Neck pain can occur for a number of reasons. Let us give you an answer to the question "What to do if your neck hurts? " And advise you on the best treatment methods.
Neck pain can cause significant discomfort for any of us. At the same time, the accustomed way of life is disrupted and the person is deprived of the opportunity to do daily work. He often has dizziness, tinnitus and deterioration of the organs of vision. The reasons for such violations can be of very different nature. We will talk about them further.
What neck pain is there?
Neck pain can be temporary and cause only mild discomfort in a person, or it can be more intense 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 may be throbbing, painful, or tingling.
In this case, an increase in discomfort is observed during physical activity or when staying in one position for a long time. For these reasons, a person needs to rotate their whole body to avoid putting increased strain on the neck.
Neck pain can be classified as follows:
- Spicy. Duration no more than 10 days;
- Chronic. Harass the person for a long period of time;
- Vertebrogen. They occur with 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 are manifested against the background of other negative factors, including inflammatory and infectious processes in the muscle area, diseases of the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.
With painful sensations of a vertebral 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 sensitivity, reduced motor activity and numbness in the extremity region, which is considered a consequence of compression of the roots of the spine. In addition, in these cases the patient notices an acute pain syndrome in the head area, dizziness and the appearance of fainting, which indicates the presence of a herniated disc.
The need for an urgent visit to a specialist is indicated by painful sensations of an acute nature, which is accompanied by a loss of sensitivity in the back of the head, the appearance of tinnitus and dizziness.
Causes of Neck Pain
Before deciding what to do if your neck is sore, it is best 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 the patient experiences a fever or a sore throat at the same time, it may indicate the presence of viral infections, including: pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, ARVI, etc. In addition, similar symptoms may appear if:
- Insufficient absorption of vitamins in the body;
- In the presence of foreign bodies in the throat area;
- Increased synthesis of cortisol by the adrenal cortex;
- The presence of pathological neoplasms in the throat;
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
As a rule, however, patients can distinguish diseases in the neck area from neck pain, which can be localized in the anterior, posterior and lateral parts.
Causes of anterior neck pain
The appearance of discomfort in the front of the neck or under the chin can be observed against the background:
- Inflammation of the muscles connected by 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 causing 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 should be noted that compression of the nerve roots and pathological changes in the intervertebral discs can cause discomfort in the neck area.
Causes of Neck Pain
One of the most common questions asked by modern people sounds like this: "What to do if your neck hurts from behind? " Indeed, physical inactivity, prolonged computer use, addictions, and unwillingness to lead a healthy lifestyle can all lead to pathological disorders of the vertebrae and thereby cause neck pain.
If your neck hurts from behind and you do not know what to do with unpleasant manifestations, we recommend that you contact an experienced vertebrologist or manualist first. The fact is that the above signs most often indicate serious diseases of the spine, including:
- Osteochondrosis. It is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the area of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in their thickness and height;
- Head Start. We are talking about the protrusion of the intervertebral disc, which increases the likelihood of entrapment of the arteries and nerve roots;
- Herniated disc of the spine. Without timely therapeutic measures, the nucleus pulposus can enlarge and penetrate the spinal canal. This compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. At an advanced stage, the contents of the intervertebral disc can become detached and "float freely" in the spinal canal. This in turn can lead to a complete lack of motor activity in the spine;
- Spondylosis. We are talking about a disease in which pathological bone growths appear on the outermost part of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a flattening of the intervertebral discs, which can gradually provoke pathological connections of adjacent vertebrae and a decrease in motor activity in the neck;
- Myofascial Syndrome. A pathological process that is characterized by the appearance of spasms in muscle tissue and, as a result, the appearance of acute pain syndrome during movement;
- Compression fractures. This process occurs in the area of the vertebrae in the elderly. It manifests itself as a result of whiplash injury or as a result of osteoporosis and poses a serious danger to the human body;
- Ankylosing spondylitis. It is accompanied by a pathological fusion of the vertebrae, damage to all joints and a complete decrease in motor activity.
In rare cases, neck pain occurs against the background of osteomyelitis or tuberculosis of the spine.
What is the reason for pain in the neck side?
Typically the pain in the side of the neck is throbbing or tingling. In addition, pain can radiate into the ear or shoulder joint, often causing the neck to curve towards the lesion. Similar situations occur with the following complaints:
- Vascular pathologies, including the deposition of cholesterol on the inner walls of blood vessels;
- Muscle spasms, which are manifested by excessive load on the neck, thermal factors or a sharp change in the position of the head;
- The presence of malignant formations in the larynx, throat or thyroid gland.
Neck pain diagnosis
To understand what to do if the neck hurts, one should first find out the etiology of the origin of the disease. The most common cause of discomfort is a pathological process in the cervical vertebrae. It is therefore advisable to consult a vertebrologist, neurologist or manualist when the first unpleasant symptoms appear.
After listening to the patient's complaints and performing the necessary diagnostic measures, the doctor gives clear recommendations for further treatment. Not only will you be able to find out what to do if your shoulders and neck are sore, but you can also find out what is causing the discomfort you are experiencing.
However, it is precisely the pathological changes in the spine that most often provoke the onset of the above disease. In fact, even minor pathologies in the vertebral area can interfere with the transmission of nerve signals from the spinal cord to the body's internal systems.
This is due to the fact that each part of the spinal cord controls the work of a specific organ, and disorders in the neck area, the neck and shoulder muscles 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 your head and neck, before looking for a way out, it is a good idea to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis. The following activities are implemented:
- A blood test will be done;
- An ultrasound scan of the thyroid, neck vessels, and salivary glands is performed;
- A blood test is done for the presence of thyroid hormones;
- X-ray of the cervical spine is performed;
- Electromyography is mandatory;
- MRI;
- CT.
In this case, MRI is the most informative diagnostic method. It is possible to analyze the condition of the intervertebral discs in detail, examine the condition of the blood supply organs and identify the symptoms of compression of the spinal roots. Thanks to this method, it is possible to assess in advance the presence of a particular disease at the initial stage of development, which significantly increases the effectiveness of future therapeutic measures.
Treatment of neck pain
In order to understand what to do if the left, anterior or posterior side of the neck is painful, individual points should be considered, including the intensity of the pain syndrome, the severity of the existing changes, the presence of chronic pathologies, and the corresponding expert opinion. In addition, patients with similar diseases can be recommended different therapeutic measures, as the age factor and individual characteristics of the organism are taken into account.
But even if a person has very severe neck pain, there is no specific way to correct the situation. Recommended therapeutic measures are always of a complex nature and are aimed both at eliminating the negative manifestations of the disease and at combating its causes.
The main components of the treatment offered include:
- Taking medication;
- Manual treatment;
- Osteopathy;
- Massage procedures;
- The application of physiotherapy methods;
- Visit to a rehab specialist.
In addition, if a pathological process is detected in the area of the cervical vertebrae, then the patient needs to correct his habitual way of life. For example, office workers and drivers are encouraged to exercise regularly during the work day and to change their posture more frequently.
You should also enrich your diet with healthy foods. This makes it possible to accelerate the body's recovery process.
Neck pain medication
The type of medication prescribed depends on the diagnosis and the presence of chronic pathologies. Below we give a list of drugs that are recommended for most patients when diagnosing such a disease:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have a strong anesthetic effect, relieve inflammation;
- Corticosteroid hormones. Helps manage inflammation in situations where non-steroidal drugs are inactive;
- The use of drugs to get rid of muscle spasms, which can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome;
- A group of drugs whose main components are glycosaminoglycans (chondroprotectors). Promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue, increased efficiency in the early stages of spinal diseases;
- Vitamin D. Promotes the restoration of brain function, improves the condition of the skeletal system;
- Group B vitamins allow to improve the process of transmission of impulses from the spinal cord to the internal systems and normalize their normal functioning;
- Antibacterial drugs, antihypertensive drugs, hormonal drugs, etc.
With painful manifestations of significant intensity, a solution containing an anesthetic and a corticosteroid hormone is injected into the area of the nerve endings on the neck. However, while the blockade is being carried out, there is a possibility of injury and infection of the nerve, which requires high professional training from a specialist.
Manual neck treatment
One of the most effective methods of getting rid of neck pain and the reasons that provoked its occurrence is manual therapy. The method is based on a direct effect on the spine and surrounding tissue. The main difference between this procedure and therapeutic massage is the ability to not only train the neck and back muscles, but also to influence the spine.
With the implementation of a manual treatment by a competent specialist, it is possible to achieve a noticeable improvement in the patient's condition after the first interventions. It is possible to have a healing effect through:
- Put the vertebrae in the correct position and restore the axis of the spine;
- Expansion of the intervertebral space and relief of crushed vessels and roots. This allows you to normalize the functioning of the body's internal systems, especially the brain.
- Relief from muscle spasms and stiffness in the neck, which can reduce the intensity of the pain;
- Restoration of tissue blood flow.
Physiotherapy for neck pain
The central goal of physiotherapeutic procedures is to increase the effectiveness of the therapeutic measures carried out. They are only used outside the stage of exacerbation. With a competent professional approach, physiotherapy has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and also allows you to improve blood circulation in tissues and restore muscle tone.
Most often, the patient is advised to take courses that include 10-15 sessions. These include:
- Ultrasonic method;
- Use of laser radiation;
- Exposure of the affected area to constant electric current in combination with the administration of drugs;
- Shock wave therapy;
- Spine traction;
- Sludge treatment, etc.
The number of procedures and the frequency of their implementation are determined individually. Separate influencing methods can be carried out at the same time, the rest must be carried out at fixed intervals.
Effect of shock wave therapy on neck pain
You should refuse the option of self-medication, as it can not only aggravate your condition, but also lead to irreversible consequences. For example, if your neck hurts at the base from the back or a nerve is pinched, it is better to contact an experienced specialist in a designated clinic.
In good clinics, modern and effective methods of treatment are used, thanks to which each patient has the opportunity to normalize the condition of the throat without dangerous consequences for the body. Thanks to the use of innovative and highly efficient equipment, as well as the participation of high-level specialists in medical procedures, you can be sure of a long-term and reliable result.
The implemented course of shock wave therapy allows you to quickly stop the pain syndrome, cope with the causes of the disease, as well as eliminate the likelihood of complications in bone tissue and muscle area. Even after the first shock wave exposure, you will feel a noticeable improvement in your condition.
Physiotherapy exercises for neck pain
If the neck is sore after sleeping or turning your head hurts, then, among other methods, exercise therapy is a mandatory treatment step. Since the cause of pain in the cervical spine is often excessive muscle tension and the associated degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies, daily exercise therapy should be carried out.
The exercise therapy program is put together individually for each patient. The individual characteristics of the organism, the age factor, the severity of the disorders and the physical fitness level of a person are taken into account. The participation of a rehabilitation doctor in the development of the above program is mandatory. In this case, the patient must avoid overload and sudden movements.
Preventive measures
To prevent the occurrence of neck pain, the patient should first pay attention to the organization of his working day. If his activity involves a long stay in one position, then regular exercise of gymnastics is a prerequisite for maintaining health. Obesity is often the cause of pathological conditions in the cervical spine. This suggests the need to establish proper diet, go to the gym and exercise in the swimming pool. A special orthopedic mattress should be used when sleeping at night.