Neck pain is an unpleasant problem that can significantly ruin your mood and quality of life.The symptom occurs in 30-40% of the population and can lead to loss of movement and disability.
Based on the causes, treatment methods also differ.Early diagnosis and quality treatment, started after the problem is discovered, will help you forget about this unpleasant symptom.
Why does your neck hurt?
The etiopathogenesis (mechanism of development) of pain is divided into three main groups:
- somatogenic.This includes pain due to injuries and inflammation, ischemic processes, and mechanical tissue damage.
- neurogenic.Occurs when the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system are disrupted.
- psychogenic.In this case, psychological and social factors play a role.Emotional activity can trigger reflex muscle contraction, which leads to pain.
The pain can be acute or chronic.If your neck hurts acutely, it is most likely a normal reaction to injury.In order for the pain to stop, it is necessary to wait until the tissues have completely healed or speed up this process.Chronic pain has a different development mechanism - damage occurs constantly and maladaptation occurs.The body cannot cope with the damaging factor on its own.
The causes of pain are divided into two main groups: vertebrogenic (those associated with the spine) and non-vertebrogenic.They can develop by both somatogenic and neuropathic mechanisms.in the first case, the structures of the spine and muscles are involved in the process, and in the second - the roots of the spinal nerves and peripheral nerve endings.The psychogenic mechanism comes into play a little later and aggravates the current situation.
Vertebrogenic neck pain can be divided into the following subtypes:
- myogenic.Pain occurs when muscles are stretched or squeezed.Also, the cause may be a prolonged contraction of muscle fibers.
- arthrogenic.Damage occurs in the joints connecting the vertebrae.The distance between the structural elements of the spine decreases, constant mutual damage occurs, which provokes pain.
- discogenic.Occurs when discs protrude, shift, and herniate.
- spondylogenic.The cause of pain in this case is damage to the structures of the vertebra, its tissues or processes.This can be a destructive process or a voluminous neoplasm that is influenced from the outside.
- neuropathic.The neck hurts due to compression of a root or nerve ending.The reasons may be a voluminous neoplasm, hernia or hypertrophy of individual structures.
Non-vertebrogenic neck pain is divided into:
- myofascial syndrome;
- pain caused by psychological factors;
- irradiation of pain during a pathological process in other parts of the body;
- symptoms of inflammatory processes.
We will look at individual causes of pain below, but for now, familiarize yourself with the risk factors that can cause this symptom:
- incorrect position when working;
- lack of anatomical position of the spine during sleep;
- low level of physical activity;
- too much stress on the spine;
- overweight;
- lack of a rational approach to nutrition;
- impaired drinking regime;
- frequent stress;
- bad habits (drinking alcohol, nicotine).
Causes of neck pain
Let's consider the main causes of pain and the mechanism of symptom development in these conditions.
Osteochondrosis
With this pathology, the connections between the joints of the spine are disrupted, disc protrusion occurs and hernias form.The condition occurs in those who have a hereditary predisposition and do not take care of their posture, nutrition and lifestyle.In addition to neck pain, a person feels general weakness and tinnitus.Fainting and disturbances of consciousness occur.Soreness may occur in the arms, back of the head, and the area between the shoulder blades.The joints may creak when turning the head, and numbness may be felt.
The pain associated with this disease is chronic and aching.It can reach such intensity that it becomes difficult to sleep.In the early stages, the process can be easily corrected, but the further the pathology progresses, the more difficult it is to correct it.
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
The disease is destructive in nature - intervertebral joints are destroyed, their structure is disrupted and bone tissue overgrowth occurs.The neck may hurt on one side, the pain also radiates to the upper limb and chest.
Infringement of blood vessels and nerve endings leads to hearing and vision impairment, a person becomes more tired, experiences memory loss and absent-mindedness.Lack of effective treatment can lead to complications and disability.
Herniated discs
The pathology begins with bulging of the disc contents, and then going beyond its normal anatomical position.Even a slight displacement can manifest itself as a pronounced symptom.The spinal canal is narrow and all the nerve roots are in close proximity to each other.As soon as a hernia begins to appear, the neck and back hurt.If the patient tries to eliminate the pain with conventional painkillers, the symptom goes away, but the problem remains and, over time, reminds itself again.
Neck muscle strain
Almost everyone has encountered this problem - prolonged tension in the cervical spine or intense training after some time is reflected in severe muscle pain.The pain occurs acutely and often begins to bother you after sleep.swelling and swelling are noticeable on the injured side of the neck.It becomes difficult to turn the head, the patient tries to give his head the most comfortable position so as not to feel pain.The pain will go away on its own, you just need to give rest to the damaged area.To alleviate the situation, consult a doctor: he may recommend a compress or ointment with an analgesic.
Spondylosis
The disease is a complication of osteochondrosis, which could not be treated.The disease is serious and can lead to limitation of a person’s physical activity.In addition to osteochondrosis, spondylosis can be caused by trauma.The patient feels pain constantly, it can move to the back of the head and collar area.Sometimes, the neck hurts pulsatingly, accompanied by stiffness and difficulty turning the head.
To eliminate the disease, complex treatment is required, which combines an effect on the cause and individual symptoms of the disease.
Cervical myelopathy
The patient has neck pain in this case due to narrowing of the spinal canal.In order to recognize the pathology in time, it is necessary to pay attention to the following symptoms: the patient feels weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs.The condition is accompanied by disturbances in speech, coordination and balance.The gait becomes unsteady, the position of the body in space is disturbed.If you have recently experienced injuries, falls, or road accidents, this is most likely myelopathy.
Whiplash
In this case, the neck hurts as a result of damage to soft tissues.The mechanism of occurrence is strong flexion and subsequent extension.The patient usually feels pain after a fall or fight.An injury can be recognized by the following sign: the head protrudes slightly forward and the physiological curves of the cervical spine are disrupted.
Injury
The causes of injury are impacts, accidents, and unsuccessful diving.The patient feels aching pain in the neck and back of the head.Motor activity is severely limited, soft tissues swell, hematomas and bruises appear.
Infectious diseases
The inflammatory response, which is a response to an infectious disease, leads to acute pain.The mechanism of development is enlargement of lymph nodes.lymphatic vessels that put pressure on the muscles and lead to their spasm.This condition is observed with sore throat and rubella.
An infectious disease for which neck pain is the leading symptom is meningitis.The pathology is accompanied by tension in the muscles of the back of the head, the patient cannot bend his head and it is in an unnaturally extended position.
Diseases of internal organs
Some conditions of the internal organs can lead to pain radiating to the neck.This is facilitated by the peculiarities of innervation and reflex mechanisms.So, pain in the gall bladder, esophagus, and heart can radiate to the neck.Also, pain is observed with pathologies of the thyroid gland, larynx, and pharynx.
Some of the pathologies may occur normally and are easily treatable.But sometimes the neck hurts due to serious pathologies that require emergency care.
Other reasons
The neck may hurt after the patient has been in a draft or has become very cold.This leads to muscle spasm, which is accompanied by pain.It also happens that a person simply “laid down” while sleeping in an uncomfortable position.After prolonged work, stress or intense training, this symptom may also occur.
Types of neck pain
This symptom can be divided into the following subtypes:
- cervicago.This is a sharp pain and limitation of movement, which is also known as “cervical lumbago”.
- cervicalgia.Neck pain due to diseases of the internal organs, spine and other causes.You can divide the pain depending on the cause, as described above.Also, the type of pain depends on its nature: acute or chronic.
There is a special commission to study neck pain.She suggested identifying the following types of pain, depending on the stage:
Stage 1
Short-term cervicalgia, which stops after some time on its own or after lifestyle modification.There are no symptoms that indicate structural damage.Additional diagnostic and treatment methods are not needed.
Stage 2
There are no signs of serious violations of the anatomical structures, however, the patient’s daily activity is impaired: there is a need to take painkillers.The condition can be corrected with lifestyle modifications and some exercise.
Stage 3
Neurological symptoms appear, additional diagnostics and comprehensive treatment are required.
Stage 4
Signs of organic lesions appear.The patient is bothered by severe intense pain, which corresponds to tumors, myelopathies or systemic pathology.High-quality, comprehensive diagnostics and specialized treatment are required.
Basic principles of treating neck pain
How to treat neck pain depends on the specific situation and the mechanisms of development of the disease.Also, the choice of method is influenced by the stage of the process and its nature.The attending physician can determine the tactics after a full examination and additional diagnostic methods.
The beginning of any treatment is a modification of the way of life.This depends only on the patient and determines the success of other treatment procedures.
These methods also apply to preventive measures to prevent neck pain:
- gymnastics and warm-up for the neck muscles, which relieves tension in the muscles;
- general strengthening of the back muscle corset;
- correct position at the table, during work and rest;
- if you do sedentary work, get up periodically and do simple exercises;
- place a cushion under your lower back during prolonged sitting;
- Adjust the position of the monitor so as not to strain your neck.This applies to both the computer and the phone;
- if you often talk on the phone, use a headset or speakerphone;
- when working with documents, use a stand so that the papers are at eye level;
- Pay attention to your bed - give preference to an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
- always use a seat belt when traveling - this prevents injuries and strains of the neck muscles;
- Make sure your diet is balanced and rational.In addition to the normal combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, food should contain trace elements, minerals and vitamins;
- drink enough clean water, in addition to tea, coffee and juices;
- avoid stress or learn to react correctly to it;
- give up nicotine and other bad habits.
Pain treatment should be comprehensive, affecting not only the symptoms, but also the cause of development.If your neck hurts, conservative methods, medications, and physiotherapy are used.In severe stages of some conditions, surgical treatment is recommended.
Medicines used to treat pain:
- non-steroidal drugs relieve inflammation, swelling and pain;
- ointments to reduce pain;
- muscle relaxants;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin injections.
Physiotherapeutic methods are also effective for neck pain.You must first consult with your doctor, because these methods are used depending on the stage of the process.
The following methods are considered effective:
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- acupuncture;
- medicinal baths;
- healing shower;
- mud therapy.
Treatment of neck pain must be timely and of high quality - only then can one count on success and elimination of pain.