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 bending or turning his head sharply.The acute pain may last for 10 days and then disappear.If it persists for a long time and does not give rest, it is necessary to urgently seek help from specialists.You can receive treatment for neck pain, illnesses and injuries that cause them in a specialized clinic.
Causes of neck pain
Pain in the neck region occurs for the following reasons:
- acute torticollis - painful syndrome caused by injuries to the neck muscles, lifting heavy objects or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, usually disappears within 1 to 2 days;
- spinal wear – 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, radiating to the arm;
- hernia in the cervical spine - a disease that causes compression of the nerve roots, pain in the neck and shoulders, decreased sensitivity in the arm and decreased muscle strength;
- Acute thyroiditis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Factors that provoke 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 region is observed when infected.Intracranial hemorrhages, neoplasms 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:
Neck pain
The pain is only in the neck region.If it spreads to the arms, this syndrome is called cervico-brachialgia.When it radiates to the head, it is cervicocranialgia.
Cervical low back pain or cervicago
It is characterized by intense sharp pain with any movement of the neck and head.It may radiate to the back of the head or thoracic spine.The duration of attacks can reach 10 days.In rare cases, the pain continues for 2 to 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 that the patient undergo a simple x-ray if an injury or disease of the skeletal system is suspected, a CT scan or an MRI if the specialist suspects that the cause of the pain may be diseases 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 by the following methods:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- Duplex scanning
- Computed tomography
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Comprehensive body examination (check-up)
Neck pain treatment
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.Analgesics are the basis of drug treatment aimed at relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapeutic procedures - osteopathy, physiotherapy, neck massage, manual therapy - also help to 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 an intervertebral hernia and spinal cord injury, he or she will be 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 cannot cause complications, but it worsens the person's quality of life.But without treatment for neck pain, its causes can lead to serious consequences.If caused by a whiplash injury, it can cause blurred vision, dizziness, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and neurosis.Cervical osteochondrosis without medical attention leads to irreversible damage to the spine and death.
If left untreated, cervical spine pathology can cause tetraparesis.Initially, the patient will feel numbness in the fingers and hands at night or after physical activity.Then leg paralysis will begin to develop gradually.It is characterized by numbness in the fingers and difficulty walking.
A hernia in the cervical spine can lead to compression of the nerve roots and interruption of blood flow to the brain.Without a well-chosen treatment regimen, spinal deformation will occur.It is accompanied by neurological disorders, digestive system disorders and migraine attacks.
Preventing neck pain
To prevent neck pain, you must properly organize your workplace.When working in a sedentary manner, it is necessary to take periodic breaks and perform various exercises for all parts of the spine and muscle groups.It is also recommended to do gymnastics in the morning.
Many cervical spine diseases can occur due to being overweight.Therefore, you must control your weight, eat well, go to the pool and the gym.It is advisable to sleep on a medium-hard mattress and use a pillow so that your head is at the same height as your body.