According to the Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain is the fourth leading cause of lost years of working life.It is estimated that half of the world's population will experience at least one clinically significant episode of neck pain in their lifetime.So if you haven't, there are only 2 options: either someone else has a sore neck, or you have to wait a bit.
In different countries, 15-50% of people suffer from neck pain. In addition, this problem occurs more often in women than in men.In both sexes, incidence rates peak in middle age, not in old age as might be expected.
Neck pain provokes conditions that worsen the 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 can be:
- heredity;
- overweight;
- sleep posture disorders;
- smoking;
- a sedentary lifestyle, including office work and poor posture when sitting for long periods of time.
Research results often (but not always!) show a positive relationship between neck pain and body mass index.Among the reasons why overweight people may be prone to neck pain is called systemic inflammation - inflammatory.It is a slow inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause clinically significant symptoms, but "undermines" the health of the body.
Overweight people also sometimes experience a decrease in muscle strength.This leads to low mobility.A kind of vicious circle results 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 are more likely to experience neck pain.The main factor that leads to this condition is poor workplace/space organization.If necessary, you can tell this to your boss.
However, neck pain is not always a consequence of lifestyle.This condition can also be caused by various injuries, domestic 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 discomfort, neck pain can be:
- acute - up to 6 weeks;
- subacute - from 6 weeks to 3 months;
- chronic - from 3 months or more.
The longer the process takes, the worse the prognosis for its treatment.
Based on the causes of occurrence, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanical;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
Mechanical painit occurs in the spine itself or the ligaments and muscles around it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related and other changes in these tissues.
Neuropathic painoccurs due to impaired nerve function.It is usually associated with nerve root irritation.For example, painful symptoms due to a herniated disc or narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.
Secondary pain it can be a consequence of vascular pathology with impaired tissue nutrition or a reflection of pain in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is critically important for the doctor, as treatment tactics directly depend on this.Various questionnaires have been developed today.However, a competent doctor can determine the source of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a complete examination and data from instrumental studies, including X-ray or CT / MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
We are entering slightly into medical territory here, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical professionals should perform health analysis.
The information below may help you locate the problem in your neck.But once again we emphasize that this text should not be taken as the ultimate truth, as it contains general information that may not reflect your individual characteristics.
The 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 in this part of the spine, which are labeled C1 through C8.The first pair emerges above the first cervical vertebra and the eighth pair emerges below the seventh cervical vertebra.Therefore, there are 7 neck vertebrae and 8 nerve roots.
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.The pain is usually located in the upper or middle part of the neck.In this case, as a rule, there is no muscle weakness or dysfunction of the body.
- C5 root - problems occur here in approximately 10% of cases.The pain is localized in the neck, radiates to the shoulder, between the shoulder blades and to 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.It most often hurts the neck, shoulder and between the shoulder blades, as well as the inner side of the forearm.The pain may refer to the thumb and index finger on the affected side.It is difficult to bend the elbow, some movements of the shoulder and forearm, and to extend the wrist.
- The C7 root is most often affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized in the lower part of the neck with a transition to the shoulder, the interscapular region and the extensor surface of the forearm.The middle finger on the affected side and the chest may be affected.There is difficulty with extension of the elbow and fingers and pronation (inward rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inside of the forearm and the hand hurt.There may be difficulty bending the wrist and some finger movements.
How to treat neck pain?
Neck pain can be treated in a number of ways, although it's best not to let the condition get to the point where you need therapy.We will not be looking at drugs here, as a doctor must prescribe drugs.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence for more "folk" and very popular options for eliminating neck pain.
Manipulation of the spine
These are manual therapy techniques designed to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility and eliminate pathological curvatures of the spine.
Studies have reported superiority of spinal manipulation over no treatment or placebo in the short term.There is weak evidence of their superiority over pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture (acupuncture)
This involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to reduce pain or provide temporary anesthesia.The needles can be used manually or their action can be supplemented with electrical stimulation.
There is weak evidence that acupuncture is better than no treatment in the short term.But there is pretty strong evidence that acupuncture is comparable to placebo.
Manual massage
Widely known mechanical manipulation of body tissues to improve their function and overall relaxation.
The superiority of massage over no treatment and placebo has been documented.However, massage is not considered more effective than other therapies in the short to medium term.There is also no evidence of improvement in organ function after mechanical kneading.
Physical therapy
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 for neck pain relief, including the effects of whiplash.However, there is no clear evidence that one technique of exercise therapy is preferable to another.Apparently they are equally good on average.
Yoga
A series of physical and spiritual practices that help harmonize the mind, improve physical fitness and self-actualization.
Yoga can really help with neck pain, but it is not considered more effective than physical therapy.
Traction traction
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 (Schantz collar, etc.)
Orthopedic device for fixing the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is roughly similar to physical therapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is quite often associated with incorrect posture - to prevent it, keep your head on the same axis as 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 table, chair and computer/laptopso that the monitor is at eye level.The knees should be slightly below the hips.
- If you want to free your hands while talking on the phone, don't hold it with your shoulder.Insteaduse headphones or speakerphone.
- Give up smoking.Smoking increases the risk of neck pain.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder.
- Sleep in a good position.Your head and neck should be in line with your body.Place a small pillow under your head.Try sleeping on your back with your hips slightly elevated on small pillows to relax your back muscles.