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 yet, there are only two options: either someone else's neck hurts, or you have to wait a little.
In different countries, 15-50% of people suffer from neck pain. In addition, this problem occurs more often in women than in men.And for both sexes, the incidence rate peaks in middle age, rather than old age as one might expect.
Neck pain leads to illnesses that worsen the quality of life - headaches, back and joint pain, and depression.After all, you have to admit that it is difficult to enjoy life when your neck hurts constantly.But why is this happening?
Why does my neck hurt?
The cause of pain in the cervical spine can be:
- heredity;
- obesity;
- sleep posture disorders;
- Smoke;
- a sedentary lifestyle, including office work and poor posture when sitting for long periods of time.
Research often (but not always!) shows a positive connection between neck pain and body mass index.One of the reasons why obese people may be predisposed to neck pain is the so-called systemic inflammation - inflammation.This is an indolent inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause clinically significant symptoms, but “undermines” the health of the body.
People who are overweight sometimes experience a decline in muscle strength.This leads to low mobility.A kind of vicious circle arises when one problem worsens 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 suffer from neck pain.The main factor that leads to this condition is poor organization of the workplace/space.If necessary, you can communicate this to your boss.
However, neck pain is not always a result of lifestyle.This condition can also be caused by various injuries at home or during sports.As a rule, they do not go unnoticed, so we will not go into detail about them.
What type of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of the symptoms, neck pain can include:
- acute - up to 6 weeks;
- subacute - from 6 weeks to 3 months;
- chronic - from 3 months or longer.
The longer the process takes, the worse the prognosis for treatment.
Based on the causes of occurrence, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanically;
- neuropathic;
- secondary.
Mechanical painoccurs in the spine itself or the ligaments and muscles surrounding it.It can occur with degenerative, age-related 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 may be a consequence of vascular pathology with impaired tissue nutrition or a reflection of pain in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is crucial for the doctor, since treatment tactics directly depend on it.Today, various questionnaires have been developed.However, a competent doctor is able to determine the cause of the problem based on a high-quality anamnesis, a complete examination and data from instrumental examinations, including X-ray or CT/MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
Here we enter a little medical territory, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical professionals should perform health assessments.
The following information may help you locate the problem in your neck.However, we emphasize once again that this text should not be viewed as the ultimate truth, as it contains general information that may not reflect your individual characteristics.
The vast majority of people have 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.They are numbered C1 to C7 and take their name 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 arises above the first cervical vertebra and the eighth pair arises below the seventh cervical vertebra.Therefore, there are 7 vertebrae and 8 nerve roots in the neck.
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.Typically the pain is localized in the upper or middle part of the neck.In this case, there is usually no muscle weakness or dysfunction of the body.
- Root C5 – problems occur here in around 10% of cases.The pain is localized 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.The most common pain is in the neck, shoulder and between the shoulder blades and on the inside of the forearm.The pain may be referred to the thumb and index finger of the hand on the affected side.It is difficult to bend the elbow, perform some movements of the shoulder and forearm, and straighten the wrist.
- The C7 root is most commonly affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized in the lower part of the neck and passes into 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 in extending the elbow and fingers and in pronation (internal rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inside of the forearm and the hand hurt.There may be difficulty flexing the wrist and some finger movements.
How do you treat neck pain?
Neck pain can be treated in various ways.However, it is best not to develop the symptoms to the point where therapy is required.We will not discuss medications here as a doctor should prescribe medication.But we will evaluate the scientific evidence for more “popular” and very popular options for eliminating neck pain.
Spinal manipulation
These are manual therapy techniques aimed at relieving muscle tension, improving joint mobility and eliminating pathological curvature of the spine.
Studies have shown short-term superiority of spinal manipulation over no treatment or a placebo.There is weak evidence of their superiority over pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture (acupuncture)
It involves inserting needles into specific parts of the body to relieve pain or provide temporary anesthesia.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.However, there is fairly strong evidence that acupuncture is comparable to placebo.
Manual massage
Well-known 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 not considered to be 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 relieve 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 preferable to another.Apparently they are equally good on average.
yoga
A set of physical and spiritual exercises that help harmonize the mind, improve physical fitness and self-realization.
While yoga can help with neck pain, it is not considered more effective than physical therapy.
Traction traction
Special procedures to relieve the pressure on the spine.Traction traction 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 comparable to physiotherapy.
How can you prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is often associated with poor 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/laptopso 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, don't hold it with your shoulder.InsteadUse a headset or 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 raised on small pillows to relax your spinal muscles.