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.Acute pain can last up to 10 days and then go away.If it persists for a long time and does not give rest, you should urgently seek help from specialists.You can receive treatment in a specialist clinic specializing in neck pain, diseases and injuries.
Causes of neck pain
Neck pain occurs due to the following reasons:
- acute torticollis - a pain syndrome caused by injuries to the neck muscles, lifting heavy objects or prolonged uncomfortable positions, usually disappears within 1-2 days;
- wear and tear of the spine - deformation of the joints and bones of the spine;
- Whiplash - a 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 spinal column that causes degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and is accompanied by severe neck pain that radiates to the arm;
- hernia in the cervical spine - a disease that leads to entrapment of nerve roots, pain in the neck and shoulders, decreased sensitivity of the arm and decreased muscle strength;
- Acute thyroiditis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland.
The provoking factors of neck pain are as follows:
- febrile condition;
- sudden weight loss;
- movement coordination disorder;
- physical fatigue;
- cervical injuries;
- lack of B vitamins;
- poor posture;
- genetic predisposition;
- unhealthy lifestyle.
A common cause of neck pain in children is lymphadenitis, a complication of tonsillitis.When infected, an unpleasant sensation is observed in the head and neck area.Hemorrhages, tumors and abscesses within the skull can also cause a painful syndrome.
Types of neck pain
Depending on the location of the pain, neck pain is divided into the following types:
Cervical pain
The pain occurs only in the neck area.If it spreads to the arms, this syndrome is called cervico-brachialgia.When it radiates to the head, cervicocranalgia.
Cervical lumbago or cervicago
It is characterized by severe acute pain with any movement of the neck and head.It can radiate to the back of the head or the thoracic spine.Attacks can last up to 10 days.In rare cases, the pain lasts for 2-3 months.
Diagnostic methods
First of all, the doctor performs 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 performs laboratory tests and recommends a simple X-ray to the patient if a skeletal injury or disease is suspected, a computed tomography scan or an MRI if the specialist suspects that the cause of the pain may be a disease of the cervical vertebrae.Electromyography will be needed to check the functioning of the nervous system.
In clinics, the cause of neck pain is determined by the following methods:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- Duplex scanning
- Computed tomography
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Comprehensive examination of the body (checkup)
Treatment of neck pain
The treatment strategy is selected taking into account the pathology or injury causing 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 pain relievers, glucocorticoids, local anesthetics, antioxidants and muscle relaxants.If necessary, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used.Analgesics are the basis of drug treatment aimed at reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapy procedures - osteopathy, physical therapy, neck massage, manual therapy - also help to 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 the patient is diagnosed with intervertebral hernia and spinal cord damage, they are referred for surgery.
In specialized clinics, the following methods are used to treat neck pain:
- Manual therapy
- Kinesio taping
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF therapy
- Therapeutic practice
- Shock wave therapy
- Interstitial electrical stimulation
Complications of neck pain
Neck pain itself is a symptom;it may not cause complications, but it impairs a person's quality of life.But without treating neck pain, its causes can lead to serious consequences.If it is caused by whiplash, it is fraught with blurred vision, dizziness, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and neurosis.Without medical care, cervical osteochondrosis leads to irreversible damage to the spine and death.
If left untreated, cervical spine pathology can cause tetraparesis.Initially, the patient's fingers and hands experience numbness at night or after physical activity.After that, paralysis of the legs gradually begins.It is characterized by numbness of the fingers and difficulty walking.
A herniated disc in the cervical spine can lead to compression of nerve roots and disruption of blood flow to the brain.Deformation of the spine occurs without a well-chosen treatment plan.It is accompanied by neurological disorders, digestive disorders and migraine attacks.
Prevention of neck pain
To prevent neck pain, you need to organize your workplace properly.During sedentary work, you should take regular breaks and do more exercises for all parts of the spine and muscle groups.Exercising in the morning is also recommended.
Many diseases of the cervical spine can occur due to excess weight.Therefore, you need to control your weight, eat, visit the pool and the gym.It is advisable to sleep on a medium firm mattress and use a pillow so that your head is at the same height as your body.