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 of neck pain when bending or turning their head suddenly.Acute pain may last for 10 days and then disappear.If it persists for a long time and does not give rest, then you should urgently seek help from specialists.You can seek treatment at a specialist clinic for neck pain and the illnesses and injuries that cause it.
Causes of neck pain
Pain in the neck area occurs for the following reasons:
- acute torticollis - a painful syndrome caused by injuries to the neck muscles, lifting heavy objects or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, it 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, due to injury 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, radiating to the arm;
- cervical spine hernia - a disease that leads to pinching of nerve roots, neck and shoulder pain, decreased sensitivity in the arm and decreased muscle strength;
- Acute thyroiditis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Factors causing neck pain include:
- feverish condition;
- sudden weight loss;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- physical fatigue;
- cervical injuries;
- deficiency of B vitamins;
- poor posture;
- genetic predisposition;
- unhealthy lifestyle.
A common cause of neck pain in children is lymphadenitis, a complication of tonsillitis.Discomfort in the head and neck is noted in the event of infection.Intracranial hemorrhages, neoplasms and abscesses can also cause pain syndrome.
Types of neck pain
Depending on the location of the pain, neck pain is divided into the following types:
Neck pain
The pain is only in the neck.If it extends to the arms, this syndrome is then called cervico-brachialgia.When it radiates towards the head, it is cervico-cranial.
Cervical lumbago or cervicago
It is characterized by intense sharp pain with any movement of the neck and head.It can radiate towards the back of the head or towards the thoracic spine.The duration of attacks can reach 10 days.In rare cases, the pain persists for 2 to 3 months.
Diagnostic methods
First of all, the doctor conducts a visual examination and palpation of the neck to determine the nature of the pain and the cause of its appearance.To confirm the diagnosis, the clinic conducts laboratory tests and recommends that the patient undergo a simple x-ray if an injury or disease of the skeletal system is suspected, a CT scan or MRI if the specialist suspects that the cause of the pain may be a disease of the cervical vertebrae.An 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
- CT scan
- Computer electroencephalography
- Full body examination (check-up)
Treatment of neck pain
The treatment strategy is chosen 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.Pain relievers form the basis of drug treatment aimed at relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapeutic procedures - osteopathy, physiotherapy, neck massage, manual therapy - will also help eliminate 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 injury, they are referred for surgery.
In specialized clinics, the following methods are used to treat neck pain:
- Manual therapy
- Kinesio recording
- 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 deteriorates a person's quality of life.But if left untreated, neck pain can have serious consequences.If caused by whiplash, it leads to blurred vision, dizziness, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and neuroses.Cervical osteochondrosis without medical care leads to irreversible damage to the spine and death.
If left untreated, cervical spine pathology 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 altered gait.
A herniated cervical spine can lead to compression of nerve roots and disruption of blood flow to the brain.Without a well-chosen treatment regimen, spinal deformity will occur.It is accompanied by neurological disorders, digestive system disorders and migraine attacks.
Preventing neck pain
To prevent neck pain, you need to organize your workplace well.When working sedentary, it is necessary to periodically take breaks and perform several 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 need to control your weight, eat right, go to the pool and the gym.It is advisable to sleep on a medium-firm mattress and use only one pillow so that your head is at the same level as your body.