Greetings.
The pain you are experiencing seems to be cervical radiculopathy. It is because of the pinching of the nerves in neck because of the cervical spondylosis (ostophyte formation, facet joint disease or degenerative disk disease). Cervical Spondylosis is a chronic degenerative condition which you have probably had for many years. It might make sense if you think of it a bit like arthritis in your neck.
Following is the treatment plan:
1) Neck care in the activities of daily living.
a) No working on computer for more than half an hour in a single stretch. Same for TV.
b) Monitors and televisions exactly in front (180 degrees).
c) Contour pillow: Should fill the hollow when lying on back or straight. Available over the counter.
2) Cervical Collar
3) Cervical traction
4) Anti-inflammatory analgesics
5) Some physicians do give oral steroids in severe radiculopathy cases.
6) Physical therapy: gradually increasing exercises from passive stretching to active against resistance regime.
7) Electrotherapy in the form of TENS, interferential and laser and ultrasound.
But any pain in chest in your age and with history of hypertension and overweight warrants cardiac evaluation like EKG, cardiac enzymes and echocardiography to exclude or rule out the heart ailment.
Please feel free, if you have further questions.
Dr. Arun
Edited by Dr. Arun Phophalia on December 1 2007 at 7:40 AM
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