Neck pain is a common symptom characterized by pain in the cervical spine.It is caused by mechanical damage or systemic diseases.A person complains that his neck hurts when he bends or turns his head sharply.Acute pain can last for 10 days, then disappear.If it lasts for a long time and does not give rest, you should urgently seek help from specialists.You can get treatment for neck pain, diseases and injuries that provoke it in a specialized clinic.
Causes of neck pain
Neck pain occurs for the following reasons:
- acute torticollis - a pain syndrome caused by damage to the neck muscles, lifting heavy objects or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time, usually disappears within 1-2 days;
- erosion 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 caused by damage to the intervertebral disc;
- cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that provokes degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and is accompanied by severe pain in the neck that spreads to the arm;
- hernia in the cervical spine - a disease that causes compression of 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 are:
- febrile condition;
- sudden weight loss;
- violation of coordination of movements;
- 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.During infection, discomfort is noted in the head and neck area.Intracranial hemorrhages, neoplasms and abscesses 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:
Cervicalgia
The pain is only in the neck area.If it spreads to the arms, this syndrome is called cervico-brachialgia.When it radiates to the head, it is cervicocranialgia.
Cervical lumbago or cervicago
It is characterized by severe sharp pain with any movement of the neck and head.It can spread to the back of the head or the thoracic spine.The duration of attacks can reach 10 days.In rare cases, the pain lasts for 2-3 months.
Diagnostic methods
First of all, the doctor conducts a visual examination and palpation of the neck to determine the nature and cause of the pain.To confirm the diagnosis, the clinic conducts laboratory tests and recommends the patient to undergo a simple X-ray examination if damage or disease of the skeletal system is suspected, and a computed tomography or MRI if the specialist suspects that the cause of the pain may be diseases of the cervical vertebrae.Electromyography will be required 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
- Computer electroencephalography
- Comprehensive examination of the body (check-up)
Treatment of neck pain
The treatment strategy is selected taking into account the pathology or injury that causes neck pain.Conservative and surgical treatment is usually carried out using modern technologies.If the underlying disease can be treated, the patient is prescribed analgesics, glucocorticoids, local anesthetics, antioxidants and muscle relaxants.If necessary, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used.Pain relievers are the mainstay of drug treatment aimed at relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapy procedures - osteopathy, physical therapy, neck massage, manual therapy will 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 damage to the spinal cord, he is sent 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 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 quality of life of a person.But without treatment for neck pain, its causes can lead to serious consequences.If it is caused by a whiplash injury, it is fraught with blurred vision, dizziness, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and neurosis.Without medical help, cervical osteochondrosis causes irreversible damage to the spine and death.
If left untreated, pathology of the cervical spine can cause tetraparesis.At first, the patient will feel numbness in the fingers and hands at night or after physical activity.Then the 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 cause compression of nerve roots and disruption of blood flow in the brain.Without a properly selected treatment regimen, deformation of the spine will occur.It is accompanied by neurological disorders, disorders of the digestive system and migraine attacks.
Prevention of neck pain
To avoid neck pain, you need to organize your workplace properly.When working in a sitting position, it is necessary to periodically take breaks and do several exercises for all parts of the spine and muscle groups.Morning gymnastics is also recommended.
Many diseases of the cervical spine can occur due to excess weight.Therefore, you should control your weight, eat right, visit the pool and the gym.It is recommended to sleep on a medium firm mattress and use a pillow so that your head is at the same level as your body.