According to the Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain is the fourth cause of years of working life lost.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 had it, there are only 2 options: either someone else's neck hurts or you have to wait a bit.
In different countries, 15 to 50% of people suffer from neck pain. Additionally, this problem occurs more frequently in women than in men.And in both sexes, the incidence rate peaks in middle age, not old age, as one might expect.
Neck pain causes conditions that worsen 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 constantly.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 from prolonged sitting.
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 predisposed to suffering from neck pain is the so-called systemic inflammation – inflammatory.This 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 sometimes also experience decreased muscle strength.This causes low mobility.It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle when one problem aggravates another: weak muscles reduce the intensity and number of movements, which weakens them even more.
Some studies confirm that office workers are more likely to suffer from neck pain.The main factor leading to this condition is poor organization of the workplace/space.If necessary, you can tell 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 type of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of the discomfort, neck pain can be:
- acute - up to 6 weeks;
- subacute: 6 weeks to 3 months;
- chronic: from 3 months or more.
The longer the process lasts, the worse the prognosis will be for your treatment.
According to the causes of appearance, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanic;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
mechanical painIt occurs in the spine itself or in the ligaments and muscles that surround it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related and other changes in these tissues.
neuropathic painIt appears due to altered nerve function.It is usually associated with irritation of the nerve roots.For example, painful symptoms due to herniated discs or narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.
secondary pain It may be a consequence of a vascular pathology with altered tissue nutrition or a reflection of pain in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is of vital importance for the doctor, since treatment tactics directly depend on it.Nowadays several questionnaires have been developed.However, a competent doctor can determine the origin of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a comprehensive examination and data from instrumental studies, including an X-ray or CT scan or MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
Here we delve slightly into medical territory, as this information relates directly to the medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical specialists should perform health tests.
The following information can help you locate the problem in your neck.But once again we emphasize that this text should not be taken as the ultimate truth, since 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 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 various nerve roots, a person may have certain symptoms:
- The C4 root is affected in less than 10% of cases.Normally the pain is 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.
- Root C5 - problems occur here in about 10% of cases.The pain is located in the neck and 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, can 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 inside of the forearm.The pain may refer to the thumb and index finger of the hand on the affected side.It is difficult to bend the elbow, some movements of the shoulder and forearm, and extend the wrist.
- The C7 root is the most affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is located in the lower part of the neck with transition to the shoulder, interscapular area and extensor surface of the forearm.The middle finger on the affected side and the chest may be affected.There are difficulties with extension of the elbow and fingers, and with pronation (inward rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.My lower neck, inner forearm and 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 variety of ways, although it is best not to let the condition get to the point where you need therapy.Here we will not consider medications, since a doctor must prescribe them.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence for more "popular" and very popular options for getting rid of neck pain.
spinal manipulation
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 its 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 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
Mechanical manipulation of body tissues to improve their function and general relaxation is widely known.
The superiority of massage over no treatment and over 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 improvement in organ function after mechanical kneading.
therapeutic exercise
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 relieving neck pain, including the effects of whiplash.However, there is no clear evidence that one exercise therapy technique is preferable to another.Apparently, on average they are equally good.
yoga
A series of physical and spiritual practices that help harmonize the mind, improve physical condition and self-realization.
In fact, yoga can 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 or better than other methods.
Soft bandage (shantz neck, etc.)
An orthopedic device to fix the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is approximately similar to physical therapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is usually associated with incorrect posture;To prevent this, 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/laptop.so that the monitor is at eye level.Your knees should be slightly below your hips.
- If you want to have your hands free while talking on the phone, do not hold it with your shoulder.insteaduse headphones 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 aligned 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 spinal muscles.