The neck hurts: the reasons and treatment

Causes and treatment of pain in the neck

Despite its fragility and vulnerability, the neck performs very important functions and contains vital structures.

The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, which have the highest mobility.

This, as well as the great pressure of the heavy head on fragile vertebrae, creates the prerequisites for the development of various diseases of the spine and the occurrence of pain in the neck and back.

Among the main anatomical cervical structures, the damage of which can cause pain, it is necessary to name cervical vertebrae, their articulations, ligaments and muscles of the spine, nerve fibers and blood vessels, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, salivary glands, larynx, esophagus, trachea.

In this article, we will consider what to do if the neck hurts, and with what it may be related.

The defeat of any of these organs can cause pain in the neck

Types of painful sensations

Pain in the neck can be divided into 2 large groups:

1. Cervicalgia - this constant pain of varying intensity, which does not extend beyond the neck. As a rule, it appears gradually, has a monotonous, aching or pulling character. Most often associated with the development of pathological painful spasms of the muscles of the cervical region. If such pain occurs in the neck and shoulder, then it is called cervicobrahialgia (occurs with cervical osteochondrosis), and if it spreads to the head, then cervicocranygia, for example, with neuralgia occipital nerve.
2. Cervicago, or cervical lumbago, is a severe pain that occurs suddenly, lasts for several minutes. It can be provoked by sharp or clumsy head movements, prolonged stay in one position. During an attack a person can not even move due to intense painful sensations. To give pain can in a head, in arms or hand, in a thoracal department of a backbone. This pain is associated with a pinched or irritated nerve root of the spinal cord.

Causes of pain in the neck

Pain in the neck is one of the most frequent complaints about which people seek medical help. It can be acute and chronic.

It is important to note that chronic pain syndrome in the neck is a serious medical and social problem, mostly people of young and middle age, which leads to their frequent disability and a decrease in the quality of life.

For treatment to be correct and effective, it is important to recognize the cause of pathological symptoms.

Nonspecific causes

Most often you have to deal with nonspecific pain.

It arises in response to the overstrain of the neck muscles and is considered a normal physiological reaction of the body.

For example, often the neck hurts after a long stay in one position, frequent stereotyped movements, physical overwork.

In the muscle tissue there is a painful muscle spasm as a reaction to fatigue (myospastic syndrome), and this situation occurs in both static and dynamic loads. To eliminate it, the body needs rest. Such pain, as a rule, passes independently, it is not necessary to treat it. It is not intensive, it lasts several hours or days.

Another example of nonspecific neck pain can be considered pain after sleep, which are associated with a static load (sleep in the wrong posture, an inappropriate pillow). Probably every person has felt such pain for once in his life.

Vertebrogenic causes

This is a group of causes that are associated with the damage of the vertebrae itself, intervertebral discs, facet joints, intervertebral ligaments and muscles. It takes second place in prevalence.

Most often, if the neck hurts, then degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine are diagnosed.

The cervical segment is very prone to damage due to its anatomical and physiological structure:

• the joints of the neck are the most mobile;
• vertebrae have a delicate structure, small in size;
• Every second they sustain a heavy load - they support the head;
• An important neuromuscular bundle passes through the vertebrae.

With degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the cervical region not only disks and vertebrae suffer, but also vessels with nerve fibers

Degenerative and dystrophic diseases of the cervical spine:

Such diseases bring a lot of suffering to a person, in addition, they can be complicated by the syndrome of the vertebral artery, the development of torticollis, hernial protrusion of the disc, compression of the spinal cord, development of cervical radiculopathy, deformation of the cervical spine, constant headache, dizziness, noise in the head.

Damage to the internal organs of the neck

The pain in the neck in front can be associated with the pathology of the thyroid gland. As a rule, pain occurs when it is inflamed, thyroiditis. Symptoms that indicate this disease:

• increased body temperature;
• general weakness and malaise;
• swelling and / or redness on the front surface of the neck;
• difficulty in swallowing;
• signs of hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

The pain with thyroiditis is constant, has a pulsating character, increases with swallowing, turning of the head, palpation of the inflamed thyroid gland. A special anti-inflammatory therapy will help to remove this pain. The duration of thyroiditis can reach 2 years.

In diseases of the thyroid gland, pain is felt on the front surface of the neck

A sharp pain on the side of the neck most often indicates inflammation of the lymph nodes. The reasons for this phenomenon can be several:

• ENT diseases (angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis);
• carious teeth;
• gum disease;
• abscess abscesses;
• common infectious diseases (mononucleosis, rubella, influenza, SARS, tuberculosis);
• hematological diseases (lymphogranulomatosis, lymphomas).

The neck thus not only hurts, but also swells up, loses clarity of the contours. The temperature rises, there are signs of a major infection. Most often, lymphadenitis can be observed in a child.

Another disease that manifests itself with similar symptoms with cervical lymphadenitis is parotitis (inflammation of the bovine salivary gland).

This infection, which usually affects children, is accompanied by the development of complications such as orchitis, pancreatitis, thyroiditis and other lesions of the parenchymal organs.

When the esophagus, larynx and trachea are affected, in addition to pain in the neck, specific symptoms appear: swallowing, heartburn, cough, hemoptysis, etc.

We advise you to read:Intervertebral hernia in the cervical section

Tumor lesions

Painful sensations can cause both oncological diseases of the spinal tissues, and the internal organs of the neck, nerves, blood vessels.

Swollen spine can be both primary (osteoma, osteosarcoma, hemangioma, chondrosarcoma), and metastatic (lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis, myeloma, metastasis of thyroid cancer, larynx, esophagus and other bodies). Also, pain can occur with neoplasms of the spinal cord and neural fibers.

Injuries

The cervical spine is highly prone to various kinds of injuries:

• fractures of the body and spine;
• dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae;
• stretching and rupture of the intervertebral ligaments and muscles of the neck;
• traumatic rupture of the intervertebral disc with the formation of an acute hernia;
• hematomas;
• compression of the spinal cord and its roots.

Mechanism of whiplash injury in the cervical spine

Traumatic injuries of the cervical spine are very dangerous, because the spinal cord at this level contains important vital centers (breathing, palpitation).

If it is damaged, instant death may occur (level 1-2 cervical vertebra). If the lower segments of the spinal cord are damaged, complete loss of sensitivity and motor activity below the neck (tetraparesis) may occur.

When injuring the lower segments (7-8) only the lower extremities are affected.

Inflammatory diseases

The cervical spine can be affected by inflammation. Most often these are autoimmune processes (systemic connective tissue diseases):

Most often, the neck is affected by Bekhterev's disease, but last but not least. Joints of the spine become inflamed in the ascending direction.

The spine becomes flat, like a bamboo stick, or the cervical lordosis is significantly strengthened and the "suppleness pose" is formed.

"Pose of the petitioner" with Bekhterev's disease

Why does the child's neck hurt?

If in adults the first place among the causes of neck pain is the damage to the tissues of the spine and muscles, then the children have other factors:

• lymphadenitis of various etiologies;
• tuberculosis;
• parotitis;
• thyroiditis;
• hematological diseases;
• abscess abscesses;
• torticollis;
• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

If the child complains of pain in the neck, then in no case can not ignore these complaints. It is mandatory to visit a pediatrician, because the cause of such a symptom can be very serious.

Cervical lymphadenitis in a child

Treatment of pain in the neck

You can get rid of the pain in the neck, knowing its true cause. As a rule, most often you have to face vertebrogenic diseases. Consider the basic principles of treating pain in the neck.

Causing an exacerbation

In order to quickly and effectively relieve a person of neck pain, they use medications.

Do not think that the treatment with injections, pills and ointments is the main one.

It does not affect the course of the pathology, but only eliminates the symptoms, allowing the patient to proceed to the basic methods of conservative treatment, for example, to exercise therapy.

For pain relief, drugs from the following groups can be used:

• analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (dexalgin, analgin, baralgin, ketorol, diclofenac, xefokam, ibuprocent, celecocosib, meloxicam, aceclofenac, etc.);
• muscle relaxants (drugs that eliminate the pathological muscle spasm): Sirdalud, Midokalm, Tizalud;
• glucocorticoid hormones and anesthetics (Diprospan, Kenalog, lidocaine, novocain) are used to block the cervical spine, when the administration of pain medication does not give the desired result;
• chondroprotectors (Dona, Structum, Teraflex) are used as an additional therapy for prolonged courses with the purpose of renewing cartilage tissue and stopping the progression of its destruction;
• drugs to improve microcirculation, decongestants, anticonvulsants and antidepressants with a central mechanism of chronic pain, B vitamins.

Blockade of the cervical spine quickly and effectively eliminates pain

All other methods of conservative therapy (massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy) are contraindicated in an acute period, when there is intense pain.

Treatment during remission

After the pain was removed, the main stage of treatment is coming, which is also preventive.

Unfortunately, most patients after the elimination of pain, neglect this therapy.

As a result, after a few weeks, they again develop an exacerbation, since there is no influence on the course of the disease.

The main methods of non-drug treatment of pain in the neck:

• special therapeutic gymnastic exercises;

Chinese massage

• massage and self-massage;
• other techniques of manipulation, for example, post-isometric relaxation;
• acupuncture;
• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• spinal traction;
• wearing orthopedic supporting structures;
• folk recipes;
• Spa treatment.

Special attention should be paid to the newest methods of physiotherapy, which allow to obtain the result without the use of strong medicines and surgeries:

• Khivamat,
• HILT therapy,
• Laser therapy mls,
• Electrophoresis Ionoson.

When an operation is needed

Operative treatment of pain in the neck is carried out according to strict indications:

• the presence of complications of diseases of the spine (canal stenosis, hernia, which compresses the spinal cord or nerve endings, spine instability, spondylolisthesis);
• chronic strong pain, which can not be eliminated by all conservative methods for 6 months.

In any case, surgery on the cervical spine is a huge risk. Therefore, first you need to try all the conservative methods to fight the disease, and not look for an easy way.

A source: http://MoyaSpina.ru/diagnostika/prichiny-boli-shee

Pain in the neck: symptoms and causes

Pain in the neck means pain in the back of the neck, from the occipital region to the upper edges of the shoulder blades, as well as pain in the area from the right to the left shoulder.

Causes of pain in the neck

The appearance of pain in the neck can lead not only to the already formed spine diseases, but also some common situations:

• prolonged stay in one, especially incorrect, posture: the load on the spine is amplified, the muscles are in constant tension, which leads to their spasm and the appearance of pain;
• hypothermia of the muscles can also cause their spasm, which leads to a violation of blood circulation;
• incorrectly chosen bed, wrong position when driving a car, at a computer, etc .;
• overweight gives a big load on the spine and muscles;
• strong emotional overstrain causes feelings of fatigue and soreness in the neck;
• sharp, excessive movements that lead to stretching of muscles and pain.

Diseases that cause pain in the neck

The most common causes of pain in the neck are diseases such as:

Less common causes of soreness in the neck are:

Pain in the neck can appear with some life-threatening diseases: coronary heart disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage, infectious diseases (meningitis, osteomyelitis), malignant neoplasms, vertebral fractures.

Even mental changes, depression can cause the appearance of painful sensations in the neck.

Causes of neck pain in children

Most often, pain in the neck in children appears in complications of angina, when cervical lymph nodes become inflamed, lymphadenitis develops. In addition, the cause of pain in the neck can be infectious diseases, such as:

In inflammatory processes in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, pain occurs when the head turns.

Krivosheya, due to spasm of muscles, is also accompanied by soreness, the head is thus rejected and turned in the opposite direction of pain.

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In children, as in adults, neck pain can appear with such diseases as: neoplasms, abscesses, intracranial hemorrhages, rheumatoid arthritis.

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Soreness in the neck in children can appear with such a contagious (infectious) disease, as an epidemic parotitis.

It manifests itself as an increase in temperature, an increase in the parotid salivary glands, and their soreness. The process can go on submandibular and sublingual glands.

Due to the fact that children are often ill with infectious diseases, it is advisable to call a doctor at home.

What symptoms can accompany pain in the neck

With osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, radiculitis of the cervical spine, soreness can extend to the occipital region, one or both arms, there may be a headache. In the hands there is a decrease in sensitivity, motor disorders, which in severe cases can go into paralysis.

Severe pain in the neck, the presence of bruising, rigidity of the muscles are characteristic for injuries of the cervical region. If neurological disorders occur, you can suspect damage to the spinal cord.

Stretching and rupturing of ligaments leads to disruption of the functioning of the upper limbs and neck muscles.

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It is accompanied by severe pain, which intensifies towards night and during movement. Often seen hematoma, right under the skin, a swelling.

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Movement may be limited, or (with a rupture of the ligament) have a pathologically greater amplitude.

With myelopathy (spinal cord injury) in the cervical spine appears pain, restriction movements in the neck, spastic paresis of the lower extremities with a violation of deep sensitivity, sluggish paresis hands. With the extension or bending of the neck, there is a feeling of running electric current along the back, along the spine, the sensation can spread to the arms and legs.

Rheumatic polymyalgia can cause the appearance of cutting, pulling or pulling pain in the muscles of the neck, which are sharply increased during movement.

It is difficult for a sick person to get out of bed, to get his hands behind his back, and sometimes to lift them, it is difficult to carry out even routine manipulations. Pain can spread to other muscles of the body, more often in the muscles of the pelvic girdle.

Sometimes soreness increases at night, which is why sleep is disturbed. Despite the fact that patients complain of considerable weakness, strength in the muscles persists.

With lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes, body temperature rises, general malaise appears, on the back the surface of the neck is visible or probed enlarged lymph nodes, painful when touched, can be their redness.

Acute myocardial infarction and an attack of angina may be accompanied by pain in the neck, along its anterior surface.

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Typical signs are: pain behind the breastbone (stitching, cutting, pressing, compressing), giving to the left shoulder, arm, scapula, interscapular space, jaw, neck. After taking nitroglycerin, the pain disappears with angina pectoris.

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With an infarction, no improvement occurs, sweating, increased or decreased blood pressure, dizziness may occur.

What to do if the neck hurts

To begin with, it is necessary at least a little to determine the cause of the pain in the neck.

If the situation is similar to the symptoms of osteochondrosis, you need to change the position more often, move more, apply special physical exercises, use methods of stretching the spine, massage, physiotherapy. The complex should include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

For pain caused by prolonged stays in one posture or supercooling, it is necessary to grind neck area with an anesthetic or warming cream, take an anti-inflammatory pill inside preparation. You can wrap your neck with a warm scarf. It is recommended to use warming compresses.

If the pain is a consequence of the disease, do not self-medicate, contact your doctor as soon as possible, especially if the child has neck pain.

With pain in the neck, you can consult with the following doctors:

First, it is more expedient to consult a therapist who will conduct a full examination and decide on the need to attract qualified specialists, such as

Do not know how to pick up a clinic or doctor at reasonable prices? Single call center by phone.

A source: http://www.knigamedika.ru/sim/obshsim/bol-v-shee.html

The neck hurts - what to do?

Any pain signals that something is wrong with the body. The main thing in this situation is to be able to detect the source of the signal. Pain in the neck can be either a consequence of banal fatigue, or a symptom of a serious ailment.

The most common causes of cervical pain

The most common causes of pain in the neck are:

• Overexertion of muscles (myalgia).

With a sedentary lifestyle, the static load on the neck muscles increases.

Squeezing, muscle fibers pinch nearby nerves, which leads to the appearance of pain.

Pain covers the entire back of the neck and extends to the shoulder girdle. This condition is often observed in office workers.

The disease develops due to disturbances in metabolic processes in the spine. As a result, intervertebral discs are rubbed and thinned.

Discomfort is worse when the head turns.

Among the factors contributing to the development of the disease: low physical activity, stress, trauma, high stress on the spine. A certain role is played by negative heredity. If there is an osteochondrosis in one of the direct relatives, then the probability of its development increases by 30%.

It develops as a natural result of osteochondrosis. Clamped between two vertebrae, the thinned disc ruptures and its contents protrude outward.

With this pathology, it hurts not only the neck, but the entire upper back. There may be numbness in the hands, headaches, increased blood pressure.

A complex term is understood as the destruction of the cartilaginous tissues of the joints of the spine.

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The main symptoms of the ailment are pain and stiffness, which become especially noticeable after a prolonged body stay in one position. During movement, the pain syndrome decreases.

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Patients with irregular posture, scoliosis, flat feet are most susceptible to arthrosis of the vertebrae.

The pain syndrome in the neck can be caused by the defeat of the occipital nerve. The condition often occurs due to hypothermia of the back of the head. Simultaneously, painful sensations can appear in the lower part of the face, behind the ears, in the back.

Inflammation of muscle tissue is another consequence of prolonged exposure to cold or draft.

Coming to see a doctor, patients with myositis say that they have blown a neck.

When otitis, tonsillitis can inflame cervical lymph nodes. Aching pain in this case is felt in the anterior part of the neck. The area under the chin is very swollen.

• Psychoemotional stress.

Stresses increase the tone of the nerve fibers that control, among other things, the musculature of the neck. The muscles contract, the patient feels lumbago in the neck.

Than help yourself?

Regular sessions of physiotherapy can help reduce discomfort.

For any type of pain, you should see a doctor.

Prior to visiting a specialist, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help ease the condition.

They can be taken inside (Nurofen, Nyz) and externally (Gel Ketonal, Fastum, Deep Relief).

With neuralgia of the occipital nerve and myositis, warming compresses are effective.

Prepare them as follows: a wide bandage is folded 6-8 times and dipped in vodka or alcohol.

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The tissue is applied to a sore spot, covered with polyethylene and a thick layer of cotton wool. Top with a scarf. The compress is held for 6-10 hours.

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In people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, the cause of pain most often becomes an increased load on the muscles of the neck. Such patients are recommended first of all to pay attention to their workplace.

During a long sitting, a person should not feel fatigued. If the neck becomes numb during the day, then something is wrong with the working furniture.

The office chair should have a comfortable backrest and a headrest.

The height should be adjusted so that the head was at the level of the computer screen and the neck was not in a permanently bent position.

After the end of the working day, relax the neck muscles will help such a complex of physical exercises.

Standing:

1. Do the head inclinations forwards and backwards and to the sides.
2. Pressing his palm against his forehead, relax and strain the muscles of his neck.
3. Perform head turns to the right and left.
4. Press on the back of the head.

   Overcoming the resistance, strain the neck muscles.

5. Put your right hand on your right ear. Press on the head. Try to keep your neck steady. Do the same exercise on the other side.
6. Tilt your head back. While maintaining a pose, perform circular motions with the back of the head.
7. Tilt your head forward. Spin round the chin.
8. Lower the shoulders as far as possible.

   Pull up the crown of the head.

Lying:

Stand on all fours, lean your forehead against the floor. To make a roll of the head from the forehead to the back of the head and back.

Each exercise should be repeated 5-10 times.

In the evenings, it's good to make a contrast shower. On the neck send first a jet of hot water, circled in a circle, then turn on cool water. And so - 5-6 times. The procedure improves blood circulation in the cervical spine, relieves muscle tension and fatigue.

To which doctor to apply

With acute pain in the neck, it is best to consult a therapist or neurologist to clarify the diagnosis.

One of the most accurate additional diagnostic methods is magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. After clarifying the diagnosis, it may be necessary to consult an orthopedist, a neurosurgeon, a rheumatologist.

Get rid of the pain will help physician-physiotherapist, masseur, manual therapist, a specialist in therapeutic physical training.

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A source: https://myfamilydoctor.ru/bolit-sheya-chto-delat/

Constantly sore neck: how to get rid of the pain and improve your health?

Pain in the neck is a common complaint of people when they visit a doctor. The neck consists of a large number of anatomical structures.

Therefore, it is not surprising that it can be sick for a large number of reasons.

For each of these reasons, treatment may differ, so there is no universal prescription for how to get rid of neck pain.

Causes of permanent pain in the neck

To choose the right treatment, you need to identify the causes of pain in the neck, especially if it bothers a person for a long time. It should be noted that the most common causes of pain syndrome - trauma and stretching - take place within a few days.

If the pain in the neck lasts more than 3 months, it is considered chronic. In such cases, its origin is most often associated with problems with the spine.

Frequent causes of persistent neck pain include:

• Cervical osteochondrosis - can cause a painful irritation of the nerve roots or arthritis of the intervertebral joints.
• Herniated disc in the cervical spine - can press on the nerve root and irritate it.
• Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is an inflammation of the cartilage in the intervertebral joints.
• Stenosis of the spinal canal in the cervical region - develops with degenerative processes in spine (osteochondrosis), when the spinal canal can be narrowed by osteophytes or intervertebral hernia. In the place of stenosis, compression of the spinal cord can occur, causing pain in the neck, weakness in the arms and legs.
• Stenosis of the intervertebral foramen is the narrowing of the holes through which the nerve roots exit from the spinal canal. This narrowing can squeeze and irritate them.

Rareer causes of chronic neck pain:

• Infectious lesion of the cervical spine.
• Fibromyalgia is a difficult-to-diagnose disease characterized by pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout the body, including the neck.
• Tumor of the spinal cord.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive arthritis that affects the joints of the spine, which can cause pain and stiffness in all its departments, including the neck.

Home Treatment

Most cases of neck pain can be alleviated or eliminated at home, following the advice of a doctor.

The simplest measures to eliminate pain syndrome include:

• Recreation. At a time when the neck is aching, it is important to be cautious and avoid loading or performing movements that cause an increase in the pain syndrome.
• Cold or warm. Applying ice can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain. First, it is better to apply ice or cold compresses, as they contribute to the narrowing of small blood vessels and prevent the deterioration of edema. In a couple of days, you can alternate the application of cold and warm compresses.
• Massage is a safe and effective method of fighting pain in the neck. Massage enhances blood circulation in the muscles and reduces their tension, which increases the flexibility and ease the pain in the neck. In addition, massage increases the level of endorphins in the brain, which have analgesic effect, improve mood, relieve depression and anxiety. However, it should be remembered that only a professional masseur should do neck massage.

• Improved posture. If the constant pain in the neck is caused by poor posture, very simple changes can help, which include increasing the ergonomics of the workplace. To do this, place the chair, monitor, keyboard so that the body, neck and head are in a natural position. It is also useful to learn to sleep on your back, not on your side or stomach, with an orthopedic pillow and a mattress.
• Changing the way of life. If the pain in the neck appears after a certain activity or physical activity, they need to be limited. For example, if a person spends several hours a day with a bent head and an extended neck in order to write messages on a smartphone, this activity needs to be reduced.
• Simple painkillers. Many simple drugs can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the neck. However, these remedies should be used with caution, only after carefully reading the instructions. Examples of such drugs are paracetamol, ibuprofen.

This is not an exhaustive list of methods for home treatment of pain in the neck. Any action that leads to a healthy lifestyle will be beneficial to the neck. For example, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and smoking cessation will have a positive effect on alleviating the pain syndrome.

If the neck hurts longer than 4 weeks or if there are neurological disorders (for example, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet), you should always consult a doctor.

Conservative treatment of pain in the neck

Medical treatment of neck pain usually begins with conservative therapy, which may include the following methods:

• Physiotherapy. Most courses of conservative treatment include therapeutic exercise, with which you can strengthen the neck muscles and increase its flexibility. The program of physiotherapy exercises is made by a doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the person and the cause of pain in the neck. First, the patient performs the exercises under the attentive supervision of a rehabilitating doctor, then can proceed to home studies.
• Strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including even narcotic drugs.
• Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the nerves is a method in which electrodes are applied to the skin near a painful place, sending weak electric impulses to the body. It is believed that these impulses can block pain signals that go along the nerves to the brain.
• Epidural injections of corticosteroids. This method of treatment involves the administration of a solution of a corticosteroid drug into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. The purpose of this injection is to reduce the inflammation of the nerves or other tissues caused by a herniated intervertebral disc. With this method, it is possible to alleviate the pain syndrome so much that the patient can return to normal activities and achieve progress in the curative physical education program. However, epidural administration of drugs has its risks, including the possibility of infection, its use is limited to several times a year.
• Injections into the intervertebral joints. If neck pain is caused by irritation of the intervertebral joints, intra-articular injections of corticosteroids can alleviate it.
• Manual therapy. To reduce the pain in the neck and increase its flexibility, you can use the services of a professional chiropractor.
• Acupuncture is a widespread method of alternative medicine, which is often used to eliminate pain in the neck. The introduction of special needles into the body at certain points stimulates the release of natural anesthetics in organism, changes the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, due to which it can facilitate chronic pain in the neck.

Surgical treatment of pain in the neck

If conservative therapy has not been able to relieve the pain, surgery may be necessary. This is especially true for problems caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

The main indications for surgery with neck pain:

• Removal of the damaged intervertebral disc and / or other structures that irritate the nerve root.
• Stabilization of the cervical spine.
• Decompression of the spinal cord.

The most common operations for pain in the neck caused by problems with the spine:

• Anterior cervical discectomy and spondylodesis - an operation to remove the affected intervertebral disc and provide stability of the spine with a bone or metal implant, which is carried out through access in the front the surface of the neck.
• Replacement of the intervertebral disc by an artificial one is an operation involving the removal of the affected disc and its replacement by an artificial implant.

If the pain in the neck is caused by compression of the spinal cord, the following surgical procedures are performed:

• Removal of the cervical vertebra together with adjacent intervertebral discs. After removal, these structures are replaced by a bone graft, so that conditions are created so that the vertebrae located above and below join together to form a solid bone.
• Back laminectomy is an operation in which the surgeon removes the plate of the arch of the vertebra.
• The posterior laminoplasty is an operation in which the position of the vertebral artery plate is changed in order to provide more space in the spinal canal.

Constantly sore neck: how to get rid of the pain and improve your health? Link to the main publication

A source: http://farmamir.ru/2017/03/postoyanno-bolit-sheya-kak-izbavitsya-ot-boli-i-uluchshit-samochuvstvie/

What to do if the neck hurts: how to heal the house and when to go to the doctor

Our neck consists of vertebrae, which extend from the nape to the upper part of the trunk. Between the vertebrae there are special discs that absorb pressure.

Bones, ligaments and muscles located in the neck - all work in order to support the head and move.

Any anomaly, trauma or inflammation in the cervical region leads to painful sensations.

What should I do if my neck hurts? After all, this happens to everyone from time to time. Often this is due to overstrain or incorrect posture. Sometimes the pain can be the result of injury as a result of falling or playing sports.

Most often, it is possible to get rid of neck pain in a couple of days at home without additional funds, if it is rather insignificant, it goes by itself.

Sometimes it can be a warning about serious injuries and illnesses, and requires an immediate examination by a specialist.

If the pain in the cervical spine is strong, persists for more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Causes of pain in the neck

When does the neck hurt? This can be due to a number of reasons.

tell you: what hurts the neck, what to do when the neck hurts and how to remove the pain in 35 seconds.

Muscle tension and stretching

Most often this is due to:

• poor posture;
• too long to be at the desk;
• unsuccessful posture during sleep;
• neck injuries during exercise.

Injuries

Our neck is particularly vulnerable to falls, car accidents, sports and other activities, during which the muscles are forced to go beyond the usual range of motion. With a fracture of the cervical vertebrae, it is likely that the spinal cord is also damaged.

Heart attack

Pain in the neck can be a symptom of a heart attack. However, usually in such cases, it manifests itself along with other symptoms, such as:

• labored breathing;
• increased sweating;
• weakness;
• vomiting;
• pain in the hands or jaw.

If you notice several of these symptoms, immediately call an ambulance.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane of the spinal cord and brain.

In many cases, patients with meningitis, along with fever and headache, note unpleasant sensations and stiffness in the neck.

This is a very dangerous disease that can end with a fatal outcome. If you notice symptoms of meningitis, seek medical help immediately.

Other reasons

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes discomfort, swelling of the joints and bone spurs. With the development of arthritis, severe pains appear in the neck area.
• Osteoporosis leads to a weakening of bone tissue and fractures.

  The greatest risk is usually to the hands and knees, but often the neck also suffers.

• Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the neck and shoulders.
• With age, degeneration of the intervertebral disc occurs.

  This condition is also called osteoarthritis - a narrowing of the space between the cervical vertebrae, which increases the strain on the neck and causes painful sensations.

• As a result of an injury, the intervertebral disc can begin to protrude outward, which increases the strain on the spine and nerve endings, causing discomfort.
• Spinal stenosis occurs when the spine narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when it exits the vertebrae. This can be the result of prolonged inflammation caused by arthritis and other diseases.

In rare cases, pain in the neck can result from:

• congenital anomalies;
• infection;
• abscess;
• tumors;
• cancer of the spine.

When to call a doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a week, it is worth consulting with a specialist. You also need to go to the hospital if you have the following symptoms:

• severe pain in the neck without reason;
• tumor;
• heat;
• headache;
• inflamed lymph nodes;
• weakness;
• vomiting;
• problems with swallowing and breathing;
• nausea;
• numbness;
• tinnitus;
• pain that spreads from top to bottom to the hands or feet;
• impossibility to move hands;
• impossibility to touch the breast with the chin;
• disruption of the bladder or intestine.

Also, consult a doctor immediately if pain occurs as a result of a fall or accident.

How to treat pain in the neck

First of all, the doctor will check your physical condition and medical history. Be ready to talk about all the nuances of the symptoms.

Also worth mentioning about all the medicines that you have been taking in recent times.

Any information about the existing injuries, even if it seems to you that it has nothing to do with the problem, will be useful.

The method of treatment depends on the diagnosis. In addition to general examination and analysis of your medical records, the doctor can also prescribe additional tests:

• blood test;
• X-ray;
• CT scan;
• MRI scanning;
• electromyography, which allows you to check the health of the muscles and the nerve endings that control them;
• lumbar or spinal puncture.

Depending on the results of the tests, the doctor will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Treatment may include:

• thermotherapy;
• Exercise therapy and stretching;
• anesthetics;
• injections of corticosteroids;
• muscle relaxants;
• cervical bandage;
• traction traction of the spine;
• antibiotics (if there is an infection);
• treatment in hospital (with meningitis and heart attack);
• operation (rarely applied).

Alternative treatment is:

• acupuncture;
• Chiropractic;
• massage;
• percutaneous electrical stimulation of the nerves.

Whatever the method of treatment, be sure to contact a certified specialist.

How to get rid of neck pain at home

If the pain is insignificant, try the following treatment methods:

• The first couple of days, apply a cold compress to the damaged area. Immediately after that, use a hot compress or take a hot shower;
• Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
• For a few days, give up playing sports, lifting weights and activity, which increases painful sensations. As the symptoms decrease, gradually return to the usual level of activity;
• Every day, do exercises for the neck. Slowly pull the head from side to side, from top to bottom;
• Watch your posture;
• During a call, do not hold the phone between your neck and shoulder;
• Change the position of the body more often. Do not sit or stand too long without moving;
• Do a light neck massage;
• During sleep use a special pillow for the neck;
• Do not wear a cervical bandage without first consulting a specialist. Incorrect use of it can aggravate the symptoms.

Stretching helps to forget about pain

During work, try to keep the monitor at eye level, sit up straight, keep your back straight, do not slouch, and do not lower your head too low.

While driving or surfing on the Internet from your smartphone, try to give yourself small rest periods so that the cervical vertebrae do not go too far ahead.

The key to getting rid of pain is correct movements and competent stretching. The following exercises for the back and neck can be done both at work and driving:

• Make 10 circular movements with shoulders back;
• 10 times bring the shoulder blades together;
• Holding your head straight, as much as possible firmly rest your head in the back of the chair and stay in this position for 30 seconds;
• Tilt the head sideways as close to the shoulder as possible, 10 times per side.

Be careful in a dream

If you are often concerned about the pain in the cervical region, then it's worth taking a closer look at what conditions and in what position you are sleeping. Try to sleep only on your side or on your back - never sleep on your stomach.

When you sleep on your stomach, you turn your head in one direction or another and your neck freezes for several hours in an unusual position. Such a dream can have a negative impact on the condition of the lower back, since in the absence of proper support, the stomach "falls" down.

For minor pains other than exercise, follow these recommendations:

• Apply a cold or hot compress to the damaged area. First 48-72 hours use ice, then go on hot compresses. Do not use the compress during sleep, as this can lead to injury.
• Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
• Continue to move, but exclude those movements that increase pain. This will help reduce symptoms and inflammation.
• Make an easy massage of the neck.
• Try to sleep on a firm mattress without a pillow or on a special pillow for the neck.
• Ask the doctor about the need to use a cervical bandage. Do not wear the bandage for too long, it can weaken the muscles.

9 yoga exercises for the neck

Yoga is another good way to get rid of the pain.

1. Hands across chest

Conveniently sit on the floor or on a chair with a straight back, shoulders relaxed, the neck is elongated. Pull the right hand out so that it is at shoulder height, and bring it to the left.

Turn your head, look over your right shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the neck and the back of your shoulders.

Hold in this position for 8-10 breaths-exhalations, then repeat the same with the left hand.

Close your eyes, relax, feel the muscles of the shoulders, hands, upper back and neck stretch.

Hold in this position for 8-10 breaths-exhalations, then repeat the same with the left hand.

3. Eagle Hands

Stand or sit in a comfortable position, the spine is straight, the neck is stretched. Pull out both hands so that they are at the width and height of the shoulders. Bend the right hand to the head and draw the left hand under the right.

Bend and wrap your left arm around the right. The ultimate goal - to touch the palms. This may take a while, so if you do not get it, then hold your left hand on the wrist of your right hand. Breathe deeply.

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Lower your shoulders, gently pull your hands away from your face and slowly turn your head toward the left shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the arms, shoulders, upper back and neck.

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Hold in this position for at least 5 breaths-exhalations (ideally 10). Repeat on the other side.

4. Circular head movements

Conveniently sit on the floor or on a chair with a straight back, shoulders relaxed, neck elongated. Lower your chin to your chest, then slowly lower your head to the right, trying to touch the right ear of the right shoulder.

Lower the fingertips of the left hand to the left shoulder, and the right hand over the left ear. The harder you put your hands on your shoulder and ear, the more muscles you stretch. This exercise is from pain in the neck and shoulders.

Repeat on the other side.

5. Circular motion shoulders

Stand or sit in a comfortable position, keep your back straight. Put your fingertips on your shoulders.

Stretch elbows to each other in front of the body to stretch the shoulder blades and upper back. Up - to stretch the triceps. To the side - to stretch the chest and the front side of the shoulders.

Stretch elbows to each other from the back to stretch the deep muscles of the shoulders and chest.

6. Stretching "Cat"

Stand on all fours, knees at an angle to the hips. For each breath bend in the back, the sight is directed to the ceiling.

With each exhalation, pull your chin to your chest, pull the coccyx under you, round your back. This exercise helps stretch the muscles of the neck, chest, shoulders, back and waist.

Each position, hold 8-10 exhalations-exhalations.

7. Hand to elbow

Stand or sit in a comfortable position, keep your back straight. Raise your right arm up, bend at the elbow and lower between the shoulder blades.

Place your left palm on the right elbow and lightly press it to increase the stretching of the muscles. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the shoulders, triceps, back and neck.

Hold in position for 8-10 breaths. Repeat on the other side.

8. Hands in the castle behind the back

Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart. Take your hands back and touch your palms. Raise your hands as high as possible until you feel how the front of your shoulders stretches. Hold in position for 8-10 breaths.

9. Pose of fish with support

Sit on the floor, legs extend in front of you or bend at the knees.

Place a small pile of blankets or two blocks for yoga behind you so that when you lean back, one is between the shoulder blades and the other is under the head.

Fall back on the blocks, keep your hands relaxed on each side of the body. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the chest and neck, as well as the front of the shoulders. Hold in position for 8-10 breaths.

A source: https://FitZdrav.com/zdorove/chto-delat-pri-boli-v-shee.html