Neck pain can occur for a variety of reasons. Let's give an answer to the question "What to do if the neck hurts? " And advise on the best treatment methods.
Neck pain can cause considerable discomfort to each of us. At the same time the usual way of life is broken and the person is deprived of the opportunity to perform daily work. Often he has dizziness, tinnitus and deterioration of the visual organs. 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 slight discomfort to 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, aching, or tingling.
In this case, an increase in anxiety is observed during the period of physical activity or with an extended stay in one position. For these reasons, a person should make curves with the whole body in order to prevent an added load on the neck.
Thus, neck pain can be classified as follows:
- Sharp. Duration not more than 10 days;
- Chronicle. You bother the person for a long period;
- 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;
- Jovertebrogenic. They are manifested against the background of other negative factors, including inflammatory and infectious processes in the muscle area, disorders in the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.
With painful sensations of a vertebrogenic nature, discomfort is observed in the area of the upper extremities, in the back of the head, in the shoulder joint and in the hands. In this case there is a loss of sensitivity, limitation of motor activity and numbness in the region of the limbs, which is considered as a consequence of compression of the spinal roots. In addition, in these cases, the patient notices an acute pain syndrome in the head area, dizziness and the appearance of fainting conditions, which indicates the presence of an intervertebral disc herniation.
The need for an urgent visit to a specialist is indicated by the presence of painful sensations of an acute nature, 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 sore throat and discomfort in the cervical spine, as the sensations can be intense and accompanied by pain throughout the neck. If at the same time the patient feels fever or sore throat, this may indicate the presence of viral infections, which include: pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, ARVI, etc. Furthermore, similar symptoms may occur when:
- Insufficient intake of vitamins in the body;
- In the case of the presence of foreign objects in the throat area;
- Increased cortisol synthesis by the renal cortex;
- Presence of pathological neoplasms in the throat;
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
But, as a rule, patients are able to distinguish diseases in the throat region from neck pain, which can be localized in its 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 muscle connected to nerves and ligaments;
- Pathological processes in the thyroid gland;
- Acute insufficiency of myocardial blood supply;
- In the presence of abscesses and cystic formations;
- Destructive processes in the area of 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 best to make an appointment with an experienced specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
It is important to note that disturbance 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 sounds like this: "What to do if your neck hurts from behind? " Indeed, physical inactivity, prolonged computer use, the presence of addictions, unwillingness to practice a lifestylehealthy - all this can lead to pathological disorders in the vertebrae and, as a result, provoke the appearance of neck pain.
Therefore, if your neck hurts from behind and you do not know what to do with the unpleasant manifestations, we first recommend that you contact an experienced vertebrologist or manualist. The fact is that the above signs most often indicate serious pathology of the spine, which include:
- Osteochondrosis. It is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the area of intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in their strength and height;
- Extension. It is about the elongation of the intervertebral disc, which increases the possibility of compression of arteries and nerve roots;
- Disc herniation of the spine. In the absence of timely therapeutic measures, the pulposus nucleus can grow and penetrate the spinal canal. In this case, the spinal cord and nerve roots are compressed. In the advanced stages, the contents of the intervertebral disc are able to separate and "swim freely" along the spinal canal. This, in turn, can cause a complete lack of motor activity of the spine;
- Spondylosis. We are talking about a disease in which pathological growths of bones appear in the extreme part of the vertebrae. In this case, flattening of the intervertebral discs occurs, which can gradually provoke pathological connections of 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;
- Pressure fractures. This process occurs in the vertebral area in the elderly. Occurs as a result of whipping or as a result of osteoporosis and poses a serious risk to the human body;
- Ankylosing spondylitis. 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 cause of the pain on the side of the neck?
Typically, the pain on the side of the neck is throbbing or tingling. In addition, the pain may radiate to the ear or shoulder joint, which often leads to a curvature of the neck towards the lesion. Similar situations arise in the presence of the following diseases:
- Vascular pathologies, including the deposition of cholesterol in the inner walls of blood vessels;
- Muscle spasms, which are manifested due to excessive stress on the neck, exposure to thermal factors or a sharp change in the position of the head;
- Presence of malignant formations in the larynx, pharynx or thyroid gland.
Diagnosis of neck pain
So to understand what to do if the neck hurts, first of all, you need to find out the etiology of the origin of the disease. The most common cause of concern 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 performing the necessary diagnostic measures, the doctor will give clear recommendations for further treatment. You will not only be able to figure out what to do if your shoulders and neck ache, but you can also understand the cause of the discomfort that has arisen.
However, it is the pathological changes in the spine that most often provoke the appearance of the above disease. Indeed, even minor pathologies in the vertebral region can provoke disturbances in 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 certain organ, and in case of any disorder in the cervical region, the muscles of the cervical and shoulder region, as well as the ORL and thyroid organs. 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 should make a comprehensive diagnosis. The following activities are realized within it:
- A blood test is done;
- An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, cervical vessels, and salivary glands is performed;
- A blood test is done for the presence of thyroid hormones;
- Radiography of the cervical spine is performed;
- Electromyography is described;
- MRI;
- CT.
In this case, the most informative diagnostic method is MRI. During this, it is possible to make a detailed analysis of the condition of the intervertebral discs, to study the condition of the blood supply organs and to identify the symptoms of spinal cord compression. Thanks to this method, it is possible to judge the presence of a particular disease in advance, in the initial stages of development, which significantly increases the effectiveness of future therapeutic measures.
Treatment of neck pain
To understand what to do if the left, front or back of the neck hurts, individual points should be considered, which include the intensity of the pain syndrome, the severity of the existing changes, the presence of chronic pathologies and the relevant expert. opinion. Moreover, different therapeutic measures may be recommended to patients with the same type of disorders, as in this case the age factor and the individual characteristics of the organism are taken into account.
However, even if a person has a very bad back pain, there is no specific way of what needs to be done to correct the situation. The recommended therapeutic measures are always complex in nature and aim at eliminating the negative manifestations of the disease and combating its causes.
The main components of the treatment offered include:
- Use of medications;
- Manual treatment;
- Osteopathy;
- Massage procedures;
- Use of physiotherapy methods;
- Visit to a rehabilitation specialist.
In addition, when a pathological process is detected in the region of the cervical vertebrae, the patient must correct his usual way of life. For example, office workers and drivers are encouraged to introduce regular physical exercise and change body positions more often during the work day.
You also need to enrich your diet with healthy foods. This will make it possible to speed up the body's recovery process.
Medications for neck pain
The nature of the drugs prescribed depends on the diagnosis and the presence of chronic pathologies. Below is a list of medications that are recommended for most patients when diagnosed with such a disease:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have a powerful anesthetic effect, relieve inflammation;
- Corticosteroid hormones. Helps cope with inflammation in situations in which non-steroidal drugs are inactive;
- Use of medications that eliminate muscle spasms, which can significantly reduce the intensity of pain syndrome;
- A group of drugs, the main components of which are glycosaminoglycans (chondroprotectors). Promote cartilage tissue regeneration, have 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, as well as to normalize their normal functioning;
- Antibacterial drugs, antihypertensives, hormonal drugs, etc.
In case of painful manifestations of considerable intensity, a solution is injected into the area of nerve endings in the neck, which contains an anesthetic drug and a corticosteroid hormone. However, during the application of the blockade, there is a possibility of damage and infection of the nerve, which requires high professional preparation from the specialist.
Manual neck treatment
One of the most effective methods to eliminate neck pain and the reasons that provoked their appearance is manual therapy. The method is based on a direct effect on the spine and nearby tissues. The main difference between this procedure and therapeutic massage is the ability to work not only the neck and back muscles, but also to affect the spine.
By implementing manual treatment by a competent specialist, it is possible to achieve a significant improvement in the patient's condition after the first procedures. It is possible to achieve a healing effect due to:
- Bringing the vertebrae to the correct position and restoring the spine axis;
- Expansion of the intervertebral space and release of squeezed vessels and roots. This allows you to normalize the functioning of the body's internal systems, particularly the brain;
- Relieve muscle spasm and stiffness in the neck, which can reduce the intensity of pain;
- Restoration of tissue blood supply.
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain
The main purpose of physiotherapeutic procedures is to increase the effectiveness of the therapeutic measures implemented. They are used only outside the deterioration phase. With a competent professional approach, physiotherapy has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and also allows you to improve blood flow to the tissues and restore muscle tone.
Most often, the patient is recommended to take courses that include 10-15 sessions. This includes:
- Ultrasonic method;
- Use of laser radiation;
- Exposure to the affected area with constant electric current in combination with the administration of medicinal substances;
- Shock wave therapy;
- Spinal traction;
- Mud treatment etc.
The number of procedures and the frequency of their implementation is determined on an individual basis. Special methods of influence can be performed simultaneously, the rest must be performed at certain intervals.
The action of shock wave therapy for neck pain
You should reject the possibility of any self-medication, as this can not only worsen your condition, but also lead to irreversible consequences. For example, if your neck hurts from the back to the base or a crushed nerve, it is best to contact an experienced specialist at a proven clinic.
In good clinics are applied modern and effective methods of treatment, thanks to which every 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 high-level specialists in medical procedures, you can rely on a long-term and reliable result.
The implemented course of shock wave therapy will allow you to quickly stop the pain syndrome, face the causes of the disease, as well as eliminate the likelihood of complications in the bone tissue and 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 sleep or you have pain when you turn your head, a mandatory phase of treatment, along with other methods, is exercise therapy. Since the cause of cervical back pain is often excessive muscle tension and the accompanying degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, exercise therapy should be performed daily.
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 doctor in the development of the above program is mandatory. In this case, the patient should avoid overloads and sudden movements.
Preventive actions
To prevent the appearance of neck pain, first of all, the patient should pay attention to the organization of his working day. If his work involves a long stay in one position, a prerequisite for maintaining health is the periodic performance of gymnastics. Obesity is often the cause of pathological conditions in the cervical spine. This suggests the need to introduce proper diet, go to the gym and exercise in the pool. A special orthopedic mattress should be used when sleeping at night.