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 don't have one 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 in both sexes, incidence rates peak in middle age, not in old age, as expected.
Neck pain causes conditions that worsen the quality of life - headaches, back and joint pain, as well as depression.After all, you must admit that it is difficult to enjoy life when your neck is always in pain.But why does this happen?
Why does my neck hurt?
The causes of pain in the cervical spine may be:
- descent;
- overweight;
- sleep posture disorder;
- 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.Among the reasons why overweight people may be prone to neck pain is called systemic inflammation - inflammation.This is a sluggish inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause significant clinical symptoms, but "weakens" the health of the body.
Overweight people also sometimes experience decreased muscle strength.This causes low mobility.It turns out to be a kind of vicious circle when one problem worsens: weak muscles reduce the intensity and number of movements, which further weakens the muscles.
Several studies confirm that office workers are more likely to suffer from neck pain.The main factor leading to this situation is poor organization of the workplace/workspace.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, domestic or sports.As a rule, they are not noticed, so we will not think about them in detail.
What type of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of the discomfort, neck pain can:
- acute - up to 6 weeks;
- subacute - from 6 weeks to 3 months;
- chronic - from 3 months or more.
The longer the process takes, the worse the prognosis for the treatment.
Based on the cause of the incident, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanical;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
Mechanical painoccurs in the spine itself or the ligaments and muscles that surround it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related and other changes in these tissues.
Neuropathic painappears due to impaired nerve function.It is usually associated with nerve root irritation.For example, painful symptoms due to a herniated disc or narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.
Secondary pain may be the result of vascular pathology with impaired tissue nutrition or the appearance of pain in the liver, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is very important for doctors, because treatment tactics directly depend on this.Today, various questionnaires have been developed.However, a competent doctor can determine the cause of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a full examination and data from instrumental studies, including x-rays or CT/MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
Here we step a little into medical territory, because this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical experts should perform health analysis.
The information below can help you find the problem in your neck.But we emphasize once again that this text should not be considered as the final truth, as it contains general information that may not reflect your individual characteristics.
Most people have 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.They are numbered 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, designated from C1 to C8.The first pair appears above the first cervical vertebra, and the eighth pair appears 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 show certain symptoms:
- C4 roots are affected in less than 10% of cases.Usually, the pain is localized in the upper or middle part of the neck.In this case, as a rule, there is no muscle weakness or body dysfunction.
- Root C5 – problems occur here in about 10% of cases.The pain is localized in the neck, radiating 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, may be difficult.
- C6 roots are affected in 20-25% of cases.Often it hurts in the neck, shoulders and between the shoulder blades, as well as the inside of the forearm.Pain can be referred 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 extend the wrist.
- 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, 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 pronation (inward rotation) of the forearm.
- C8 roots are affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inside of the forearm and the hand hurts.There may be difficulty bending the wrist and some finger movements.
How to treat neck pain?
Neck pain can be treated in a number of ways, although it's best not to let it get to the point where you need therapy.Here we will not consider drugs, because doctors should prescribe drugs.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence of more "folk" and very popular options for getting rid of neck pain.
Spinal manipulation
This is a manual therapy technique designed to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility and eliminate pathological curves of the spine.
Studies have reported advantages 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 a needle into a specific part of the body to reduce pain or provide temporary anesthesia.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 fairly strong evidence that acupuncture is comparable to placebo.
Manual order
The mechanical manipulation of body tissue is widely known to improve overall function and flexibility.
Advantages of massage over no treatment and placebo have been documented.However, massage is considered no more effective than other therapies in the short and medium term.There was also no evidence of improvement in organ function after mechanical kneading.
Therapeutic exercise
This is a special series of 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 exercise therapy technique is better than another.Apparently, on average they are equally good.
Yoga
A series of physical and spiritual practices that help harmonize the mind, improve physical fitness and self-actualization.
Yoga can certainly help with neck pain, but it is considered no more effective than physical therapy.
Attraction attraction
A special procedure to relieve pressure on the spine.Attraction is generally no more effective than placebo and no better than other methods.
Soft bandages (Shantz collar, etc.)
Orthopedic device to fix the neck in a certain position.Effectiveness is about the same as physiotherapy.
How to avoid neck pain?
Neck pain is often associated with incorrect posture - to avoid this, make sure your head is on the same axis as your spine.Some simple lifestyle changes can also help:
- Take breaks from work often.Get up from your desk regularly, move around and stretch/stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust the position of desks, chairs and computers/laptopsso that the monitor is at eye level.Your knees should be slightly below your hips.
- If you want to free your hands while talking on the phone, don't hold it with your shoulder.On the contraryuse a headset or speakerphone.
- Quit smoking.Smoking increases the risk of neck pain.
- Avoid carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder.
- Sleep well.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 a small pillow to relax your spine muscles.