In medicine, neck pain is often called neck pain.According to the results of many screening studies, they occur year-round in 12-72% of people of working age.This means feelingsfamiliar to most people.In 1.7-11.5% of people, neck pain eventually leads to disability.Let's learn about their most common causes and treatments.
Classification of cervical pain
All pain in the neck is divided into acute and chronic.The first ones arise suddenly and are of a pronounced nature.They often appear after hypothermia, strenuous physical activity, or heavy lifting.Chronic pain bothers a person constantly, over a long period of time.They are mild, painful, and worsen after sitting or sleeping in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time.
Depends on locationThe pain can be visceral, superficial, and deep.The first occurs due to damage to internal organs.Visceral pain (mentioned) may be a sign of sore throat, diseases of the esophagus or throat, acute thyroiditis, vertebral or carotid artery dissection.
Superficial body pain occurs in the skin due to trauma or minor scratches, while deep pain is localized to the tissues.The latter cause is often due to muscle strain or spinal disease.
How to distinguish visceral pain from body pain?The first are of a diffuse nature, that is, a person cannot determine their exact location: they radiate to other parts of the body, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, etc.
In 2008, the Neck Pain Study Group recommended the following:Stages of cervical pain:
- The patient had no symptoms suggestive of structural abnormalities.A person's daily activities are not limited, and he does not need additional examination or treatment.Such neck pain goes away after minimal lifestyle adjustments.
- The person showed no signs of serious structural damage to the spine or cervical organs, but the person's daily activities were mildly impaired.Patients sometimes need pain medication.To avoid losing the ability to work, he needs lifestyle changes and special exercises.
- The patient has no signs of serious physical damage but has neurological symptoms.Patients need further examination and comprehensive treatment of the identified pathology.
- Patients note the appearance of signs of organic changes.He was concerned about severe pain in the neck, which is often a sign of trauma, tumor, myelopathy, systemic disease, etc.Patients need serious examination and specialized treatment.
In the neck, the pain can be central and neurological.Neck pain of central origin occurs with meningitis, acute cerebrovascular accident, head trauma, increased intracranial pressure, and intracranial tumors.Neuropathic pain occurs due to spinal root compression, tunnel neuropathy, nerve injury, polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, etc..
Main cause of neck pain
Pain in the neck area may appear occasionally or bother the patient every day.Periodic cervical pain, which occurs every few months, is usually harmless and does not indicate any pathology.They quickly pass after adequate rest or the use of anesthetic ointments.
However, constant soreness or sudden severe pain in the neck should cause a person serious concern.
Table 1. Main causes
| Cause | Mechanism of development of pain syndrome | Characteristic signs of pathology |
|---|---|---|
| Work hard or workout at the gym | Formation of large amounts of lactic acid in the muscles.It is this substance that causes pain | The pain occurs the next morning after intense physical activity.The discomfort increases when you move your arms or turn your head.Will disappear after a few days |
| Hypothermia | Development of neuralgia – pain in the area of occipital nerve innervation | Usually a person has pain under the ears, in the neck and back of the head.In most cases, occipital neuralgia is unilateral: the pain occurs on only one side |
| Psychology | Formation of muscle masses - stiffness of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area | A person has neck pain for no apparent reason.During a general examination, the doctor could not detect signs of spinal damage or internal diseases |
| Pathophysiology of the shoulder girdle | Disruption of the normal functioning of the muscles of the upper limb girdle.Trapezius muscle tension and spasm | Mild loss of mobility in the shoulders and cervical spine.The pain increases after sitting for a long time in the same position or performing physical work |
| Cervical bone degeneration | The appearance of pathological changes in one or more motion segments of the spine.Impaired spinal mobility, development of myofascial pain syndrome and spinal root compression | Pain, paresthesia and movement disorders in the neck area, spreading to the back of the head and upper limbs.Detect characteristic changes in the spine on MRI and X-ray (osteoporosis, reduced distance between vertebrae, signs of damage to the intervertebral joints) |
| Cervical nerve root inflammation | The development of the inflammatory process in the nerves that form the brachial plexus | Sharp pain on one side spreading to upper limb.The patient complains of a burning sensation and numbness in the hands and back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms occur after hypothermia or heavy work |
| Acute thyroiditis | Formation of inflammatory or purulent foci in the thyroid gland with subsequent development of pain syndrome | Severe pain and swelling in the thyroid area.When palpated, you may feel the thyroid gland is swollen and painful. |
| Colds and infectious diseases | Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, larynx, and trachea due to inhalation of cold air or due to the impact of infectious factors | Pain, sore throat, headache, runny nose, increased body temperature appear.General weakness, lethargy, decreased ability to work |
| Burning of the throat or esophagus | Exposure of mucous membranes to chemicals, high or low temperatures with further development of the inflammatory process | Severe pain along the esophagus, severe pain when swallowing |
| Tension headaches | Constant tension of the shoulder girdle muscles, frequent stress, depression | Pain radiates in the head, spreading to the neck area |
| subarachnoid hemorrhage | Irritation of the meninges due to blood spilling into the subarachnoid space | Severe 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 is accompanied by further development of neurological symptoms | Sudden pain in the neck area, spreading down the spine.The patient himself described the feeling as "electric shock". |
| Tumors of the spine, lungs, and neck organs | Compression of tissues, nerves or organs due to malignant tumors | The pain persisted for a long time.If you have a tumor in the throat or esophagus, the patient will have difficulty swallowing food |
| Lymphadenitis | The development of the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes in response to infection, hypothermia, etc. | Feeling of pain on both sides of the neck.When palpating along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, you can feel enlarged, painful lymph nodes. |
Overwork or hypothermia
If your neck hurts after exercise, physical activity, or prolonged monotonous work, the cause is muscle tension.Intense physical activity leads to the formation of lactic acid, causing severe pain.The feeling of discomfort completely disappears after 3-4 days.
Neck pain that radiates to the ears can occur after hypothermia.Due to the influence of low temperatures, occipital neuralgia develops.The disease is characterized by paroxysmal, burning, burning pain in the back of the head.Pathology can be unilateral or bilateral.
Some people often have neck pain after sleeping.The cause may be due to choosing the wrong type of pillow.However, pain can also be a sign of cervical spondylosis.Therefore, if you have neck pain after sleeping, the first thing to do is change your pillow.If the pain does not go away, you need to see a traumatologist or a vertebra specialist.
Psychological pain
If you often have neck pain without a clear cause, it may be psychological.Muscle mass can occur due to suppressed emotions, stubbornness, and one-sided thinking.People with psychogenic neck pain often experience pain and tension in the muscles of the cervical spine, but doctors cannot detect the cause of this phenomenon even after a thorough examination.
Recent scientific research has established a relationship between personality traits and the occurrence of cervical spondylosis.It turns out that increased anxiety and aggression contribute to the development of cervical spondylosis.The discovered relationship could be used to more effectively treat shoulder and neck spondylolisthesis in people with neurological disorders or neurological disorder-like diseases.
Violation of biomechanics of the shoulder girdle
The cause of your neck and shoulder pain may be due to improper functioning of the shoulder girdle muscles.Weakness in the function of the deltoid muscle and overload of the trapezius muscle lead to the appearance of myofascial trigger points, causing pain.At first, the neck muscles ache, but over time, organic changes in the spine develop.
Improper load distribution on the muscles of the shoulder girdle is a common cause of neck pain.It is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease, that is, restore normal biomechanics in the upper limb girdle.To achieve this, you need to carefully monitor your posture and perform special exercises.
Spinal degeneration and complications
Is your neck and spine between your shoulder blades constantly in pain?This may be a sign of the development of cartilage degeneration in the cervical spine.The pathology is characterized by the gradual destruction of the nuclei of the intervertebral disc with the subsequent development of protrusions, hernias, spondylosis and cervical spondylosis.
Characteristic signs of osteoarthritis:
- pain in neck muscles and neck area;
- numbness in the back of the head;
- limited mobility in the cervical spine;
- sensory disturbances in the upper limbs;
- mild weakness in the arms;
- tinnitus, frequent dizziness, headaches.
People with osteoarthritis not only have pain in the cervical spine.Due to muscle stretch reflex, he has myofascial pain syndrome.They are characterized by the appearance of pain, paresthesia and numbness in the back muscles, shoulder muscles and upper limbs.
In the early stages, cartilage degeneration is detected by MRI.The pathology can then be diagnosed using x-rays.On radiography of the cervical spine, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, pathological changes in the facet joints and osteoporosis become noticeable.
Many people complain that they cannot turn their neck due to the severe pain that appears after suddenly lifting a heavy object.This phenomenon indicates the formation of a herniated disc.The cause of back, neck and upper limb pain is due to compression of one of the nerve roots protruding from the spinal cord.
Cervical nerve root inflammation
The disease is characterized by inflammation of the spinal nerves associated with the brachial plexus formation.The cause of the inflammatory process can be acute intoxication, hypothermia, nerve root compression due to muscle spasm,intervertebral hernia or bone spur.
People with sciatica feel severe pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulders and even upper limbs.The pain occurs deeply and is burning in nature.Many people complain of numbness in the back of the head, crawling up the arms, and sensory and motor disturbances in the upper limbs.
What to do if your neck hurts, it hurts to turn your head, or it's difficult to move your arms?Seek medical attention immediately.Cervical radiculitis requires serious treatment that you cannot handle on your own.
Thyroid disease
Most thyroid diseases are not accompanied by pain.And only people with acute thyroiditis (thyroiditis) experience pain in the front of the neck.Patients also experience increased body temperature, chills, general weakness, body aches and other signs of intoxication.On closer examination, you may feel an enlarged and painful thyroid gland.In some cases, several dense infiltrates are found in it.
Many people experience neck pain after a diagnosis of thyroid perforation.The feeling of discomfort lasts for several days.The cause of pain is soft tissue injury during the procedure.
Inflammatory diseases of the cervical organs
With pharyngitis and laryngitis, patients often have a sore throat and inflamed lymph nodes in the neck.The cause of the disease can be hypothermia, infection, drinking poor quality alcohol or accidental contact with mucous membranes of chemicals.Damage to the throat, larynx or esophagus is manifested by neck pain, worse when swallowing.
Diseases that cause neck and throat pain:
- sore throat;
- laryngitis;
- angina;
- diphtheria;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- scarlet fever;
- epiglottitis;
- throat abscess;
- chemical burns of the esophagus.
The sides of the throat and neck often hurt the most when you have a cold.The cause of the disease is hypothermia, sudden inhalation of cold air or long walks in the cold.A good rest, warm tea and some painkillers help fight the disease.
If you have a sore throat in the lower neck area, you should suspect pharyngitis or tracheitis (inflammation of the larynx or trachea).The development of the disease is provoked by viral infections, inhalation of hot, cold or polluted air.If the throat and back of the neck are painful, there may be a retropharyngeal abscess.The pathology is characterized by fever, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, general weakness and lethargy.
Damage to the central or peripheral nervous system
Severe pain occurs with subarachnoid hemorrhage.The person himself described them as a “blow to the head” and a pounding sensation in the back of the head.The patient has nausea, vomiting, confusion and meningeal signs.Neck stiffness develops about 6 hours after the pain first appears.
Meningitis has a similar clinical picture..People with meningitis will have severe neck and head pain.The pain increases with movement.During the examination, the patient noticed tension in the occipital muscles.Because of this, a person cannot bring his chin to his chest even with external help.At the same time, a characteristic rash appears on the patient's body.
Neck pain can be caused by damage to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves, tumors of the central nervous system, demyelinating diseases, etc.All of these diseases have a polymorphic clinical picture, and pain is one of the symptoms of the pathology.
Pain in the back and spine can be one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.People with this condition develop the so-called Lhermitte syndrome.It is characterized by an electric shock sensation in the back of the head that occurs when the head is tilted forward.
Malignant or benign tumor
Various tumors in the cervical spine, pharynx, esophagus, thyroid or other organs can also cause pain.Pain can also occur in people with Pancoast cancer, a malignant tumor located under the pleura at the top of the lung.
Muscle damage
In some cases, the lateral neck muscles are painful in people with myositis, polymyalgia, and fibromyalgia.These diseases are characterized by musculoskeletal damage at any location.If a person notices pain in the neck muscles on one side for no apparent reason, then he or she may have one of these diseases.
If you have pain in the muscles in the front of your neck near your larynx, think about whether you've had to shout loudly, sing loudly, or talk for a long time recently.Then the cause of discomfort is due to excessive tension in the vocal cords.
Other possible causes of cervical pain
Pain in the left side of the chest and collarbone, extending to the neck, is often a sign of heart disease.In people with similar pain syndrome, angina, arrhythmia, heart failure or heart attack are detected.
Both sides of the neck can be painful in people with tooth decay or diseases of the pharynx and nasopharynx.Discomfort may occur with tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils.If you experience pain in the shoulder near the neck, this may be the result of scoliosis of the cervical and/or thoracic spine.
Why do lymph nodes in the neck hurt?
Cervical lymph nodes are located on both sides of the neck, along the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Usually they are small in size and difficult to feel.However, in some cases, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen and painful.This phenomenon is alarming because it can indicate serious diseases and even malignant tumors.
Most often, pain in the lymph nodes in the neck occurs due to their inflammation (lymphadenitis).Pathology develops against the background of tonsillitis, rhinitis or acute respiratory viral infection.The cause may be their damage due to metastasis of tumors in the throat, esophagus, lungs or other organs.
Signs of cervical lymphadenitis:
- enlarged lymph nodes.In some cases, their size can increase to 2-3 cm or more;
- the appearance of hypertension and edema.Lymphadenitis is often accompanied by redness and swelling in the area of the inflamed lymph node;
- painful feelings.A person has pain behind the ears and neck on one or both sides.Patients may have difficulty turning their head and making voluntary shoulder movements;
- poisoning symptoms.Body temperature increases, chills, general weakness, lethargy and headaches appear.The poisoning phenomenon appears in the form of acute lymphadenitis.
Lymph nodes in the neck can become inflamed after a long period of time in drafty conditions.Usually, people feel pain in the ears and below the ears on the neck.Under the patient's skin, you can feel slightly enlarged and painful lymph nodes.
Are the lymph nodes in your neck swollen and painful but you don't know what to do?It's best to see a doctor right away.The specialist will carefully examine you and prescribe additional examinations.After passing the necessary tests, you can find out the cause of the disease.
The most common cause of head and neck pain
According to statistics, 70% of people regularly suffer from headaches (headaches). They not only have headaches but also neck pain.Cervical pain can be caused by irradiation of painful sensations or of a vertebral nature.Many men and women with osteoarthritis experience neck pain that radiates to the head.Of all headaches, 15-20% are of a cervical nature.
Reasons why a person has pain in the neck, head and temples:
- overwork;
- impaired blood circulation in brain tissue;
- diseases of the cervical spine;
- paranasal sinusitis;
- high blood pressure;
- heart disease;
- menopause;
- migraine headache;
- excessive tension in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
The most common type of headache is tension headache (TTH).It occurs due to mental stress, heavy mental activity or prolonged spasms of the muscles of the neck, back and upper limb girdle.For tension headaches, neck massage, acupressure, and short-term use of pain relievers may help.
If you often experience neck pain and dizziness, don't hesitate to seek treatment.Cervical massage and acupuncture can help deal with tension headaches.If after a massage session you continue to feel pain, you need to see a doctor.Perhaps there is a serious problem behind the trivial headache.
What causes neck pain in children?
Pharyngitis in children occurs with pharyngitis, acute respiratory viral infections, rubella, mumps, meningitis and some other infectious diseases.If your child only has neck pain on one side, the cause may be otitis media, retropharyngeal abscess, lymphadenitis or trauma.
When talking about childhood diseases, we have to mention torticollis.The pathology is characterized by congenital shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Due to the defect, the baby's head is in a forced position.It is constantly turned on and in the opposite direction to the defective muscle.Children with torticollis also have pain on one side of the neck.The main reason for this is constant muscle tension.
What to do?Pick up your child immediately and take him to the hospital.Seeking prompt medical help will help identify the problem promptly and initiate treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?It's best to see your pediatrician first.After the examination, the pediatrician will diagnose and prescribe treatment or send you to see a specialist.
How to relieve acute neck pain
Some people complain after hypothermia or lifting heavy objects: "My neck hurts so much, I can't turn my head...".This symptom indicates acute inflammation of the spinal roots or occipital neuralgia.If such pain occurs, you should always consult a doctor.
To relieve pain, you can use tablets, gels or patches.In this case, it is best to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or warming ointments.Dry heat (heating pads, sandbags, or heated cereal) also works well.
Not sure which doctor to contact if you have unbearable neck pain?Since such neck pain often indicates inflammation or nerve compression, it's best to see a neurologist immediately.He will prescribe full treatment and, if necessary, carry out drug blockade.Injectable corticosteroids can provide quick and effective pain relief.
How to treat neck pain caused by vertebrae
Neck pain is treated by a chiropractor or spine specialist.After injuries and surgeries in the cervical area, doctors prescribe patients to wear Shants necklaces.To relieve pain, analgesics and muscle relaxants are used.To reduce muscle spasms and restore the normal biomechanics of the shoulder girdle, experts recommend doing certain exercises.Gymnastics allows you to develop muscles and restore normal mobility of the spine.
Which doctor should I go to for neck pain during pregnancy?First of all, you should see a gynecologist for treatment.He will examine you and send you for consultation with a specialist who will prescribe appropriate treatment.