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 during their lifetime.So if you haven't had one, there are only 2 options: either it hurts someone's neck, or you have to wait a while.
In different countries, 15-50% of people suffer from neck pain. Moreover, this problem appears more often in women than in men.And in both sexes, the incidence rate peaks 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:
- inheritance;
- excess body weight;
- sleep posture disorders;
- smoking;
- a sedentary lifestyle, including office work and poor posture while sitting for a long time.
Research results often (but not always!) show a positive correlation between neck pain and body mass index.Among the reasons why overweight people may be predisposed to neck pain is called systemic - inflammatory inflammation.This is a slow inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause significant clinical symptoms, but "undermines" the health of the body.
People who are overweight also sometimes experience a decrease in muscle strength.This causes low mobility.It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle when one problem exacerbates another: weak muscles decrease 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 leading to this condition is the poor organization of the workplace.If necessary, you can tell your boss about this.
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 lasts, 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 that surround it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related changes and other changes in these tissues.
Neuropathic painappears due to impaired nerve function.It is usually accompanied by irritation of the nerve roots.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 damaged tissue nutrition or a reflection of pain in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is extremely important for the doctor, as treatment tactics directly depend on this.Various questionnaires have been developed today.However, a competent doctor is able to determine the source of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a complete examination and data from instrumental studies, including an X-ray or CT/MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
This is where we get into medical territory a bit, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical specialists should perform health tests.
The following information may help you find the problem in your neck.But we emphasize once again that this text should not be taken as the final truth, as it contains general information that may not reflect your individual characteristics.
The vast majority of people have 7 vertebrae in their cervical spine.They are numbered from C1 to C7, taking their name from the Latin Cervix (Neck).In this part of the spine there are also 8 pairs of nerve roots, which are designated from C1 to C8.The first pair emerges above the first cervical vertebra, and the eighth pair emerges below the seventh cervical vertebra.Therefore, there are 7 vertebrae in the neck 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 body dysfunction.
- C5 root - problems occur here in approximately 10% of cases.The pain is localized in the neck, radiating to the shoulder, between the shoulder blades and in 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 refer to the thumb and index finger on the affected side.It is difficult to bend the elbow, some movement of the shoulder and forearm, and to extend the wrist.
- The C7 root is affected more often, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized in the lower part of the neck with the transition to the shoulder, the interscapular area and the extensor surface of the forearm.The middle finger on the affected side and the chest may be affected.There is difficulty with elbow and finger extension, as well as pronation (inward rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.Lower neck, inner forearm and hand ache.There may be difficulty 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 medication here, as a doctor must prescribe medication.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence of the most "popular" and very popular options to get rid of neck pain.
Manipulation of the spine
These are manual therapy techniques designed to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility and eliminate pathological curves of the spine.
Studies have reported superiority of spinal manipulation over no treatment or placebo in the short term.There is weak evidence for their superiority over pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture (acupuncture)
It 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 recognized mechanical manipulation of body tissues to improve their function and general relaxation.
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 improved organ function after mechanical kneading.
Therapeutic exercises
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 technique of exercise therapy is preferable to another.Apparently, on average they are just as 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.
Attractive attraction
Special procedure to relieve pressure on the spine.Appetitive withdrawal is generally no more effective than placebo and no better than other methods.
Soft bandage (Shantz collar, etc.)
An orthopedic device for fixing the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is roughly similar to physiotherapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is often associated with bad posture - to prevent it, keep your head in 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 desk, 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 a headset or speaker.
- Quit 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 spine muscles.