There are many reasons why the neck hurts, because this part of the human body, consisting of many tissues and organs, organizes not only the musculoskeletal system, but also other systems: respiratory, metabolic, sensory system and other systems. Neck pain can be caused by even a minor manifestation of any inflammation, for example, an unexplained lymph node response.
The pace of modern life contributes to the appearance of this unpleasant symptom. Low mobility, ecological situation in the area, malnutrition, underlying systemic diseases - all these can cause neck pain. Whether it's worth enduring or starting urgent treatment depends on what it signals.
How does neck pain?
The neck is a connecting link, it is quite mobile and prone to all kinds of injuries for the same reason. If the pain is present in the neck, this may be an accident caused by strong and clumsy movements, or it may be such a pattern that a person is used to pain in this part of the spine. Much depends on the type of neck pain itself, as it can be so different that it is difficult to list its characteristics:
- sudden sharp pain (presents cervical spondylosis, when nerve receptors, which are discs, are compressed; alternatively, this can be a sign of muscle spasms or nerve pain). terrible);
- pain in the neck (occurs with muscle numbness, overwork, problems with the cervical spine, for example with ligaments);
- periodic neck pain of unknown cause;
- constant soreness of the area;
- diffuse pain: in the head, arms, sternum, collar, shoulders;
- pain in the neck, which occurs only with movement of the head, or is retained even when the neck and all its muscles are in a quiet, unused position;
- pain accompanied by numbness (may be due to pinched nerves, disc herniation, disc prolapse);
- Sometimes the neck pain is on the right side, or the left side, or closer to the shoulder area, or closer to the head.
The reason why the neck hurts
Neck pain can have many causes of mechanical and non-mechanical origin. There are cases where they cannot be explained at all and, therefore, this leads to a real treatment that cannot be indicated. However, the fact that the world of experts in different fields of medicine has come up with a list of the most common reasons why the neck hurts and not any other part of the spine.
Formation of large salt deposits in the neck
Evidence of diseases such as osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis. These diseases not only cause pain, but also cause a rattle, clack when turning the head, not to be confused with anything. If treatment is not started in time, the fourth stage of the disease begins, with bone formation developing, as a result of which the neck loses mobility.
muscle spasms
Muscle spasms caused by awkward or excessive turning of the head to the right or left. This usually happens when injured in car accidents and the like. Neck pain goes away when this spasm is relieved by a variety of manipulations performed by a massage therapist, osteopathic physician, and a manual therapist. However, in principle, if the contractions are not strong, the symptoms can go away on their own without any consequences.
Disc herniation
They arise not in the neck, but in the shoulder region, but extend to the upper region. Due to its manifestation, the functional abilities of the nerve may be impaired, so patients often complain of numbness in the damaged area and adjacent organs.
Work
The appearance of pain in the neck due to monotonous work that a person is forced to do in one position, such as sewing or sitting at a computer. Often in such cases, the neck begins to feel numb and at the same time a dull ache.
Tumor
Tumor is localized both in the neck and other organs, tissues and organs. For example, cancers of the lung, breast or prostate, kidney, thyroid, and other cancers can cause this symptom, not to mention tumors appearing in the neck. It can come and go, which would encourage a person to do a full examination.
Cervical myelopathy
It causes spinal stenosis in the neck, which is why it hurts. But the pain can be widespread not only in this area. Symptoms have a wide range of manifestations, and the treatment of such a disease is quite complicated and has consequences.
Polymyalgia rheumatica or fibromyalgia
Pain in the neck in this case can be a secondary symptom, however, is quite noticeable and bothersome.
Systemic diseases of the body
One symptom is pain in various parts of the musculoskeletal system, which is especially prominent in the neck. This is rheumatoid arthritis, infections, ankylosing spondylitis and others.
Muscle hypothermia
Hypothermia of the head motor muscles. If a gust of wind passes through your neck, you will experience such pain that it is very difficult to make any movement with it, in other cases, almost unbearable.
What to do if your neck hurts a lot?
The neck performs vital functions for the body, its damage can lead to instant death, so if it hurts, doing nothing and waiting for the pain to go away on its own is the worst option. You should definitely get a consultation from one of these specialists: rheumatologist, osteopathic physician, oncologist, therapist, surgeon, traumatologist, orthopedist, physicianneurologist.
If it is not possible to see a doctor at this time, call the masseuse at least to hear their opinion on the matter. But this does not mean that massage is mandatory and when done, it eliminates pain in the neck. It is also possible that a specialist will not be able to prescribe treatment, as the problem will not be in his record. It will be necessary to consult with at least three doctors.
In each case, the treatment will be different. Sometimes just doing daily exercises is enough - and the symptoms localized to the neck will go away on their own. With complex diagnoses, such as a tumor or stenosis, or a herniated disc, the pain won't go away until surgical treatment is applied. In this case, the question of whether to perform the operation is not even worth it: the person has practically no other choice.
For different types of injuries, treatment can be reduced to wearing orthopedic products for a while, such as a corset for the neck. To make a person feel better, it is often prescribed to sleep in a specific position of the body and use a special pillow, lying on it, the neck is placed in the correct position relative to the body. .
To break up the salt deposits in the cervical area, treatment based on physical procedures, such as shock wave therapy or intensive massage of the area may be indicated.
Drug therapy is appropriate when systemic diseases or infections cause cervical pain. Medicines will help to cure or slow down the progression of the disease, support the body's regenerative force, and aim to fight and diagnose.
Masseuses, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians are specialists who can help deal with the symptoms mentioned above, if they are experts in their field. Therefore, when there is pain in the neck, patients often turn to them most. Sometimes a seemingly simple massage can increase blood circulation in the cervical area to the point where not only this symptom but also the headaches disappear.
In any case, with pain in the neck, so that they do not recur, you need to conduct treatment and take care of your health.