Neck pain can occur due to pathologies of this part of the body, as well as many other organs and structures, as many nerve endings and blood vessels pass through it. That is why it is very important not to ignore the existing problem, but to immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.
Pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and often it is due to overexertion or poor posture. Sometimes soreness can occur after injury or sports.
Most often, you can get rid of pain in just a few days. However, in case of serious injuries or illnesses, an urgent examination by a specialist is required.
Features of pain
Probably everyone has experienced neck pain at least once in their life. Initially, it may appear in the back and gradually spread to the right or left side. With severe discomfort, it can be difficult to turn your head, as this causes sharp pain or even spasm. Painful sensations manifest themselves in completely different ways. That is why there is a classification according to certain criteria. First of all, it is the localization where exactly the discomfort manifests itself. Depending on theThis is distinguished by such types of pain as:
- visceral - reflected from the organs located inside;
- somatic superficial - occurs on the skin with injuries;
- deep - flowing deep into the tissues.
In case of damage to the nervous system, central painful sensations are released, as well as neuropathic ones. Pain can be acute or chronic in nature. Depending on the localization of discomfort, its intensity, as well as the severity of the flow, it is possible to determine what exactly provoked it.
Shoulder pain
Quite often there is a simultaneous defeat of the vertebrae of the cervical region, as well as the shoulder girdle. That is why pain in the neck and shoulders can occur during the course of muscle pathology, as well as bone and cartilage formations. In some cases, violations are present only in the neck, and pain is given to the upper limbs. Among the main reasons are the following:
- muscle strain;
- degenerative-dystrophic manifestations;
- joint inflammation;
- congenital anomalies;
- injury;
- diseases of internal organs.
Pain in the neck and shoulders can also occur with the wrong position during work. Elimination of pain syndrome is carried out with the help of an orthopedic pillow and mattress. In addition, warming gels and ointments may be required.
Pain in the back of the head
Many neck muscles are attached tooccipital bone, which is why the violation can be expressed in significant discomfort in the back of the head. In addition, some diseases of the head can be manifested by pain in the back of the neck. Among the main reasons for its occurrence are the following:
- pathologies of the cervical region and muscles;
- high blood pressure;
- neuralgia;
- hypertension;
- migraine.
The principle of therapy largely depends on the underlying pathology. That is why you first need to undergo an examination to identify the provoking factor.
Painful movement of the head
To understand what causes neck pain when turning your head, you need to understand exactly which structures are involved in this movement. The occurrence of painful sensations indicates that the cause is a certain mechanical effect on these structures. Among the main reasons are the following:
- muscle spasms;
- osteochondrosis;
- damage to the cervical artery;
- brain tumor;
- injury;
- neoplasms of the cervical region.
In general, pain when turning the neck occurs quite suddenly and is characterized by intensity. It can subside very quickly or remain for some time. If the pain is associated with compression of the nerve endings, then at the same time there may be a feeling of numbness.
Depending on the cause of the discomfort, an appropriate treatment is selected to eliminate the provoking factor. With pinching of the vertebral arteries or the presence of neoplasms, treatment can be surgical. In all other cases, medications are used.
Causes of occurrence
There are a variety of causes of neck pain, among which are the following:
- osteochondrosis;
- spondylosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- myalgia;
- dystonia;
- meningitis;
- injuries and many others.
Most often painful sensations occur with osteochondrosis. Spasms in the muscles provoke the occurrence of dystrophic changes in the discs connecting the cervical vertebrae, and lead to friction between them. The impossibility of a thinned disc to fully perform its functions leads to pinching of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae, provoking an intense pain syndrome. Basically, the pain is aching or sharp in nature, and its intensity increases with movements of the head or neck. In some cases, it can give to the shoulder blade or arm.
Neck pain can occur with a herniated disc. The deformed disc, under the influence of the load on the adjacent adjacent vertebrae, gradually begins to shift, and then the protrusion and rupture of the fibrous ring occurs. With the course of such a pathology, pain in the neck and back is observed, the muscles of the hands become weaker, and dizziness occurs.
Spondylosis is characterized by the course of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs, which gradually leads to the formation of osteophytes. An excess of bone tissue changesthe original structure of the cervical vertebrae, which provokes pinching of nerve endings. As a result, there is pain in the neck and head, and there may also be dizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus.
Displacement of the vertebrae in the cervical region can provoke pain. Even minor trauma to this area can lead to subluxation or displacement of the vertebrae. You can determine such a pathology by tension in the muscles of the neck or weakness of the hands. In addition, headaches and dizziness are observed. Usually, all these signs are combined with sleep disturbance, irritability, and depression.
Among the causes of neck pain is occipital neuralgia. With hypothermia in this area, inflammation of the joints or pinched nerve endings, persistent pain is observed. They can be supplemented by shootings in the back, lower face, and also in the eyes.
Many people spend their working day in the same position. If in free time the load on the muscles is not compensated by playing sports, then there is an overstrain of the muscles. As a result of spasm, pain occurs in the neck and shoulder girdle.
Sedentary lifestyle and hypothermia leads to pain and inability to turn your head. The pain at the same time gives to the forehead and temples. With the course of certain diseases, the lymph nodes increase and provoke painful manifestations in the cervical region in front.
Pain in the neck can occur in the presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia. In addition, there are suchsigns like:
- numbness of fingers;
- tachycardia;
- sweating;
- feeling of lack of air;
- bradycardia.
Neck pain on the left side can be one of the signs of a heart attack. It usually appears along with other signs, such as:
- excessive sweating;
- breathing difficulties;
- vomit;
- strong weakness;
- pain in the jaw and hands.
If these signs occur, be sure to immediately call an ambulance. If a patient has meningitis, then along with a headache and fever, painful sensations in the neck appear. This is a rather dangerous disease that can lead to death. If you have such symptoms, you should definitely seek help from a doctor. In some cases, neck pain may result from:
- infectious processes;
- tumors;
- congenital anomalies;
- abscesses;
- malignant tumor of the spine.
Among one of the reasons, psychogenic factors can be distinguished. Constant stress, fatigue and nervousness provoke the occurrence of spasms in the muscles and acute pain in the muscles of the neck. If you experience discomfort, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostics
Neck pain should only be treated by a qualified doctor. Take measures to self-eliminate discomfort, regardless of localization categoricallyprohibited, as this can provoke a deterioration in well-being. Before starting therapy, the doctor may prescribe such studies as:
- radiography;
- complete blood count;
- tomography;
- ultrasound.
To exclude an oncological process, a blood test for tumor markers may be required. Diagnosis is a very important step, helping to determine the main cause of the pathological process.
Features of treatment
If pain in the neck is not provoked by dangerous pathologies, then physical activity will help reduce or eliminate them. It is important not only to remove discomfort, but also to treat the pathology that provoked such a condition. There are general principles of therapy that can stop pain in the neck on the right, behind or on the left and act on the cause of its occurrence. These methods include:
- medication use;
- use of orthopedic constructions;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- physiotherapy techniques.
According to very strict indications, surgical intervention is performed. Regardless of the cause of pain, it is imperative to carry out timely treatment so as not to provoke the development of complications.
Drug therapy
If there is an acute pain and radiates to the neck, then you need to stop it very quickly and effectively. To do this, prescribe medications,which help to eliminate unpleasant symptoms. In particular, you can use drugs such as:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
- glucocorticoid hormones;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors.
Among anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to highlight such as Analgin, Diclofenac, Ketorol, Meloxicam, Baralgin. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms. In particular, such means as "Mydocalm", "Tizalud", "Sirdalud" are used.
Anesthetics and glucocorticoid hormones are used to block the cervical region. They are used when the introduction of painkillers does not give the desired result. Such drugs include Kenalog, Novocain, Diprospan. Chondroprotectors are used as additional measures of therapy. They need to be used for long courses to renew cartilage tissue. They help stop the progression of its destruction. These funds include "Struktum", "Don", "Teraflex".
Be sure to prescribe drugs to normalize blood circulation. In addition, anticonvulsants, decongestants are required. For chronic pain, antidepressants and vitamin complexes are prescribed. Blockade of the cervical region will help to quickly and comprehensively eliminate painful manifestations. After eliminating acute pain, you can proceed to a set of exercises, massage, physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy techniques
Physiotherapy methods have a good effect, which should be attributed tosuch as laser therapy and electrotherapy. Laser exposure is an effective physiotherapeutic method that allows, through the use of a light flux, to reduce or completely eliminate pain in various areas of the neck.
Electrotherapy - the use of pulsed current, which has a vasodilating effect. This remedy helps to stimulate the body and eliminate the weakness of the muscular system.
Folk remedies
Quickly and effectively get rid of pain will help traditional medicine. You can use a decoction of medicinal herbs, which is used daily instead of tea 2-3 times a day. To prepare a healing agent, you need to take in equal proportions:
- lavender;
- currant leaves;
- wormwood;
- elderberry.
You can consume chicory infusion instead of tea or coffee. Echinacea tincture is considered a universal remedy. It should be taken 10 drops 4 times a day.
You can consume vegetable juices, which help to normalize overall well-being. In particular, beetroot and carrot juices are used. You need to drink 100 ml of such a drink daily.
You can make compresses using mint infusion. Bruises can be rubbed with olive oil. For the first few days, you need to apply a cold compress to the affected area. Apply a hot compress or shower immediately afterwards.
A compress prepared on the basis of a cabbage leaf will help eliminate pain. For thisyou need to combine soap and baking soda, and then apply the resulting product to a cabbage leaf. The compress can be left on the neck all night. Instead of soap and baking soda, natural honey can be used if there is no allergic reaction to it.
Potato is considered a very good pain reliever. To prepare a compress, you need to boil a few small potatoes in their skins. Then take gauze or fabric and fold it in several layers. Mash the potatoes and apply to the affected area as a compress, then wrapped in a warm scarf. When the potatoes begin to cool, the layers of the compress should be gradually removed. After the procedure, you need to rub your neck with alcohol.
It is worth noting that all these techniques do not make it possible to eliminate pain in the neck if they are provoked by serious pathologies. Before using folk remedies and techniques, you should definitely consult with your doctor so as not to provoke complications.
Therapeutic exercise
Therapeutic exercise is very important in therapy. That is why you need to regularly perform several special exercises for the neck and warm up. In particular, the gymnastic complex includes:
- tilts in all directions alternately;
- turns of the torso with forward ejection of the arm;
- circular movements in different directions;
- wave hands.
Such a warm-up will not only help eliminate and prevent pain in the neck, but also normalizewell-being.
During work, you need to try to keep the monitor at eye level, you need to sit straight, keeping your back straight. The head should not be lowered too low. While driving, you should try to take a short break so that the cervical vertebrae do not move far forward. Proper stretching will help get rid of pain.
Manual Therapy
A fairly good result can be obtained with the use of manual therapy techniques. Her methods can be very different. They are aimed at improving posture and restoring the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Massage has a very good effect, which helps to eliminate even chronic pain.
Hirudotherapy is widely used. During the procedure, leeches let active components into the blood, among which hirudin is the most effective. It helps to get rid of inflammation, swelling, and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
For the treatment of disorders associated with the course of pathological processes in the joints and muscles, stone therapy, osteopathy is very well suited. Acupuncture is often used to relieve pain, relieve inflammation, and relax spasmodic muscles.
Surgery
The operation is carried out exclusively according to strict indications. In particular, surgical intervention is resorted to in cases of complications of spinal diseases, as well as in the presence of chronic pain that cannot be eliminated byapplying conservative techniques.
It is worth noting that surgery on the cervical vertebrae is a very big risk. That is why you first need to try all the available conservative methods to fight the disease.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to timely prevent the occurrence of pain in the cervical region. Subject to preventive measures, you need to keep the correct posture, as well as take a comfortable position during work and sleep. Experts recommend holding the head so that the top of the head looks up and the chin is in an elevated position.
If you have problems with the spine, it is best to abandon the bag and purchase a backpack, as this will evenly distribute the load on both shoulders. Strengthen your neck muscles with yoga, fitness and swimming.
