Neck pain can occur for a variety of reasons. Let's give an answer to the question "What to do if my neck hurts? " And advise on the best treatment methods.
Neck pain can cause great discomfort to each of us. At the same time, the usual way of life is disrupted and the person is deprived of the opportunity to carry out daily work. He often has dizziness, tinnitus, and impaired visual organs. The reasons for such violations can be of a very different nature. We will talk more about them.
What neck pain are there?
Neck pain can be temporary and cause only mild discomfort to a person, or be more severe and disrupt the normal rhythm of life. As a rule, patients notice a sharp muscle spasm in this part of the body, which is accompanied by severe pain. It can be stabbing, painful, or tingling.
In this case, increased discomfort is observed during the period of physical activity or with a long stay in one position. For these reasons, a person has to do full-body twists to avoid an increased load on the neck.
Therefore, neck pain can be classified as follows:
- Sharp. Duration no more than 10 days;
- Chronic. Disturbing the person for a long period of time;
- Vertebrogenic. They occur in the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, including compression of the roots of the spinal cord and damage to the intervertebral discs;
- Not vertebrogenic. They manifest themselves against the background of other negative factors, including inflammatory and infectious processes in the muscle area, disorders in the lymph nodes and the thyroid gland.
With painful sensations of a vertebrogenic nature, discomfort is observed in the area of the upper extremities, the back of the head, the shoulder joint and the hands. In this case, there is a loss of sensation, limitation of motor activity and numbness in the region of the extremities, which is considered a consequence of compression of the spinal roots. Also, in these cases, the patient notices an acute pain syndrome in the head area, dizziness and the appearance of fainting, indicating the presence of a herniated intervertebral disc.
The need for an urgent visit to a specialist is indicated by the presence of acute pain sensations, which are accompanied by loss of sensation in the back of the head, the appearance of tinnitus and dizziness.
Causes of neck pain.
Before deciding what to do if your neck hurts, you need to accurately diagnose the nature of the disease. In some cases, it can be difficult for a person to distinguish between a sore throat and discomfort in the cervical spine, as the sensations can be intense and associated with pain throughout the neck. If at the same time the patient feels fever or sore throat, this may indicate the presence of viral infections, including: pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, ARVI, etc. Also, similar symptoms can occur when:
- Insufficient intake of vitamins in the body;
- In the case of the presence of foreign objects in the throat area;
- Increased synthesis of cortisol by the adrenal cortex;
- The presence of pathological neoplasms in the throat;
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
But, as a rule, patients can distinguish diseases in the throat region from pain in the neck, which can be localized in the anterior, posterior and lateral parts.
Causes of pain in the front of the neck.
The appearance of discomfort in the front of the neck or under the chin can be observed in the context of:
- Inflammation in the area of muscles associated with nerves and ligaments;
- Pathological processes in the thyroid gland;
- Acute insufficiency of the blood supply to the myocardium;
- In the presence of abscesses and cystic formations;
- Destructive processes in the area of the lymph nodes.
It should be noted that the factors that cause pain in this part of the body are difficult to determine. In such cases, it is better to make an appointment with an experienced specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
It is important to note that anterior neck discomfort can occur when the nerve roots are compressed and with pathological changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes of pain in the neck.
One of the most frequently asked questions among modern people sounds like this: "What to do if my neck hurts from behind? " In fact, physical inactivity, prolonged use of the computer, the presence of addictions, the unwillingness to practicing a healthy lifestyle, all this can lead to pathological disorders in the vertebrae and, as a result, provoke the appearance of pain in the neck.
Therefore, if your neck hurts from behind and you do not know what to do with unpleasant manifestations, we recommend that you first contact an experienced vertebrologist or manualist. The fact is that the above signs most often indicate serious pathologies of the spine, which include:
- Osteochondrosis. It is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the area of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in their strength and height;
- Outgoing. We are talking about the protrusion of the intervertebral disc, which increases the probability of pinching the arteries and nerve roots;
- Herniated disc of the spine. In the absence of timely therapeutic measures, the nucleus pulposus can enlarge and penetrate the spinal canal. In this case, the spinal cord and nerve roots are compressed. In advanced stages, the contents of the intervertebral disc can separate and "float freely" along the spinal canal. This, in turn, can lead to a complete lack of motor activity in the spine;
- Spondylosis We are talking about a condition in which pathological bone growths appear in the extreme part of the vertebrae. In this case, a flattening of the intervertebral discs occurs, which can gradually lead to pathological connections of the nearby vertebrae and a decrease in motor activity in the neck;
- Myofascial syndrome. A pathological process characterized by the appearance of spasms in muscle tissue and, as a result, the appearance of an acute pain syndrome during the period of movement;
- Compression fractures. This process occurs in the area of the vertebrae in the elderly. It manifests itself as a result of whiplash or as a result of osteoporosis and represents a serious danger to the human body;
- Ankylosing spondyloarthritis. It is accompanied by pathological fusion of the vertebrae, damage to all joints, and a total decrease in motor activity.
In rare cases, pain in the back of the neck occurs against the background of osteomyelitis or tuberculosis of the spine.
What is the reason for the pain in the side of the neck?
The pain in the side of the neck is usually throbbing or tingling. Also, the pain can radiate to the ear or shoulder joint, often leading to a curvature of the neck towards the injury. Similar situations arise in the presence of the following ailments:
- Vascular pathologies, including the deposition of cholesterol on the inner walls of blood vessels;
- Muscle spasms, which are manifested due to excessive tension in the neck, exposure to thermal factors or a sharp change in the position of the head;
- The presence of malignant formations in the larynx, pharynx or thyroid gland.
Neck pain diagnosis
So, in order to understand what to do if the neck hurts, first of all, one must find out the etiology of the origin of the disease. The most common cause of discomfort is a pathological process in the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, when the first unpleasant symptoms appear, it is recommended to visit a vertebrologist, neurologist or manualist.
After listening to the patient's complaints and taking the necessary diagnostic measures, the doctor will give clear recommendations for further treatment. Not only will he be able to find out what to do if his shoulders and neck hurt, but he will also be able to find out the cause of the discomfort that has arisen.
However, it is precisely the pathological changes in the spine that most frequently cause the appearance of the above ailment. In fact, even minor pathologies in the spinal region can cause disturbances in the transmission of nerve signals from the spinal cord to the internal systems of the body.
This is due to the fact that each part of the spinal cord controls the work of a certain organ and, in case of any disorder in the cervical region, the muscles of the neck and shoulder region, as well as the ENT organs and the thyroid. gland, are affected. The intensity of the pain syndrome depends on the degree of development of the disease.
Therefore, if you have pain in the back of the head and neck, before looking for a way out, what to do, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. During the same, the following activities are implemented:
- A blood test is done;
- An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, cervical vessels, and salivary glands is performed;
- A blood test is done to detect the presence of thyroid hormones;
- An X-ray of the cervical spine is done;
- Electromyography is prescribed;
- Magnetic resonance;
- CONNECTICUT.
In this case, the most informative diagnostic method is MRI. In the course of it, it is possible to carry out a detailed analysis of the state of the intervertebral discs, study the state of the blood supply organs and identify the symptoms of compression of the spinal roots. Thanks to this method, it is possible to judge the presence of a particular ailment in advance, in its initial stages of development, which significantly increases the effectiveness of future therapeutic measures.
Neck pain treatment
To understand what to do if the left, anterior or posterior side of the neck hurts, individual points should be taken into account, including the intensity of the pain syndrome, the severity of existing changes, the presence of chronic pathologies and the corresponding expert. opinion. In addition, patients with the same type of alterations can be recommended different therapeutic measures, since in this case the age factor and the individual characteristics of the organism are taken into account.
However, even if a person has very bad back pain, there is no specific way to correct the situation. The recommended therapeutic measures are always complex in nature and are aimed both at eliminating the negative manifestations of the disease and at combating its causes.
Key components of the treatment provided include:
- The use of medications;
- Manual treatment;
- Osteopathy;
- Massage procedures;
- The use of physiotherapy methods;
- Visit a rehabilitation specialist.
Also, when a pathological process is detected in the region of the cervical vertebrae, the patient needs to correct his usual way of life. For example, office workers and drivers are encouraged to enter regular physical workouts and change body position more frequently during the workday.
You should also enrich your diet with healthy foods. This will speed up the body's recovery process.
Neck pain medications
The nature of the prescription drugs depends on the diagnosis and the presence of chronic pathologies. Here is a list of medications that are recommended for most patients when diagnosing such a condition:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have a powerful anesthetic effect, relieve inflammation;
- Corticosteroid hormones. Helps to cope with inflammation in situations where non-steroidal drugs are inactive;
- The use of drugs that eliminate muscle spasms, which can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome;
- Group of drugs whose main components are glycosaminoglycans (chondroprotectors). Promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue, have greater efficiency in the early stages of spinal diseases;
- Vitamin D. Promotes the restoration of brain function, improves the condition of the skeletal system;
- Vitamins of group B. They allow to improve the process of transmission of impulses from the spinal cord to the internal systems, as well as to normalize their normal functioning;
- Antibacterial, antihypertensive, hormonal drugs, etc.
In case of painful manifestations of significant intensity, a solution is injected into the area of the nerve endings of the neck, which contains an anesthetic drug and a corticosteroid hormone. However, during the implementation of the block, there is a possibility of injury and infection of the nerve, which requires high professional training by a specialist.
Manual neck treatment
One of the most effective methods of eliminating pain in the neck and the reasons that provoked its appearance is manual therapy. The method is based on a direct effect on the spine and nearby tissues. The key difference between this procedure and therapeutic massage is the ability to exercise not only the muscles of the neck and back, but also to influence the spine.
With the implementation of manual treatment by a competent specialist, it is possible to achieve a noticeable improvement in the patient's condition after the first procedures. It is possible to obtain a healing effect due to:
- Bring the vertebrae to the correct position and restore the axis of the spine;
- Expansion of the disc space and release of compressed vessels and roots. This allows you to normalize the functioning of the internal systems of the body, in particular the brain;
- Relief of muscle spasm and stiff neck, which can reduce the intensity of pain;
- Restoration of blood supply to tissues.
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain.
The key objective of physiotherapeutic procedures is to increase the efficacy of the therapeutic measures implemented. They are used only outside the exacerbation stage. With a competent professional approach, physiotherapy has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and also allows you to improve blood flow in tissues and restore muscle tone.
Most often, the patient is advised to take courses that include sessions of 10 to 15. These include:
- Ultrasonic method;
- Use of laser radiation;
- Exposure to the affected area with constant electrical current in combination with the administration of medicinal substances;
- Shock wave therapy;
- Traction of the spine;
- Sludge treatment, etc.
The number of procedures and the frequency of their implementation is determined individually. Separate influencing methods can be carried out simultaneously, the rest must be carried out at specific intervals.
Action of shock wave therapy for neck pain.
You should reject the possibility of self-medicating, as this can not only worsen your condition, but can also have irreversible consequences. For example, if your neck hurts from behind at the base or a pinched nerve, it is better to contact an experienced specialist in a proven clinic.
In good clinics, modern and effective treatment methods are implemented, thanks to which each patient has the opportunity to normalize the condition of the neck without dangerous consequences for the body. Thanks to the use of innovative and highly efficient equipment, as well as the participation of first-rate specialists in medical procedures, you can count on a reliable and long-term result.
The implemented course of shock wave therapy will allow you to quickly stop the pain syndrome, cope with the causes of the disease, and eliminate the likelihood of complications in bone tissue and in the muscle area. You will be able to feel a noticeable improvement in your condition already after the first shock wave exposure procedure.
Physiotherapy exercises for neck pain.
If your neck hurts after sleeping or it hurts to turn your head, a mandatory stage of treatment, along with other methods, is exercise therapy. Since the cause of cervical spine pain is often excessive muscle tension and concomitant degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, exercise therapy should be performed on a daily basis.
For each patient, the exercise therapy program is compiled individually. In this case, the individual characteristics of the organism, the age factor, the severity of the disorders and the degree of physical fitness of a person are taken into account. The participation of a rehabilitation physician in the development of the above program is mandatory. In this case, the patient should avoid overloading and sudden movements.
Preventive actions
To prevent the appearance of pain in the neck, first of all, the patient should pay attention to the organization of his working day. If her work involves a long stay in one position, a prerequisite for maintaining health is regular gymnastics. Obesity is often the cause of pathological conditions in the cervical spine. This suggests the need to introduce a proper diet, go to the gym and exercise in the pool. A special orthopedic mattress should be used when sleeping at night.