along with prescription fluoride and an antibacterial rinse can help reduce the risk of cavities.

 

Teeth Pain: Common Causes and Ways to Address Them

What kind of pain is it?

Tooth pain can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint. You may experience a radiating ache or nagging pain in your teeth, jaw, ear, forehead, face, or neck. You may also have trouble determining where exactly it’s coming from. Your symptoms may help provide clues. These could include:

• sudden, sharp pain in one or more teeth while running or upon exertion
• sensitivity to temperature changes, such as hot and cold
• persistent, dull ache, ranging from mild to severe (this can be centralized in one tooth or may radiate to or from the ear or nose)
• pulsating, intense pain, which may be accompanied by swelling (this pain may radiate to the ear, jaw, or neck on one side of the head)

Reasons for teeth pain

Some causes of tooth pain include:

Tooth decay

Cavities(dental caries) are holes in the teeth that are caused by decay. Not all cavities hurt at first, and only your dentist can tell if you have one. If pain occurs in just one tooth, you may have a cavity that is becoming large or deep, or is affecting the inside of the tooth. Tooth decay can be caused by poor dental hygiene and by eating sugary foods. It can also be caused by medications that cause dry mouth, such as antacids, antihistamines, and blood pressure medication.

Abscess

A pocket of pus, called a tooth abscess, can occur in various parts of the tooth. Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. They can also originate from periodontal disease or cavities that have been left untreated. There are two types of abscesses: periodontal abscesses, which occur alongside a tooth near the gum tissue, and periapical abscesses, which are usually caused by decay or injury and are located at the root of the tooth.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is inflammation of a tooth’s pulp — the tissue within a tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located. Pulpitis can be caused by untreated cavities or, less commonly, periodontal abscesses. If left untreated, cavities and pulpitis can eventually cause a tooth to die, which would also cause intense pain.

Thinning tooth enamel

Your teeth are protected by enamel — a hard layer designed to shield the nerve endings within. When this layer wears awayyour teeth become sensitive to hot and cold foods, and cold air. Acidic, sweet, and sticky foods can also cause teeth to hurt. Brushing your teeth with too much pressure or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can also wear down tooth enamel over time.

Old dental work or cracked teeth

Very old fillings, cracked fillings, or cracks within the toothcan expose the inner layers of teeth, increasing sensitivity.

Gingival recession (receding gums)

This occurs when gum tissue rises up, pulling away from the tooth. Receding gums expose the tooth’s root, causing sensitivity and pain. It can be caused by overly vigorous brushing, trauma to the mouth, poor oral hygiene, or genetics.

Gum disease (periodontal disease)

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontitis, a type of gum disease. If left untreated gum disease can escalate breaking down the tissue and bone supporting teeth, causing pain. Inflammation and irritation can also occur.

TMJ disorders

A type of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can also cause pain in the ear. TMJ pain can radiate to teeth and may be accompanied by facial pain or headache. TMJ has a range of causes including grinding teeth (bruxism) and clenching the jaw during sleep. People with this condition may feel more sensitivity when they wake up as a result.

Sinus congestion and infection

Your upper rear teeth may hurt when you have a sinus infection (rhinosinusitis) or your nasal cavities are swollen and feel stuffed. This may feel like dull pressure. You may also have pain around your eyes or forehead. Anything that causes sinus congestion, such as allergies or colds, can cause this effect.

Impacted tooth

Impacted teethare teeth that don’t break through the gumline but stay lodged in gum tissue or bone. Wisdom teeth are the ones most likely to be impacted. Impacted teeth sometimes cause no pain, but may crowd the other teeth in the mouth, if left untreated. They can also cause pain that ranges from a dull, unending ache, to sharp, long-lasting pain. This pain may radiate up to the ear or to one side of the nose.

Diabetes

Frequently high blood sugar can affect the saliva in your mouth, increasing bacteria and plaque. Gum disease, cavities, and tooth pain can all result.

Heart dhttp://isease

Because it’s not always easy to identify the origin of the pain in teeth, it makes sense to see a dentist or doctor. Especially for symptoms that are severe or have lasted longer than a day or two.

Jaw pain can be mistaken for tooth pain but may represent a serious condition, such as anginaor a heart attack.

Go to an emergency room or call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms in addition to pain in your teeth and jaw:

• shortness of breath
• sweating
• nausea
• chest pain

Jaw pain may occur when you physically exert yourself or experience mental stress. Even if the pain comes and goes, a doctor’s immediate attention is required.

Tooth pain treatments

Tooth pain has a wide range of treatments based on the underlying cause.

• Some sinus infectionsrequire antibiotics, but others resolve on their own. Your doctor may recommend decongestants, saline solution, nasal corticosteroids, or antihistamines.
• If you have thin tooth enamel, you may get relief by using a sensitivity toothpaste.
• Sipping more water may also help reduce dry mouth.
• Reducing your intake of acidic or sugary foods can also help preserve the tooth enamel you have left.
• Make sure to brush regularly to remove plaque. This will help reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Don’t brush too vigorously, as this may adversely affect tooth enamel.
• Have regular dental checkups so a dentist can assess the overall condition of your mouth, including old dental work.
• If you have cavities, filling them will eliminate tooth pain.
• If you have old or cracked fillings, replacing them will also eliminate pain.
• TMJ disorders are sometimes temporary and resolve on their own. If you have chronic tooth pain and jaw pain, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard you can wear at nightto reduce teeth grinding. You may also benefit from lifestyle changes that reduce anxiety and activities such as meditation, walks, and yoga.
• Gum infections and abscesses may require antibiotics or antibacterial rinses. Your dentist may also need to clean out the area around the affected tooth. 

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What a doctor can do

If you have diabetes or heart disease your doctor will determine the best course of action for your condition as well as an appropriate treatment for symptoms like tooth pain.

There are several dental procedures that can address the underlying cause:

• If you have advanced periodontal disease, your dentist or a specialist known as a periodontist may do deep cleaning procedures designed to remove tartar and plaque from below the gumline. Other procedures, such as deep cleaning or dental surgery, may be required.
• Impacted teeth are typically removed by an oral surgeon.
• A tooth that is cracked or damaged may require a root canal if the nerve has died or been damaged beyond repair. Pulpitis and dental abscesses may also be treated this way. In some instances, a tooth extraction may be used to completely remove the tooth.

The takeaway

Maintaining good dental habitsis your best way to avoid many causes of tooth pain. Brush and floss daily, but not too hard or with a brush with stiff bristles.

Tooth pain has a wide range of causes. If your pain is constant or doesn’t resolve quickly, see a dentist or doctor. They can help you become pain free more quickly. Some causes of tooth pain are more serious than others. Seeing a professional is your best bet for determining the right fix.

दंत चिकित्सा! Dental Care

 

दंत चिकित्सा का मतलब है अपने दांतों और मुंह को स्वस्थ और साफ रखना ताकि दांतों की समस्याओं जैसे कैविटी, मसूड़ों की बीमारी और मुंह की दुर्गंध से बचा जा सके। अच्छी दंत चिकित्सा में नियमित गतिविधियाँ शामिल हैं जैसे दिन में कम से कम दो बार ब्रश करना, रोज़ाना फ्लॉस करना और नियमित रूप से डेंटिस्ट के पास जाकर जांच और सफाई कराना।

Can you heal a cavity?Can you fix cavities at home?What can you do for a cavity in your teeth?

 Can you heal a cavity?'

Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.

Can you fix cavities at home?

The bottom line. Vitamin D, oil pulling, licorice lollipops, chewing gum, and other home remedies won't get rid of existing cavities on their own. But these methods may keep cavities from getting bigger and prevent new ones from coming

What can you do for a cavity in your teeth?

Treatment options include:

1. Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth's enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages. ...
2. Fillings. ...
3. Crowns. ...
4. Root canals. ...
5. Tooth extractions.

 

Causes of Vomiting and How to Treat in Adults, Babies, and When Pregnant

Vomiting — forcefully expelling what’s in your stomach through your mouth — is your body’s way of getting rid of something harmful in the stomach. It may also be a response to irritation in the gut.

Vomiting isn’t a condition, but rather a symptom of other conditions. Some of these conditions are serious, but most aren’t a cause for concern.

Vomiting can be a one-time event, especially when it’s caused by eating or drinking something that doesn’t settle right in the stomach. However, vomiting repeatedly can be a sign of an emergency or a serious underlying condition.

Read on to learn the causes of vomiting in adults, babies, and pregnant women, how to treat it, and when it’s considered an emergency.

Primary causes of vomiting

The most common causes of vomiting are different in adults, babies, and pregnant or menstruating women.

Vomiting in adults

The most common causes of vomiting in adults include:

• foodborne illnesses (food poisoning)
• indigestion
• bacterial or viral infections, like viral gastroenteritis, which is often referred to as a “stomach bug”
• motion sickness
• chemotherapy
• migraine headaches
• medications, like antibiotics, morphine, or anesthesia
• excessive alcohol consumption
• appendicitis
• acid reflux or GERD
• gallstones
• anxiety
• intense pain
• exposure to toxins, such as lead
• Crohn’s disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• concussion
• food allergies

Vomiting in babies

Common causes of vomiting in babies include:

• viral gastroenteritis
• swallowing milk too quickly, which can be caused by the hole in the bottle teat being too large
• food allergies
• milk intolerance
• other types of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), middle ear infections, pneumonia, or meningitis
• accidentally ingesting a poison
• congenital pyloric stenosis: a condition present at birth in which the passage from the stomach to the bowel has narrowed so food can’t pass through easily
• intussusception: when the bowel telescopes in on itself resulting in a blockage — a medical emergency

Vomiting when pregnant

Causes of vomiting in pregnant women include:

• morning sickness
• acid reflux
• foodborne illnesses (food poisoning)
• migraine headaches
• sensitivity to certain smells or tastes
• extreme morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which is caused by rising hormones

Vomiting during menstruation

Hormone changes during menstruation can make you nauseous and make you throw up. Some women also experience migraine headaches during their periods, which can also cause vomiting.

How to treat vomiting

Treatment for vomiting depends on the underlying cause. Drinking plenty of water and sports drinks containing electrolytes can help prevent dehydration.

In adults

Consider these home remedies:

• Eat small meals consisting of only light and plain foods (rice, bread, crackers or the BRAT diet).
• Sip clear liquids.
• Rest and avoid physical activity.

Medications can be helpful:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol may help suppress nausea and vomiting as you wait for your body to fight off an infection
• Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe antiemetic drugs, like ondansetron (Zofran), granisetron, or promethazine.
• OTC antacids or other prescription medications can help treat the symptoms of acid reflux.
• Anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed if your vomiting is related to an anxiety condition.

In babies

• Keep your baby lying on their stomach or side to lessen the chances of inhaling vomit
• Make sure your baby consumes extra fluids, such as water, sugar water, oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte) or gelatin; if your baby is still breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed often.
• Avoid solid foods.
• See a doctor if your baby refuses to eat or drink anything for more than a few hours.

When pregnant

Pregnant women who have morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum may need to receive intravenous fluids if they’re unable to keep down any fluids.

More severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum might require total parenteral nutrition given through an IV.

A doctor may also prescribe antiemetics, such as promethazine, metoclopramide (Reglan), or droperidol (Inapsine), to help prevent nausea and vomiting. These medications can be given by mouth, IV, or suppository

When to see a doctor

Adults and babies

Adults and babies should see a doctor if they:

• are vomiting repeatedly for more than a day
• are unable to keep down any fluids
• have green colored vomit or the vomit contains blood
• have signs of severe dehydration, such as fatigue, dry mouth, excessive thirst, sunken eyes, fast heart rate, and little or no urine; in babies, signs of severe dehydration also include crying without producing tears and drowsiness
• have lost significant weight since the vomiting began
• are vomiting off and on for over a month

Pregnant women

Pregnant women should see a doctor if their nausea and vomiting makes it impossible to eat or drink or keep anything in the stomach.

Prediction and preventiPredicting when you might vomit

Before you vomit, you may begin to feel nauseous. Nausea can be described as stomach discomfort and the sensation of your stomach churning.

Young children may not be able to recognize nausea, but they may complain of a stomachache before they vomit.

Prevention

When you begin feeling nauseous, there are a few steps you can take to potentially stop yourself from actually vomiting. The following tips may help prevent vomiting before it starts:

• Take deep breaths.
• Drink ginger tea or eat fresh or candied ginger.
• Take an OTC medication to stop vomiting, such as Pepto-Bismol.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take an OTC antihistamine such as Dramamine.
• Suck on ice chips.
• If you’re prone to indigestion or acid reflux, avoid oily or spicy foods.
• Sit down or lie down with your head and back propped up.

Vomiting caused by certain conditions may not always be possible to prevent. For example, consuming enough alcohol to cause a toxic level in your bloodstream will result in vomiting as your body attempts to return to a non-toxic level.

Care and recovery after vomiting

Drinking plenty of water and other liquids to replenish lost fluids is important after a bout of vomiting. Start slowly by sipping water or sucking on ice chips, then add in more clear liquids like sports drinks or juice. You can make your own rehydration solution using:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 teaspoons sugar
• 1 liter water

You shouldn’t have a big meal after you vomit. Begin with saltine crackers or plain rice or bread. You should also avoid foods that are difficult to digest, like:

• milk
• cheese
• caffeine
• fatty or fried foods
• spicy food

After you vomit, you should rinse your mouth with cool water to remove any stomach acid that could damage your teeth. Don’t brush your teeth right after vomiting as this could cause damage to the already weakened enamel.

Key takeaways

Vomiting is a common symptom of many conditions. Most often, vomiting in both adults and babies is a result of an infection called gastroenteritis, indigestion, or food poisoning. However, there can be several other causes.

In pregnant women, vomiting is often a sign of morning sickness.

Vomiting can be concerning if a person shows signs of severe dehydration, or it accompanies chest pain, sudden and severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or a stiff neck. People who’ve recently had a head injury or are vomiting blood should see a doctor right away.

If you’re experiencing vomiting, make sure to sip water and other clear fluids to prevent dehydration. Eat small meals when you’re able to, consisting of plain foods like crackers.

If the vomiting doesn’t subside in a few days, see a doctor.

Junk food effects on health/ body/ teeth and stomach

 Good Morning friends

I Hope you enjoyed junk food like i am also foody but a few day back i understand its bad effects on health.

I regularly eat pizza and macroni due to which my weight increased tremendously and i feel panic. i visited doctor and he told me stop eating outsinde food otherwise you will not live more than 6 months. after hearing the same i was shocked and stopped eating anything even homely food but later on i realised the bad and good effects of junk food and homely food.

Junk food didn't gave me any nutrient and only fulfill my hunger and create so many problems in my health but homely food give me proteins vitamins and nutrients which improved my life and i started recovering from bad life.

i advised all of you to eat homely food as it gives your body all proteins vitamins and good for healthy life.

What is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?

 

What is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?

ALL is cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow makes white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. WBCs help fight infection. RBCs help carry oxygen throughout the body. Platelets help the blood clot. ALL causes your body to make too many immature (young) white blood cells (WBC). These cells are cancer (leukemia) cells, and cannot fight infection like healthy WBCs. Cancer cells crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making healthy blood cells. Without enough healthy blood cells, you are at risk for infection, bleeding, and anemia. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells.

 

Neck pain

 

Overview

Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it's leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain.

Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

·         Pain that's often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer

·         Muscle tightness and spasms

·         Decreased ability to move your head

·         Headache

When to see a doctor

Most neck pain improves gradually with home treatment. If not, see your doctor.

Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.

Contact a doctor if your neck pain:

·         Is severe

·         Persists for several days without relief

·         Spreads down arms or legs

·         Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling

Causes

Your neck is flexible and supports the weight of your head, so it can be vulnerable to injuries and conditions that cause pain and restrict motion. Neck pain causes include:

·         Muscle strains. Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles.

·         Worn joints. Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.

·         Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.

·         Injuries. Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

·         Diseases. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, can cause neck pain.

Prevention

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:

·         Use good posture. When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders.

·         Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.

·         Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.

·         Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.

·         If you smoke, quit. Smoking can put you at higher risk of developing neck pain.

·         Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.

·         Sleep in a good position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles