There are many reasons why the neck hurts, because this component of the human body, in turn, consists of many tissues and organs that organize not only the musculoskeletal system, but also other systems: breathing, metabolism, sensory systems and others. Neck pain can be caused by even a mild manifestation of inflammation, such as an unexplained lymph node reaction.
The modern rhythm of life all the more contributes to the emergence of this unpleasant symptom. Low mobility, the ecological situation in the region, malnutrition, hidden systemic diseases - all of these can provoke neck pain. Whether it's worth enduring it or urgently starting treatment depends on what it signals.
How does the throat hurt?
The neck is a link, it is quite mobile and for the same reason prone to various types of injuries. When pain occurs in the neck, it can be an accident caused by a sharp and clumsy movement, or it can be such a strong pattern that a person is already used to that part of the spine hurting. Much depends on the type of neck pain itself, because they can be so varied that it is difficult to list their characteristics:
- sharp unexpected pain (indicates cervicago - cervical lumbago when the receptors of the sinuvertebral nerve are compressed; in addition, this can be an indicator of muscle spasms or neuralgia);
- aching pain in the neck (occur with muscle numbness, overwork, problems with the cervical spine, for example, with ligaments);
- periodically the neck hurts for inexplicable reasons;
- constant pain in this area;
- referred pain: in head, arm, sternum, collar, shoulders;
- Neck pain that occurs only with head movements or persists even when the neck and all its muscles are in a disengaged, still position;
- pain accompanied by numbness (may be caused by pinched nerve, herniated disc, herniated disc);
- The neck sometimes hurts on the right or left, or closer to the shoulder region, or closer to the head.
Reasons why the neck hurts
Neck pain can be caused by many factors of mechanical and non-mechanical origin. There are cases in which they cannot be explained at all and this accordingly means that treatment cannot actually be prescribed. Nevertheless, the world practice of specialists in various fields of medicine has presented a list of the most common reasons why the neck hurts, and not some other part of the spine.
Formation of large salt deposits in the neck
Detection of diseases such as osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis. These diseases cause not only pain, but also a crunch that clicks when you turn your head and cannot be confused with anything. If treatment is not started on time, then the fourth stage of the disease begins, which is fraught with the formation of bone outgrowths, as a result of which the neck loses mobility.
Muscle cramp
For muscle spasms caused by clumsy or excessively sharp turning of the head to the right or left. This often occurs in injuries sustained in automobile accidents and the like. Neck pain will go away if this spasm is eliminated by various manipulations performed by a massage therapist, osteopath and manual therapy specialist. But, in principle, if the spasm was not strong, then the symptom can pass on its own without consequences.
intervertebral hernia
They do not arise in the neck, but in the shoulder area, but extend to the upper area. Due to its appearance, the functional abilities of the nerve can be impaired, so patients often complain of numbness of the damaged area and adjacent departments.
work
The occurrence of neck pain due to the monotonous work that a person has to do in one position, e. g. B. Sewing or sitting at the computer. Often in such cases, the neck begins to numb and at the same time it hurts with a dull ache.
tumors
Tumors localized both in the neck and in other organs, tissues, departments. For example, lung, breast, prostate, kidney, thyroid, and other cancers can cause this symptom, not to mention tumors that appear in the neck itself. It can come and go, which should encourage a person to do a full investigation.
Cervical myelopathy
It provokes stenosis of the spinal canal in the neck, which is why it hurts. But pain can not only spread in this area. Symptoms have a wide range of manifestations, and the treatment of such a disease is quite complex and has consequences.
Polymyalgia rheumatica or fibromyalgia
Pain in the neck in this case can be a secondary symptom, but still quite noticeable and bothersome.
Systemic diseases of the body
One symptom is pain in various parts of the musculoskeletal system, among which the neck especially stands out. These are rheumatoid arthritis, infections, ankylosing spondylitis and others.
muscle hypothermia
Hypothermia of the muscles that move the head. If a pull went through the throat, then it hurts so much that it becomes very difficult to make movements with it, in other cases it is almost unbearable.
What to do if the neck hurts badly?
The neck performs important functions for the body, damaging it can lead to instant death. So when it hurts, the worst option is to do nothing and wait for the pain to go away on its own. Be sure to get advice from one of the specialists: rheumatologist, osteopath, oncologist, therapist, surgeon, traumatologist, orthopedist, neurologist.
If it is currently not possible to see a doctor, call a masseur to at least hear his opinion on the matter. However, this does not mean that massage is mandatory, and if it is performed, neck pain will be eliminated. It is also possible that a specialist cannot prescribe treatment because the problem is not in their profile. It is necessary to seek the opinions of at least three doctors.
In each case, the treatment will be different. Sometimes it is enough to do everyday exercises - and the symptom localized in the neck disappears on its own. In the case of complex diagnoses such as a tumor or stenosis or a herniated disc, the pain only disappears with surgical treatment. In this case, the question of whether to perform the operation is not even worth it: the person has practically no choice.
For various types of injuries, treatment can be reduced to wearing orthopedic products such as a neck brace for some time. In order for a person to feel more comfortable, it is often prescribed to sleep in a certain body position and to use a special pillow on which the neck takes a correct position in relation to the body when lying down.
In order to dissolve salt deposits in the neck area, treatment with physical procedures, such as shock wave therapy or intensive massage of this zone, can be prescribed.
In the case of systemic or infectious diseases that cause pain in the neck area, the use of drug therapy makes sense. Drugs help to cure or slow down the disease, support the body's regenerative powers aimed at combating and diagnosing.
A massage therapist, a chiropractor, an osteopath are specialists who can help manage the above symptom if they are professionals in their field. Therefore, when pain occurs in the neck, patients most often turn to her. Sometimes a seemingly simple massage can increase blood flow in the neck region so well that not only this symptom but also headaches disappear.
In any case, with neck pain, so that it does not return, you need to start treatment and take care of your health.