According to the Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain is the fourth leading cause of lost working years.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 yet, there are only 2 options: either someone else's neck hurts, or you have to wait a bit.
In different countries, 15-50% of people suffer from neck pain. Moreover, this problem occurs more often in women than in men.And for both sexes, incidence rates peak in middle age, not in old age as we might expect.
Neck pain triggers conditions that impair quality of life - headaches, back and joint pain, and 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?
Causes of cervical spine pain can be:
- heredity;
- excessive body weight;
- sleep posture disorders;
- smoking;
- a sedentary lifestyle, including office work and poor posture during prolonged sitting.
Research results often (but not always!) show a positive relationship between neck pain and body mass index.One reason why overweight people may be prone to neck pain is something called systemic inflammation - inflammation.This is a sluggish inflammatory process of organs and tissues, which does not cause clinically significant symptoms, but "undermines" the health of the body.
Overweight people also sometimes lose muscle strength.This causes low mobility.It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle where 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 organization of the workplace/space.If necessary, you can tell your boss about this.
However, neck pain is not always the result of lifestyle.This condition can also be caused by various injuries at home or sports.They usually do not go unnoticed, so we will not deal with 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 the age of 3 months or more.
The longer the process lasts, the worse the treatment prognosis.
Based on the causes of occurrence, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanical;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
Mechanical painit occurs 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 damage to nerve function.It is usually associated with nerve root irritation.For example, painful symptoms due to a herniated disc or a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.
Secondary pain it can be a consequence of vascular pathology, with impaired tissue nutrition or a reflection of heart pain, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is of critical importance for the doctor, as treatment tactics directly depend on it.Today, various questionnaires have been developed.However, a competent doctor can determine the source of the problem based on a quality medical history, a comprehensive examination and instrumental tests, including X-ray or CT/MRI data.
Where does your neck hurt?
We're getting a bit into the medical field here, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified doctors can perform health analysis.
The following information may help you find the problem in your neck.But once again, we emphasize that this text should not be considered the final truth, as it contains general information that may not necessarily reflect your individual characteristics.
The vast majority of people have 7 vertebrae in their cervical spine.They are numbered from C1 to C7, and their name comes from the Latin word Cervix (Neck).There are also 8 pairs of nerve roots in this part of the spine, labeled C1 to C8.The first pair rises above the first cervical vertebra, the eighth pair rises below the seventh cervical vertebra.Therefore, there are 7 vertebrae and 8 nerve roots in the neck.
Depending on where the pathology is located in the various nerve roots, a person may show certain symptoms:
- The C4 root is involved in less than 10% of cases.The pain is typically located in the upper or middle part of the neck.In this case, there is usually no muscle weakness or body dysfunction.
- Root C5 - problems occur here about 10% of the time.The pain is localized in the neck, radiating to the shoulder, between the shoulder blades and the front part of the arm.Abduction and external rotation of the shoulder and flexion of the elbow joint can be difficult.
- The C6 root is affected in 20-25% of cases.It most often hurts in the neck, shoulder and between the shoulder blades, as well as on the inside of the forearm.The pain may refer to the thumb and index finger of the hand on the affected side.Bending the elbow, certain movements of the shoulder and forearm, and extending the wrist are difficult.
- 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 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 and forearm pronation (turning inwards).
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.Pain in the lower part of the neck, the inner side of the forearm and the hand.Bending the wrist and some finger movements may be difficult.
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.Medicines are not taken into account here, as a doctor must prescribe medicines.But we will appreciate the scientific evidence of the "folk" and very popular options for getting rid of neck pain.
Spinal manipulation
These are manual therapy techniques aimed at relieving muscle tension, improving joint mobility and eliminating abnormal curvatures of the spine.
Studies have reported that spinal manipulation is superior to no treatment or placebo in the short term.There is weak evidence of 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 effect 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
The 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 and medium term.There is also no evidence of improved organ function after mechanical kneading.
Therapeutic practice
This is a special series of exercises to strengthen the spine.They are believed to reduce pain, improve posture and overall body mechanics.
There is strong evidence for the benefits of exercise therapy in reducing neck pain, including the effects of whiplash.However, there is no clear evidence that one exercise therapy technique is more beneficial than another.They seem to be equally good on average.
Yoga
A series of physical and spiritual exercises that help harmonize the mind, improve physical fitness and self-realization.
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 binding (Shantz collar, etc.)
Orthopedic device for fixing the neck in a certain position.Its effectiveness is approximately similar to physiotherapy.
How can neck pain be prevented?
Neck pain is often associated with poor posture - to prevent this, keep your head aligned with your spine.A few 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.Your knees should be slightly below your hips.
- If you want to free your hand while on the phone, don't hold it with your shoulder.Insteaduse headphones or a speakerphone.
- Stop 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.