Neck pain is a common symptom characterized by pain in the cervical spine.It is caused by mechanical damage or systemic disease.A person complains that his neck hurts when he bends or turns his head sharply.The acute pain can last 10 days, then disappears.If it persists for a long time and does not give rest, it is necessary to urgently seek help from specialists.You can get treatment for neck pain, diseases and injuries that cause it in a specialized clinic.
Causes of neck pain
Pain in the neck area occurs due to the following reasons:
- acute torticollis - a painful syndrome caused by injury to the neck muscles, lifting heavy objects or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, usually disappears in 1-2 days;
- wear and tear of the spine – deformation of the joints and bones of the spine;
- Whiplash – sudden movement of the head that damages the tendons and ligaments of the neck;
- pinched nerve – cervical radiculopathy, which occurs due to damage to the intervertebral disc;
- cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that causes degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and is accompanied by severe pain in the neck, which radiates to the arm;
- hernia in the cervical spine - a disease leading to pinching of the nerve roots, pain in the neck and shoulder, decreased sensitivity of the arm and decreased muscle strength;
- Acute thyroiditis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Factors that cause neck pain include:
- feverish condition;
- sudden weight loss;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- physical tiredness;
- cervical injuries;
- deficiency of B vitamins;
- bad posture;
- genetic predisposition;
- unhealthy lifestyle.
A common cause of neck pain in children is lymphadenitis, a complication of tonsillitis.When you are infected you notice discomfort in the head and neck area.Intracranial hemorrhages, tumors and abscesses can also cause a pain syndrome.
Types of neck pain
Depending on the location of the pain, neck pain is divided into the following types:
Cervical pain
The pain is only in the neck area.If it extends to the arms, this syndrome is called cervicobrachialgia.When it radiates to the head it is called cervicocranialgia.
Cervical or cervical low back pain
It is characterized by severe sharp pain with any movement of the neck and head.It may radiate to the back of the head or the thoracic spine.The duration of attacks can reach 10 days.In rare cases, the pain continues for 2-3 months.
Diagnostic methods
First of all, the doctor carries out a visual examination and palpation of the neck to determine the nature of the pain and the cause of its occurrence.To confirm the diagnosis, the clinic carries out laboratory tests and recommends undergoing a simple x-ray if a lesion or disease of the skeletal system is suspected, a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging if the specialist suspects that the cause of the pain may be a disease of the cervical vertebrae.Electromyography will be necessary to check the functioning of the nervous system.
In clinics, the cause of neck pain is determined using the following methods:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- Double-sided scanning
- Computed tomography
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Full body examination (check-up)
Treatment for neck pain
The treatment strategy is selected taking into account the pathology or injury that caused the neck pain.Conservative and surgical treatment is usually carried out using modern technologies.If the underlying disease can be cured, the patient is prescribed analgesics, glucocorticoids, local anesthetics, antioxidants and muscle relaxants.If necessary, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used.Painkillers are the basis of drug treatment aimed at relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapeutic procedures - osteopathy, physical therapy, neck massage, manual therapy - will also help get rid of pain.Ultrasound therapy is recommended to relieve spasms and improve blood circulation.The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the pathological process.
If a patient is diagnosed with intervertebral hernia and spinal cord damage, he or she undergoes surgery.
In specialized clinics, the following methods are used to treat neck pain:
- Manual therapy
- Kinesiotaping
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Shock wave therapy
- Interstitial electrical stimulation
Complications of neck pain
Neck pain itself is a symptom;it may not cause complications, but it worsens a person's quality of life.But without treatment for neck pain, its causes can lead to serious consequences.If it is caused by whiplash, then it is fraught with blurred vision, dizziness, post-traumatic arthrosis and neurosis.Cervical osteochondrosis without medical assistance leads to irreversible damage to the spine and death.
If left untreated, cervical spine disease can cause tetraparesis.Initially, the patient will experience numbness in the fingers and hands at night or after physical activity.Then paralysis of the legs will gradually begin to develop.It is characterized by numbness of the fingers and impaired walking.
A hernia in the cervical spine can lead to compression of the nerve roots and interruption of blood flow in the brain.Without a well-chosen treatment regimen, deformation of the spine will occur.It is accompanied by neurological disorders, digestive system disorders and migraine attacks.
Prevent neck pain
To prevent neck pain, you should organize your workplace properly.When working in a sedentary manner, you need to periodically take breaks and perform different exercises for all parts of the spine and muscle groups.It is also recommended to do gymnastics in the morning.
Many diseases of the cervical spine can occur due to excess weight.Therefore, you should control your weight, eat right, visit the pool and gym.It is recommended to sleep on a medium-hard mattress and use a pillow so that the head is at the same level as the body.