Neck pain can occur for various reasons. Let's answer the question "What to do if your neck hurts? "and give advice on the best treatments.
Neck pain can be a significant concern for each of us. At the same time, the normal way of life is disrupted and a person is deprived of the ability to perform daily tasks. Often there is dizziness, tinnitus and worsening of vision. The reasons for such violations can be very different. We will talk about them in more detail.
What neck pain do you have?
Pain in the neck can be temporary and can give a person only a small discomfort, or it can be more intense and disrupt the normal rhythm of life. As a rule, patients report acute muscle spasm accompanied by severe pain in this part of the body. It may be throbbing, pain or tingling.
In this case, there is an increase in anxiety during physical activity or prolonged stay in one position. For these reasons, a person should take turns with his whole body to prevent increasing load on the neck.
Thus, neck pain can be classified as follows:
- sharp. Duration not more than 10 days;
- Chronic. To disturb a person for a long time;
- Vertebrogenic. They occur in the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, including compression of the spinal cord roots and damage to the intervertebral discs;
- Non-vertebrogenic. They manifest themselves in the background of other negative factors, including inflammatory and infectious processes in the muscle area, disorders of the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.
Painful sensations of a vertebrogenic nature are observed in the upper extremities, back of the head, shoulder joints and hands. In this case, there is a loss of sensitivity, limited motor activity and numbness in the limb area, which is considered to be the result of compression of the spinal roots. In addition, in these cases, the patient notes a sharp pain syndrome in the head area, the appearance of dizziness and fainting, which indicates the presence of a herniated intervertebral disc.
The need for an urgent visit to a specialist is indicated by the presence of painful sensations of an acute nature, accompanied by loss of sensation in the back of the head, the appearance of tinnitus and dizziness.
Causes of neck pain
If you have a sore neck, you need to accurately diagnose the nature of the disease before deciding what to do. In some cases, it can be difficult to differentiate a person's sore throat and cervical spine discomfort because the sensations can be intense and can be associated with pain throughout the neck. At the same time, if the patient feels fever or sore throat, it may indicate the presence of viral infections, including: pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, ARVI, etc. In addition, similar symptoms can occur in the following cases:
- adequate intake of vitamins in the body;
- In the presence of foreign bodies in the throat;
- increased cortisol synthesis by the adrenal cortex;
- Presence of pathological neoplasms in the throat;
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
However, as a rule, patients can distinguish diseases of the throat from pain in the neck, which can be localized in the front, back and sides.
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 against the background of:
- inflammation in the area of muscles associated with nerves and ligaments;
- Pathological processes in the thyroid gland;
- Acute myocardial insufficiency;
- In the presence of abscesses and cystic formations;
- Destructive processes in the area of lymph nodes.
It should be noted that it is difficult to determine the factors that cause pain in this part of the body. In such cases, it is better to see an experienced specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
It should be noted that discomfort in the anterior part of the neck can occur when the nerve roots are compressed and with pathological changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes of pain in the back of the neck
One of the most frequently asked questions among modern people is: "What to do if your neck hurts? " Indeed, physical inactivity, long-term use of computers, addictions, unwillingness to lead a healthy lifestyle - all this can lead to pathological disorders of the vertebrae. may provoke the appearance of pain.
Therefore, if you have a sore neck and 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 symptoms most often indicate serious pathologies of the spine, including:
- Osteochondrosis. Degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the area of the intervertebral discs are also characterized by a decrease in their strength and height;
- Protraction. We are talking about the protrusion of the intervertebral disc, which increases the likelihood of compression of arteries and nerve roots;
- Herniated disc of the spine. In the absence of timely therapeutic measures, the pulposus nucleus can grow and penetrate the spinal canal. At this time, the spinal cord and nerve roots are compressed. In the advanced stages, the contents of the intervertebral disc are able to separate and "float freely" along the spinal canal. This, in turn, can lead to incomplete motor function of the spine;
- Spondylosis. It is a disease in which pathological bone growths appear in the extreme part of the vertebrae. In this case, the intervertebral discs flatten, which can lead to a gradual pathological connection of nearby vertebrae and a decrease in motor activity in the neck;
- Myofascial syndrome. A pathological process characterized by the appearance of spasms in the muscle tissue and the resulting acute pain syndrome during movement;
- Compression fractures. This process occurs in the vertebral region in the elderly. It manifests itself as a result of whiplash or osteoporosis and poses a serious threat to the human body;
- Ankylosing spondylitis. This is accompanied by pathological joints of the vertebrae, damage to all joints and a general decrease in motor activity.
Rarely, pain in the back of the neck occurs against the background of osteomyelitis or tuberculosis of the spine.
What is the cause of pain in the neck?
Typically, neck pain is throbbing or tingling. In addition, the pain can spread to the ear or shoulder joint, often causing the neck to bend toward the injury. Similar situations arise in the presence of the following diseases:
- Vascular pathologies, including cholesterol deposition in the inner walls of blood vessels;
- Muscle spasms manifested due to excessive stress on the neck, exposure to thermal factors or a sudden change in the position of the head;
- Presence of malignant formations in the larynx, pharynx or thyroid gland.
Diagnosis of neck pain
Thus, to understand what to do if you have neck pain, you must first find the etiology of the disease. The most common cause of anxiety is a pathological process in the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a vertebrologist, neurologist or manualist at the first appearance of unpleasant symptoms.
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 you not be able to understand what to do if your shoulders and neck hurt, but you will also be able to understand the cause of the discomfort.
However, the most common triggers for the onset of the above disease are pathological changes in the spine. Indeed, minor pathologies in the vertebral region can lead to disruptions in the transmission of such 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 the muscles of the neck and shoulders, as well as the ENT organs and thyroid gland during any disorders in the neck. gland is affected. The intensity of the pain syndrome depends on the stage of the disease.
Therefore, if you have pain in the back of your head and neck, you need to make a thorough diagnosis of what to do before looking for a way out. The following activities are carried out during its course:
- A blood test is performed;
- Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, cervical vessels and salivary glands is performed;
- A blood test is done for thyroid hormones;
- X-ray of the cervical spine is performed;
- Electromyography is prescribed;
- MRT;
- CT.
The most informative diagnostic method in this situation is MRI. In its course, it is possible to analyze in detail the condition of the intervertebral discs, to study the condition of the blood supply organs, to identify signs of compression of the spinal roots. Thanks to this method, it is possible to predict the presence of a certain disease in the early stages of development, which significantly increases the effectiveness of future therapeutic measures.
Treatment of neck pain
To understand what to do if you have left, front or back pain in the neck, you need to consider the intensity of the pain syndrome, the severity of the existing changes, the presence of chronic pathologies and individual points covered by the relevant expert. opinion. In addition, different therapeutic measures may be recommended for patients with the same type of disorder, as this factor takes into account the age factor and individual characteristics of the organism.
However, even if a person has a very bad low back pain, there is no specific way to do it to correct the situation. The recommended therapeutic measures are always complex and are aimed at eliminating the negative manifestations of the disease, as well as combating its causes.
The main components of treatment include:
- Use of drugs;
- Manual treatment;
- Osteopathy;
- Massage procedures;
- Use of physiotherapy methods;
- See a rehabilitation specialist.
In addition, when a pathological process is detected in the cervical vertebrae, the patient should adjust to a normal lifestyle. For example, office workers and drivers are encouraged to exercise regularly during the working day and to change their body position more often.
You should also enrich your diet with healthy foods. This will speed up the body's recovery process.
Medications for neck pain
The nature of the prescribed drugs depends on the diagnosis and the presence of chronic pathologies. The following is a list of medications recommended for most patients when diagnosing such a disease:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have a strong anesthetic effect, eliminate inflammation;
- Corticosteroid hormones. Helps cope with inflammation in situations where non-steroidal drugs are ineffective;
- Use of drugs that relieve muscle spasms that can significantly reduce the intensity of pain syndrome;
- A group of drugs whose main components are glycosaminoglycans (chondroprotectors). Promote cartilage tissue regeneration, increase efficiency in the early stages of spinal diseases;
- Vitamin D. Promotes recovery of brain function, improves the condition of the skeletal system;
- B vitamins. Allows 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 drugs, antihypertensive drugs, hormonal drugs, etc.
In the case of painful manifestations of significant intensity, an anesthetic drug and a solution of corticosteroid hormone are injected into the area of the nerve endings in the neck. However, there is a risk of nerve damage and infection during the blockade, which requires a high level of professional training.
Neck treatment by hand
One of the most effective ways to eliminate neck pain and the causes of their appearance is hand therapy. The method is based on direct exposure to the spine and nearby tissues. The main difference of this procedure from therapeutic massage is its ability to affect not only the muscles of the neck and back, but also the spine.
With the implementation of manual treatment by a qualified specialist, it is possible to achieve a significant improvement in the patient's condition after the first procedures. It is possible to achieve a therapeutic effect:
- Correction of vertebrae and restoration of the axis of the spine;
- Enlargement of the intervertebral space and release of compressed vessels and roots. This allows the body's internal systems, especially the brain, to function normally;
- Eliminate muscle spasms and stiffness in the neck, which can reduce the intensity of pain;
- Restoration of blood supply to tissues.
Physiotherapy for neck pain
The main purpose of physiotherapy procedures is to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. They only apply outside the exacerbation phase. With a competent professional approach, physiotherapy has a clear analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, as well as improves blood flow to the tissues and restores muscle tone.
It is often recommended that the patient take courses of 10-15 sessions. These include:
- Ultrasound method;
- use of laser radiation;
- Exposure to the affected area with a constant electric current with the application of drugs;
- shock wave therapy;
- Traction capacity of the spine;
- Mud treatment, etc.
The number of procedures and the frequency of their implementation are determined individually. Separate methods of impact can be carried out simultaneously, the rest should be carried out at regular intervals.
The action of shock wave therapy for neck pain
You should refrain from any self-medication, because it can not only worsen your condition, but also lead to irreversible consequences. For example, if you have pain in the back of your neck 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 is able 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 highly qualified specialists in medical procedures, you can count on long-term and reliable results.
The course of shock wave therapy will allow to quickly stop the pain syndrome, to fight the causes of the disease, as well as to eliminate the possibility of complications in the bone tissue and muscle area. After the first procedure of exposure to shock waves, you will be able to feel a noticeable improvement in your condition.
Physiotherapy exercises for neck pain
If your neck hurts after sleep or it hurts to turn your head, exercise therapy is a mandatory phase of treatment, along with other methods. Because the cause of pain in the cervical spine is often excessive muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, exercise therapy should be carried out daily.
An exercise therapy program is developed individually for each patient. In this case, the individual characteristics of the organism, the age factor, the severity of the disorder and the degree of physical fitness of the 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 measures
To prevent neck pain, the patient should first pay attention to the organization of the working day. If his job involves staying in one position for a long time, the first condition for maintaining good health is the periodic performance of gymnastics. Obesity is often the cause of pathological conditions in the cervical spine. This indicates the need to follow a proper diet, go to the gym and exercise in the pool. A special orthopedic mattress should be used at night.