According to the Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain is the fourth leading cause of lost work life.It is estimated that half of the world's population will experience at least one episode of clinically significant neck pain during their lifetime.So, if you haven't had it, there are only 2 options: either someone else's neck hurts, or you have to wait a bit.
15-50% of people in different countries suffer from neck pain. Moreover, this problem occurs more often in women than in men.And the incidence rate in both sexes peaks in middle age, not old age as expected.
Neck pain triggers conditions that impair quality of life - headaches, back and joint pain, as well as depression.After all, you have to admit that it's hard to enjoy life when your neck hurts all the time.But why does this happen?
Why does my neck hurt?
The cause of pain in the cervical spine may be:
- heredity;
- excess body weight;
- sleep disorders;
- smoking;
- sedentary lifestyle, including office work and poor posture during prolonged sitting.
Research findings often (but not always!) show a positive correlation between neck pain and body mass index.Among the reasons why overweight people are prone to neck pain is systemic inflammation.This is a slow inflammatory process that does not cause clinically significant symptoms in organs and tissues, but "harms" the health of the body.
People who are overweight also sometimes experience a decrease in muscle strength.This leads to low mobility.It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle when one problem aggravates another: weak muscles reduce the intensity and number of movements, which further weakens the muscles.
Some studies confirm that office workers have more neck pain.The main factor leading to this situation is the poor organization of the workplace/space.If necessary, you can tell your boss this.
However, neck pain is not always the result of lifestyle.This condition can be caused by various injuries, household or sports.As a rule, they do not go unnoticed, so we will not dwell on them in detail.
What kind of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of the disturbance, neck pain can be:
- acute - up to 6 weeks;
- subacute - from 6 weeks to 3 months;
- chronic - 3 months or more.
The longer the process lasts, the worse the prognosis for its treatment.
According to the causes of occurrence, neck pain is divided into the following:
- mechanical;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
Mechanical painoccurs in the spine itself or in the ligaments and muscles surrounding it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related and other changes in these tissues.
Neuropathic painappears due to nerve dysfunction.It is usually associated with nerve root irritation.For example, painful symptoms due to herniated discs or narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.
Secondary pain it can be the result of tissue nutrition disorder or vascular pathology with the reflection of pain in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is very important for the doctor, because the treatment tactics directly depend on it.Various questionnaires have been prepared today.However, a competent doctor can determine the source of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a complete examination and information from instrumental studies, including X-ray or CT/MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
We're getting into medical territory a bit here, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical professionals should perform health screenings.
The following information may help you find the problem in your neck.However, we emphasize once again that this text should not be taken as the final truth, as it contains general information that does not reflect your individual characteristics.
The vast majority of people have 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.They are numbered from C1 to C7, taking their name from the Latin Cervix (Neck).There are also 8 pairs of nerve roots located in this part of the spine from C1 to C8.The first pair emerges above the first cervical vertebra, and the eighth pair emerges from below the seventh cervical vertebra.Therefore, there are 7 vertebrae and 8 nerve roots in the neck.
Depending on the location of the pathology in different nerve roots, a person may show certain symptoms:
- The C4 root is affected in less than 10% of cases.Typically, the pain is localized in the upper or middle part of the neck.In this case, as a rule, there is no muscle weakness or body dysfunction.
- Root C5 – problems occur here in about 10% of cases.The pain is localized in the neck, spreads to the shoulder, between the shoulder blades and the front of the arm.Abduction and external rotation of the shoulder, as well as flexion of the elbow joint, may be difficult.
- The C6 root is affected in 20-25% of cases.Most often, it hurts in the neck, shoulder and between the shoulder blades, as well as on the inner side of the forearm.The pain may be referred to the thumb and index finger of the affected hand.Some movements of the elbow, shoulder, and forearm are difficult to bend and extend the wrist.
- The C7 root is most commonly affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized in the lower part of the neck with a transition to the extensor surface of the shoulder, interscapular area and forearm.The middle finger and chest on the affected side may be affected.There are difficulties with elbow and finger extension and forearm pronation (internal rotation).
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inner side of the forearm and the hand ache.There may be difficulty in bending the wrist and some finger movements.
How to treat neck pain?
Neck pain can be treated in a variety of ways, although it's best not to let the condition get to the point where you need therapy.We will not consider the drugs here, because the doctor must prescribe the drug.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence of more "folk" and very popular options for getting rid of neck pain.
Manipulation of the spine
These are manual therapy methods designed to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and eliminate pathological curves of the spine.
Studies have reported that spinal manipulation is superior to no treatment or placebo in the short term.There is weak evidence that they are superior to pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture (acupuncture)
It involves inserting needles into certain points of the body to reduce pain or provide temporary anesthesia.The needles can be used manually or their movement can be completed with electrical stimulation.
There is weak evidence that acupuncture is better than no treatment in the short term.But there is fairly strong evidence that acupuncture is comparable to placebo.
Hand massage
Widespread mechanical manipulation to improve the functions and general relaxation of body tissues.
The superiority of massage over no treatment and placebo has been documented.However, massage is considered no more effective than other therapies in the short and medium term.There is also no evidence of improvement in organ function after mechanical kneading.
Therapeutic exercise
This is a series of special exercises to strengthen the spine.It is believed that they can reduce pain, improve posture and overall body mechanics.
There is strong evidence for the benefits of exercise therapy in relieving neck pain, including the effects of whiplash.However, there is no clear evidence that one exercise therapy technique is preferable to another.Apparently, on average they are equally good.
Yoga
A series of physical and spiritual practices that help harmonize the mind, improve physical fitness and self-actualization.
Yoga can indeed help with neck pain, but it is considered no more effective than physical therapy.
Traction force
Special procedures to relieve pressure on the spine.Traction Traction is generally no more effective than placebo and no better than other methods.
Soft bandage (Shantz collar, etc.)
Orthopedic device to fix the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is almost similar to physiotherapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is quite often associated with incorrect posture - to avoid this, keep your head in line with your spine.Some simple lifestyle changes can also help:
- Take frequent breaks from work.Get up from your desk regularly, move around and stretch/stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust the position of the desk, chair and computer/laptopso that the monitor is at eye level.Your knees should be slightly below your hips.
- If you want to free your hands while talking on the phone, don't hold it with your shoulder.Insteaduse headphones or speakers.
- Quit smoking.Smoking increases the risk of neck pain.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder.
- Sleep well.The head and neck should fit your body.Place a small pillow under your head.Try sleeping on your back with your hips slightly raised on small pillows to relax your spinal muscles.