In medicine, neck pain is commonly called cervicalgia.According to the results of numerous selection studies, year-round labor occurs in 12-72% of older people.It means feelingsfamiliar to almost everyone.In 1.7-11.5% of people, Cervicalgia eventually causes disability.Let's find out the most common causes and treatments.
Classification of cervicalgia
All pains in the neck are divided into acute and chronic.The first arises suddenly and has a pronounced character.They usually appear after hypothermia, heavy physical activity or heavy lifting.Chronic pain bothers a person constantly for a long time.They are mild, painful and worsen after prolonged sitting or lying in an uncomfortable position.
Depending on the locationPain can be visceral, somatic superficial and deep.The first occurs due to damage to internal organs.Visceral (referred) pain, a painful sore throat, esophagus or pharynx, acute thyroiditis, dissection of the spine or carotid arteries, dissection diseases, diseases.
Superficial somatic pain on the skin due to injury or small scratches, deep pain is localized in the tissues.The reason for the latter is usually muscle tension or pathology of the spine.
How to distinguish visceral pain from somatic pain?The first is spread in nature, that is, a person cannot determine its exact localization: to other parts of the body, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, etc.
In 2008, the Neck Pain Task Force suggested the following:Stages of cervicalgia:
- The patient has no symptoms that would indicate structural abnormalities.A person's daily activities are not limited and he does not require additional examination or treatment.This type of cervicalgia disappears after minimal lifestyle changes.
- The person has no signs of serious structural damage to the spine or cervical organs, but his daily activities are somewhat impaired.The patient sometimes needs painkillers.To prevent his inability to work, he needs lifestyle changes and special exercises.
- The person has no signs of serious organic damage, but there are neurological symptoms.The patient needs additional examination and comprehensive treatment of the identified pathology.
- The patient notes the appearance of signs of organic changes.He is worried about severe pains in the neck, mostly due to injuries, tumors, myelopathy, systemic diseases, etc.Allowed.
Neck pain can be central and neuropathic.Cervicalgia of central origin occurs with meningitis, acute cerebrovascular accidents, head injury, increased intracranial pressure and intracerebral tumors.Extracted spinal roots, tunnel neuropathies, traumatic nerve injuries, polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, etc..
The main causes of neck pain
Pain in the neck region may appear occasionally or may bother a person every day.Periodic cervicalgia, which occurs every few months, is mostly harmless and does not indicate any pathology.They pass quickly after proper rest or the use of anesthetic ointment.
However, a constant aching or sudden severe pain in the neck should cause serious concern in a person.
Table 1. Main reasons
| To be the cause | Mechanism of development of pain syndrome | Characteristic signs of pathology |
|---|---|---|
| Hard work or training in the gym | The formation of large amounts of lactic acid in the muscles.It is this substance that causes pain | Pain occurs the next morning after intense physical activity.Unpleasant sensations intensify when moving your arms or turning your head.It goes away after a few days |
| Hypothermia | The development of neuralgia - pain in the area of innervation of the occipital nerves | Usually a person has pain under the ear, neck and back of the head.In most cases, occipital neuralgia is unilateral: the pain appears only on one side |
| Psychosomatics | Occurrence of muscle blocks - spastic contraction of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle | A person has a neck for no reason.With a complete examination, doctors cannot detect signs of damage to the spine or diseases of internal organs |
| Pathological biomechanics of the shoulder girdle | Violation of the normal functioning of the muscles of the upper limb.Trapezius muscle tension and spasm | Mild mobility impairment in the shoulders and cervical spine.Pain that worsens after lying in the same position or doing physical work |
| Cervical osteochondrosis | The appearance of pathological changes in one or more spinal movement segments.Spinal mobility, development of myofascial pain syndromes and pinching of spinal roots | Cervical pain, paresthesia, and motor disorders spreading to the back of the head and upper limbs.Detection of characteristic changes in the spine in MRI and X-rays |
| Cervicobrachial radiculitis | The development of an inflammatory process in the nerves forming the brachial plexus | Unilateral acute pain radiating to the upper extremity.The patient complains of a burning sensation and numbness in the hands and back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms occur after hypothermia or heavy physical work |
| Acute thyroiditis | The formation of inflammatory or purulent foci in the thyroid gland with the further development of pain syndrome | Acute pain and swelling in the thyroid region.On palpation, you can feel an enlarged, painful, nodular thyroid gland |
| Colds and infectious diseases | Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, larynx, trachea due to the inhalation of cold air or the influence of infectious factors | Pain and sore throat, headache, runny nose, increased body temperature.General weakness, apathy, decreased ability to work |
| Burns of the pharynx or esophagus | With the further development of the inflammatory process, exposure to the mucous membrane of chemicals, high or low temperature | Severe pain along the esophagus that worsens when swallowing |
| Tension headache | Constant overload of shoulder girdle muscles, frequent stress, depression | Aching pain in the head radiating to the cervical region |
| Subarachnoid hemorrhage | Irritation of the membranes of the brain by bleeding into the subarachnoid space | Sharp pain in the back of the head, reminiscent of a blow to the head |
| Multiple sclerosis | Damage to the myelin fibers of the brain and spinal cord with further development of neurological symptoms | A sudden pain in the neck radiates to the back.The patient himself describes his feelings as "electric shock". |
| Tumors of the spine, lungs, neck organs | Compression of tissue, nerves or organs by a benign neoplasm | Aching pain that lasts for a long time.If there are tumors of the pharynx or esophagus, a person has difficulty swallowing food |
| Inflammation of the lymph nodes | Infection, hypothermia, etc.In response to this, the development of the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes | Painful sensations in the side of the neck.When palpating along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, you may feel enlarged, painful lymph nodes |
Overwork or hypothermia
If your neck hurts after studying, physical activity or prolonged monotonous work, muscle tension is to blame.Intense physical activity leads to the formation of lactic acid, which causes severe pain.Discomfort disappears completely after 3-4 days.
Debilitating neck pain may occur after hypothermia.Due to the effect of low temperature, neuralgia of the occipital nerve develops.Pathological, characterized by paroxysmal, feverish, burning pain in the back of the head.Pathology can be unilateral or bilateral.
Some people often have neck pain after sleep.The reason for this may be the wrong choice of pillow.But painful sensations can also indicate cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, if your neck hurts after sleep, the first thing is to change your pillow.If the pain does not go away, you need to go to a traumatologist or ten verto.
Psychosomatic pain
If you constantly have neck pain for no reason, it may be related to psychosomatics.It can occur due to muscle blocks, suppressed emotions, stubbornness and one-sided thinking.People with psychosomatic cervicalgia regularly experience pain and tension in the muscles of the cervical spine, but even after a thorough examination, doctors cannot find the cause of this phenomenon.
Recent scientific studies have established a relationship between personality traits and the occurrence of onebrogenic cervicalgia.It turned out that anxiety and aggressiveness contribute to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.The revealed relationships can be used for more effective treatment in the shoulders and neck.
Violation of the biomechanics of the shoulder girdle
Pain in your neck and shoulders may be due to the muscles of the shoulder girdle not working properly.Functional weakness of the deltoid and overload of the trapezius muscles leads to the appearance of myofascial trigger points, which lead to the development of pain.At first, there is pain in the neck muscles, but over time, organic changes develop in the spine.
Improper distribution of the load on the muscles of the shoulder girdle is a common cause of cervicalgia.It is necessary to eliminate the cause of the upper dears, that is, to restore normal biomechanics in the upper extremity belt.To achieve this, you need to carefully monitor your posture and do special exercises.
Osteochondrosis of the spine and its complications
Does your neck and back constantly hurt between shoulder blades?This can be a signal of the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Pathological, it is characterized by the gradual destruction of the nuclei of the intervertebral discs with the subsequent development of protrusions, hernias, spondyloarthrosis and cervical spondylosis.
Characteristic signs of osteochondrosis:
- Pain in neck muscles, collar area;
- numbness in the back of the head;
- limited mobility in the cervical spine;
- sensation disorders in the upper extremities;
- A slight weakness in the arms;
- tinnitus, frequent dizziness, headache.
A person with osteochondrosis does not have pain in the back, only in the neck region.Due to reflex muscle tension, myxial pain syndromes develop.They are characterized by pain, paresthesia and numbness in the muscles of the back, shoulder girdle and upper extremity.
In the initial stages, osteochondrosis is detected using mri.The pathology can then be diagnosed using X-rays.In the X-ray of the cervical spine, a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, pathological changes in the facet joints and osteophytosis are noticeable.
Many people complain that they cannot turn their neck due to the severe pain that appears after suddenly lifting something heavy.This phenomenon indicates the formation of a herniated disc.The cause of pain in the back, neck and upper extremity is pinching of one of the nerve roots originating from the spinal cord.
Cervicobrachial radiculitis
The disease is characterized by inflammation of the spinal nerves involved in the formation of the brachial plexus.The cause of the inflammatory process can be acute intoxication, hypothermia, spasmodic muscle pinching of a nerve root,intervertebral hernia or osteophytes.
People with sciatica experience severe pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulders and even upper limbs.Painful sensations are sharp and burning.Many people complain of sensory and motor disturbances in the back of the head, creeping up the arm, and in the upper part.
If your neck hurts, it hurts to turn your head, it is difficult to move your arm?Seek immediate medical attention.Cervicobrachial radiculitis requires serious treatment that you cannot provide for yourself.
Thyroid diseases
Most thyroid pathologies are not accompanied by pain.And only people with acute thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) have pain in the front of the neck.Patients have increased body temperature, temperature, general weakness, body pains and other signs of intoxication.With a more thorough examination, you may feel an enlarged and painful thyroid gland.In some cases, several dense quotations are found in it.
Many people have neck pain after diagnostic thyroid puncture.Unpleasant feelings last for several days.The cause of pain is trauma to soft tissues during the procedure.
Inflammatory diseases of cervical organs
With inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and larynx, a person often has a sore throat, and the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed.The cause of pathology can be hypothermia, infections, consumption of low-quality alcohol or accidental contact with mucous membranes of chemicals.Damage to the pharynx, larynx, or esophagus is indicated by neck pain that worsens when swallowing.
Diseases that cause neck and throat pain:
- pharyngitis;
- laryngitis;
- angina;
- diphtheria;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- red fire;
- epiglottitis;
- pharyngeal abscess;
- chemical burn of the esophagus.
The sides of the throat and neck hurt the most in cold weather.The causes of the disease are hypothermia, sudden inhalation of cold air or a long walk in the cold.Good rest, hot tea and a few analgesic tablets help to cope with the disease.
If there is a sore throat in the lower neck, pharyngitis or tracheitis (inflammation of the larynx or trachea) should be suspected.The development of diseases is provoked by viral infection, inhalation of hot, cold or polluted air.If the neck and back of the neck, retropharyngeal abscess is possible.It is characterized by pathological fever, swallowing, loss of appetite, general weakness and apathy.
Damage to the central or peripheral nervous system
Severe pain occurs with subarachnoid hemorrhage.The person himself describes them as a "blow to the head" and a feeling of a pulse in the back of the head.The patient develops nausea, vomiting, confusion, and meningeal symptoms.Neck stiffness develops about 6 hours after the first pain.
Meningitis has a similar clinical picture..A person with inflammation of the meninges has a very severe neck and headache.Painful sensations are intensified by movement.During the examination, tension was found in the patient's occipital muscles.Therefore, a person cannot bring his chin to his chest with help from outside.At the same time, a characteristic rash appears on the patient's body.
Neck pain can be caused by spinal cord or peripheral nerves, tumors of the central nervous system, demyelinating diseases, etc.
Pain in the back and spine can be one of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis of the central nervous system.People with this pathology develop the so-called Lhermitte symptom.It is characterized by a sensation of electric shock to the back of the head that occurs when the head is tilted forward.
Malignant or benign neoplasms
Various tumors of the cervical spine, pharynx, esophagus, thyroid gland or other organs can also cause pain.People with lung cancer, a malignant neoplasm in the upper part of the lung, may also experience pain.
Muscle injury
In some cases, the lateral neck muscles are injured in people with myositis, polymyalgia, and fibromyalgia.These diseases are characterized by damage to the skeletal muscles of any location.If a person, for any reason, feels tenderness in the muscles of the neck in the neck, it may be one of these diseases.
If you have muscles in the front of your neck, think about whether you recently had to shout loudly, sing loudly, or talk for a long time.Then the cause of concern is superior to the vocal cords.
Other possible causes of cervicalgia
Pain on the left side of the chest and collarbone extending to the neck usually indicates heart disease.Angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure or heart attack have been found in people with a similar pain syndrome.
The sides of the neck can be damaged in people with caries, oropharynx or nasopharynx diseases.Unpleasant sensations can occur with tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils.If the pain is noted in the shoulders near the neck, it may be the result of scoliosis of the cervical and / or thoracic spine.
Why do the lymph nodes in the neck hurt?
Cervical lymph nodes are located on the side of the neck along the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Normally, they are small in size and may be difficult to feel.However, in some cases, the lymph nodes in the neck may become enlarged and painful.This phenomenon should be alarming, because it can indicate serious diseases and even malignant tumors.
Most often, pain in the lymph nodes in the neck is caused by inflammation (lymphadenitis).Pathological tonsillitis develops against the background of rhinitis or acute respiratory viral infection.The reason may be their damage with metastases of tumors of the pharynx, esophagus, lungs or other organs.
Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis:
- enlarged lymph nodes.In some cases, their size can be increased to 2-3 or more centimeters;
- the appearance of hyperemia and edema.Lymphadenitis is usually accompanied by redness and swelling of the skin in the area of inflamed lymph nodes;
- painful sensations.A person has pain behind the ear and neck on either side.It may be difficult for the patient to turn his head and perform active shoulder movements;
- symptoms of intoxication.Body temperature rises, shivering, general weakness, apathy and headache appear.Sarxation phenomena appear in the acute form of lymphadenitis.
Cervical lymph nodes can become inflamed after prolonged exposure to a draft.Most often, the pain is felt in the ear and in the neck under the ear.You can feel slightly enlarged and painful lymph nodes under the patient's skin.
Are your lymph nodes in your neck swollen and painful, but you don't know what to do?It is best to go to the doctor immediately.The specialist will examine you carefully and prescribe additional examination.You can find out the cause of the pathology by passing the necessary tests.
The most common causes of head and neck injuries
According to statistics, 70% of people with frequent headaches (cephalgia) have pain not only in the head, but also in the cervical region.Cervicalgia can cause radiating painful sensations or a vertebrogenic nature.Many men and women with osteochondrosis have neck pain that causes headaches.15-20% of all headaches are cervicogenic in nature.
Reasons why a person has pain in the neck, head and temples:
- overwork;
- blood circulation in the brain tissue is disturbed;
- cervical spine diseases;
- Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses;
- high pressure;
- heart disease;
- menopause;
- migraine;
- over the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
The most common type of cephalalgia is tension-type headache (TTH).It occurs due to mental stress, heavy mental activity or prolonged spasm of neck, back and upper back muscles.For tension headaches, neck massage, reflexology, and short-term use of pain relievers can help.
If you have frequent neck pain and dizziness, do not hesitate to seek treatment.Cervical collarbone massage and acupuncture can help relieve tension-type headaches.If you continue to feel pain after a course of massage, a full examination is necessary.Perhaps there is a serious problem hidden behind the banal headache.
What are the causes of neck pain in a child?
The baby's throat is caused by the pain of a baby with sore throat, acute respiratory viral infections, rubella, congestion, meningitis and other infectious diseases.If a child has neck pain on only one side, the cause may be otitis media, retropharyngeal abscess, lymphadenitis, or trauma.
Speaking of childhood diseases, we should mention torticollis.Pathologically, it is characterized by congenital shortening of sternocleidomastoid muscles.Due to the defect, the baby's head takes a forced position.It is constantly in the opposite direction of shame and defective muscles.A child with torticollis also has pain on the side of the neck.The main reason for this is constant muscle tension.
What should be done?Hold your baby immediately and go to the hospital.Seeking medical help in time will help to identify the problem in time and start treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?It is best to go to the pediatrician first.After the examination, the pediatrician will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment or send you to a specialist for consultation.
How to relieve acute neck pain
Some people complain after hypothermia or after lifting heavy objects: "My neck hurts, I can't turn my head ...".This symptom indicates acute inflammation of the spinal roots or neuralgia of the occipital nerve.If such pain occurs, you should always consult a doctor.
You can use a tablet, gel or a patch to relieve the pain.In this case, it is better to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or warming ointments.Dry heat (a heating pad, a bag of heated sand or grain) also works well.
Don't know which doctor to contact if you are experiencing excruciating neck pain?Such cervicalgia usually indicates inflammation or pinched nerves, it is better to go to a neurologist immediately.He will determine the appropriate treatment and, if necessary, will carry out a drug blockade.Injectable corticosteroids can relieve pain quickly and effectively.
How to treat vertebrogenic neck pain
Neck pain is treated by an orthopedic traumatologist or verticatologist.After injuries and surgeries in the cervical region, doctors prescribe the patient to wear a chance collar.Pain relievers and muscle relaxants are used to relieve pain.Experts recommend a series of exercises to eliminate muscle spasms and restore normal biomechanics of the shoulder girdle.Therapeutic gymnastics allows you to develop muscles and restore normal mobility to the back.
Which doctor should you go to if you have neck pain during pregnancy?First of all, you should visit your gynecologist for treatment.He will refer you to a specialist who will examine you and prescribe the appropriate treatment.