Pain in the neck - the said posture, the "sofa" lifestyle, excessive physical activity lead to this. There are many factors that do not optimally influence the cervical spine. Let's find out why the neck hurts and what to do to relieve discomfort.
Cervicalgia and Cervicalgo
Pain in the neck is divided into two types:
- Circumkalgia is a continuous spasm in one spot. Appears gradually, its intensity varies. The throat hurts constantly, and in the same place - you have to go to the hospital, a serious illness can develop.
- Cervicago is an unexpected pain that starts and stops quickly. The reason may be too sudden movements of the head or staying in the same position for a long time.
During the attack, coordination is disrupted and painful urges react in other parts of the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is an injury to the joints. The disease occurs mainly in people who lead a sedentary life and are malnourished. Hereditary predisposition does not play the last role. People suffering from osteochondrosis experience dizziness, rumbling of the eardrums and stiffness in the limbs. The back of the head hurts, there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades. Often complain that the spine hurts in the neck. It becomes difficult to turn the neck, movements are accompanied by a crunching sound. Possible deafness.
Sore neck pain indicates the development of this disease. The neck hurts on the left or right side - most likely osteochondrosis.
Pain in the cervical spine is accompanied by this disease. If you turn to a specialist in time, it can be easily cured.
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
The disease also occurs in young people. The left side of the neck, shoulder, arm, chest hurts, impaired vision and hearing, impaired concentration are possible. For people with this disease, doctors recommend rest and rest, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.
disc prolapse
Not only a full-fledged hernia, but also a minimal bulging of the intervertebral disc is strongly felt: the canal in the neck area is narrow, the nerve endings are in the immediate vicinity. Pain on the left side of the neck, lower back, lower back. The disease arises as a result of unhealthy nutrition, inactivity, lack of physical development. The technique of acupressure and vacuum therapy is used for treatment.
contort
The neck can hurt from excessive physical exertion: for example, after exercise. The main symptom of a sprain is severe neck pain. The damaged area swells, the head can no longer be turned, it can adopt an unnatural posture, and the patient runs the risk of fainting. To make it easier, you can take an anesthetic, apply a cold or hot compress, and massage the sprained area. It is not recommended to lie on your stomach - in this case, the head will turn to the right or left, and strained ligaments may not withstand. For a couple of weeks it is better to refrain from physical activity. When the pain subsides, you can start kneading your neck, tilting it to the side.
spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a serious condition that can be disabling and requires immediate consultation with your doctor. Spondylosis can be a neglected form of osteochondrosis. The disease occurs mainly in the elderly, as well as in athletes as a result of injuries. Unpleasant sensations in the back of the head and in the collar area become permanent.
Another signal is a throbbing pain in the neck on the left. There is a feeling of stiffness, discomfort when turning the head.
There are many opinions on how to treat cervical spondylosis. The main thing is to eliminate inflammation and pain. Drug therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures in combination with therapeutic exercises will help restore working capacity and improve the general condition of the body.
cervical myelopathy
Myelopathy occurs after narrowing of the spinal canal. Pain in the cervical spine signals the development of myelopathy. Myelopathy sufferers feel uncomfortable and weak, they often feel that the limbs are shaking, speech is slowed, steps become difficult, coordination is disturbed. The disease occurs after falls from heights and accidents. The patient wears a soft neck collar, undergoes physical therapy and strengthening exercises.
whiplash
The term whiplash is used to describe pain resulting from a soft tissue injury. Damage is caused by sharp extension with further flexion and vice versa. Sharp pain in the neck (any area) after a fall, fight, or accident may indicate whiplash.
The ligaments are damaged - the head takes a protruding position, the cervical lordosis is lost. After an injury, an X-ray examination is mandatory. A weakening of the disease occurs after 1-6 months.
Cervical Injury
Pain in the cervical spine occurs after injuries, unsuccessful jumps into the water, accidents. An unnatural bend, aching pain in the back of the head indicate an injury to the cervical spine. Edema and hematoma appear, the motor functions of the body are disturbed. With pain in the cervical spine, doctors first prescribe wearing a special collar for several months.
infections
Infectious skin diseases lead to inflammation that can be accompanied by acute pain. In infections such as tonsillitis or rubella, the lymph nodes expand and cause uncomfortable pain in the neck muscles.
Pathology of the internal organs
Severe neck pain often indicates a pathology. With pain in the right hypochondrium, extending to the neck on the right side, the development of cholecystitis is suspected. If the cervical temples hurt in the morning, it looks like high blood pressure. Pain in such cases is reflected and comes from the head, heart and esophagus. Myocardial infarction and angina are often accompanied by pain in the chest, shoulders and arms.
Patients who have survived similar illnesses complained of neck pain on the left. Pain in the neck on the right, cramps in the thigh on the same side indicate the development of cholecystitis. Pain in the front neck area justifies the suspicion of a disease of the thyroid gland, the esophagus, the larynx or the pharynx. Perhaps local neuritis develops - nerve damage. This usually occurs after poisoning with chemicals like alcohol.
Restless pain in the cervical spine is a harbinger of a developing pathology. In this case, the pressure jumps sharply. Pain in the neck on the right, with limited ability to move the head, torments with meningitis.
Painful sensations on the side are the result of the expansion of the tumor in the brain. Help should be sought immediately. Pain in the neck in front on the right or left may indicate the presence of pharyngitis, laryngitis, lymphangitis or any other disease associated with inflammation of the intestines.
It hurts in the cervical spine - perhaps there is a process of development of meningitis, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis. A harmless disease that is easily treated - even vegetative-vascular dystonia can be accompanied by discomfort. Pain in the cervical spine is given to the limbs, back, there are pressure surges, shortness of breath, lethargy.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by stabbing pains in the neck. At night it intensifies.
Different reasons
Pain in the neck on the right is often the result of a banal lumbago. Lumbago or lumbago - contraction of the neck muscles. It is harmless and goes away on its own after a couple of weeks. Most often, the pain manifests itself due to a draft, spreading to the head and chest. The neck hurts badly on the left or right side – maybe the person just "lies" on that side. Physical passivity harms the physical condition and impairs the functioning of the vessels of the cervical spine. With this type of disease, it is enough to change the position of the bodyto change.
Many overweight people often have neck pain. The spine and cervical vertebrae cannot cope with excess weight, they have a huge load and begin to actively resist.
Stress and mental tension become the cause of painful sensations. Emotional outbursts and tension often cause neck pain. It, like any other part of the body, has many nerve endings. If the shoulders also hurt and you feel tingling and numbness, the nerve is pinched. The pain subsides after an injection or taking an anesthetic.
Pulls on the muscles - maybe you should diversify your day with walks in the fresh air. Pain on the right side in a healthy neck - the person was simply hypothermic.
treatment
Anyone who is constantly worried about the neck region should see a specialist. This is very important, especially if the temperature rises with severe pain. If the neck hurts for three days, you need to sound the alarm. Treatment of a sore neck can only be prescribed by a specialist.
Doctors usually prescribe medication. It is recommended to lubricate the offending parts of the neck with preparations that have a warming effect. Constant pain can make you irritable: the doctor prescribes sedatives, antidepressants. Right, left, front, side, and back neck pain can be relieved by placing a heating pad on the affected area or by wrapping it in a warm scarf.
Massage is a mandatory wellness procedure. you can do it yourselfFor example, the throat hurts in front - gently stroke and rub its surface, trying not to touch the Adam's apple. The blood circulation is improved and the pain in the neck area will no longer bother you.
It is recommended to treat severe neck pain with warm compresses. In such cases, a person needs complete rest, and the pain in the right or left neck subsides within a few minutes. If the situation is serious, a professional who knows how to treat neck pain, such as a registered physical therapist, should take over.
Cold compresses relieve bruises and sprains. In medical practice, acupuncture and health-promoting physical education are widely used, especially for persistent neck pain.
In particularly severe cases, patients undergo surgery, but this is the exception rather than the rule. If the treatment of the neck region is successful, you can get rid of the discomfort in a few months.
How to treat neck pain yourself
What sick people didn't think up! For sprains or minor injuries, you can resort to informal methods of pain management. There is a proven way to get rid of neck pain in an hour.
Fold the gauze in three layers. Boil the potatoes in their uniforms, then squeeze them through a cloth and fasten them around the neck, then warm them with a scarf or towel. When the potatoes cool, remove the layers of cheesecloth. After the procedure is complete, rub your throat with alcohol.
In order for the pain in the throat to stop, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Pay attention to the correct posture. A hunched back contributes to muscle deformity. Shoulders should be lowered, chin should be in a raised position. If you sit with a curved back, you risk becoming seriously ill.
- Better a backpack than a bag. The load is evenly distributed on the left and right side of the body and the pain in the cervical spine decreases.
- Keep your head up when you read, don't lower it. You can fix it with a roller or a pillow (not soft) and change the position.
- Make time for physical activity. Yoga, swimming, fitness strengthen the neck muscles. If it is not possible to exercise, take breaks from work, stretch and relax all muscles.
- Take a contrast shower. When alternating between cold and hot water, the body experiences stress: blood circulation accelerates, muscles, including the neck, involuntarily strengthen.
- Don't overexert yourself. If the neck hurts a lot, it is better to leave it alone and in no case continue to work or exercise. Pain in the cervical spine can go away on its own.
- No panic. Stress affects not only mental but also physical health of a person. Instead of yelling "what to do if the left neck hurts badly, " it's better to calm down and assess the situation rationally.