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