There are many reasons why the neck hurts, because this component of the human body, in turn, consists of many tissues and organs that not only regulate the musculoskeletal system, but also other systems: respiratory, metabolic, sensory systems and others. Neck pain can be caused by even the slightest manifestation of any inflammation, for example, an unexplained lymph node reaction.
The rhythm of modern life even more contributes to the appearance of this unpleasant symptom. Low mobility, ecological conditions in the region, malnutrition, hidden systemic diseases - all this can cause pain in the neck. Whether it is worth bearing it or starting treatment immediately depends on the signal.
How does the neck hurt?
The neck is a connecting link, it is quite mobile and prone to various types of injuries for the same reason. If pain appears in the neck, this may be an accident caused by a sharp and awkward movement, or it may be a pattern until a person is used to the fact that this part of the spine hurts. Much depends on the type of neck pain itself, because it can be so different that it is difficult to list its characteristics:
- unexpected sharp pain (indicates cervicago - cervical lumbago, when the nerve receptors, which are the vertebral sinuses, are compressed; in addition, this may be an indicator of muscle spasm or neuralgia);
- aching pain in the neck (occurs with muscle numbness, too much work, problems with the cervical spine, for example, with ligaments);
- periodic neck pain for unexplained reasons;
- constant pain in this area;
- radiating pain: in the head, arms, sternum, collar, shoulders;
- pain in the neck, which occurs only when moving the head, or is maintained even when the neck and all its muscles are in a quiet, unused position;
- pain accompanied by numbness (may be caused by a pinched nerve, herniated disc, prolapsed disc);
- the neck sometimes hurts on the right side, or on the left side, or closer to the shoulder area, or closer to the head.
Reasons why the neck hurts
Neck pain can be caused by many factors of mechanical and non-mechanical origin. There are cases when they cannot be explained at all and, thus, this leads to the fact that treatment cannot actually be prescribed. However, the world practice of experts in various fields of medicine has presented a list of the most common reasons why the neck hurts, and not other parts of the spine.
The formation of large salt deposits in the neck
Evidence of diseases such as osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis. These diseases cause not only pain, but also dryness, clicking when turning the head, which should not be confused with anything. If treatment is not started on time, the fourth stage of the disease begins, which is full of bone growth formation, which causes the neck to lose mobility.
muscle cramp
With muscle spasms arising from awkward or too sharp turning of the head to the right or left. This often happens during injuries sustained in car accidents and the like. Neck pain disappears when this spasm is eliminated with various manipulations carried out by massage therapists, osteopaths, and manual therapists. But, in principle, if the spasms are not strong, the symptoms can pass without consequences by themselves.
Intervertebral hernia
They do not arise in the neck, but in the shoulder area, but extend to the upper area. Due to its appearance, the ability of nerve function may be affected, so patients often complain of numbness in the damaged area and adjacent departments.
Work
The appearance of pain in the neck due to boring work that a person has to do in one position, for example, sewing, or sitting in front of a computer. Often in such cases, the neck begins to go numb and at the same time it hurts with a dull ache.
Tumors
Tumors are localized in the neck and in other organs, tissues, departments. For example, cancer of the lung, breast or prostate, kidney, thyroid and other types of them can cause these symptoms, not to mention the tumor that occurs in the neck itself. It can come and go, which should encourage one to do a full exam.
Cervical myelopathy
It causes stenosis of the spinal canal in the neck, which is why it hurts. But pain can spread not only in this area. Symptoms have various manifestations, and the treatment of such diseases is quite complex and has consequences.
Polymyalgia rheumatica or fibromyalgia
Pain in the neck in this case can be a secondary symptom, but, nevertheless, quite noticeable and annoying.
Systemic diseases of the body
The symptom is pain in different parts of the musculoskeletal system, among which the neck is particularly prominent. These are rheumatoid arthritis, infections, ankylosing spondylitis and others.
Muscle hypothermia
Hypothermia of the muscles that move the head. If the draft has passed through the neck, then it is so painful that it becomes very difficult to make any movement with it, in other cases it is almost unbearable.
What to do if the neck hurts a lot
The neck performs an important function for the body, its damage can cause immediate death, so if it hurts, doing nothing and waiting for the pain to go away by itself is the worst option. You definitely need to get a consultation from one of the specialists: rheumatologist, osteopath, oncologist, therapist, surgeon, traumatologist, orthopedist, neurologist.
If it is not possible to visit a doctor at this time, contact a massage therapist to at least hear his opinion on this matter. But this does not mean that the massage is mandatory and when done, it will relieve the pain in the neck. It is also possible that a specialist will not be able to prescribe treatment, because the problem is not his profile. It will be necessary to hear the opinion of at least three doctors.
In each case, the treatment will be different. Sometimes it is enough to do exercises every day - and the symptoms localized in the neck will disappear by themselves. With a complex diagnosis, such as a tumor or stenosis, or a herniated disc, the pain will not go away until surgical treatment is used. In this case, the question of whether to do the operation is not worth it: the person has almost no choice.
For various types of injuries, treatment can be reduced to wearing for some time, orthopedic products such as corsets for the neck. To make a person feel better, it is often prescribed to sleep in a certain position of the body and use a special pillow, lying where, the neck takes the correct position in relation to the body.
To break up salt deposits in the cervical area, treatment based on physical procedures, such as shock wave therapy or intensive massage of this zone, can be prescribed.
The use of drug therapy is appropriate when it is related to systemic or infectious diseases that cause pain in the cervical region. Medicines will help to cure or delay the development of the disease, support the body's regenerative powers, aim to fight and diagnose.
Masseurs, chiropractors, osteopaths are specialists who can help deal with the symptoms mentioned above, if they are professionals in their field. Therefore, when pain occurs in the neck, patients most often turn to them. Sometimes a seemingly simple massage can improve blood circulation in the cervical area so well that not only these symptoms, but also the headache will disappear.
In any case, with pain in the neck, so that they do not recur, you need to start treatment and take care of your health.