According to the Global Burden of Disease study, neck pain is the fourth leading 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 during their lifetime.So, if you haven't had it yet, there are only 2 options: either someone else's neck hurts or you need to wait a while.
In different countries, 15-50% of people suffer from neck pain. Furthermore, this problem occurs more frequently in women than in men.And in both sexes, the incidence rate peaks in middle age, rather than old age, as might be expected.
Neck pain causes conditions that worsen 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 constantly hurts.But why does this happen?
Why does my neck hurt?
The cause of pain in the cervical spine may be:
- heredity;
- excess 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.Among the reasons why overweight people may be predisposed to neck pain is so-called systemic inflammation - inflammation.This is a slow inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause clinically significant symptoms, but “harms” the health of the body.
Sometimes people who are overweight also experience a decrease in muscle strength.This causes low mobility.It turns out that it's a kind of vicious circle when one problem aggravates another: weak muscles reduce the intensity and number of movements, which weakens the muscles even more.
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 this.
However, neck pain is not always a consequence of lifestyle.This condition can also be caused by various injuries, whether domestic or sports.As a rule, they do not go unnoticed, so we will not dwell on them.
What type of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of discomfort, neck pain may be:
- 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 your treatment prognosis will be.
Based on the causes of occurrence, 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 painappears due to impaired nerve function.It is usually associated with 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 pain reflex in the heart, etc.
The ability to distinguish between mechanical, neuropathic and secondary pain is extremely important for the doctor, since treatment tactics directly depend on this.Today, several questionnaires have been developed.However, a competent doctor is able to determine the source of the problem based on a high-quality medical history, a complete examination and data from instrumental studies, including x-ray or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.
Where does your neck hurt?
Here we enter slightly into medical territory, as this information is directly related to medical diagnosis.And we believe that only qualified medical specialists should perform health analysis.
The information below may help you locate the problem in your neck.But we emphasize once again that this text should not be taken 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 their cervical spine.They are numbered from C1 to C7, whose name comes from the Latin Cervix (neck).In this part of the spine there are also 8 pairs of nerve roots, 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 experience certain symptoms:
- The C4 root is affected in less than 10% of cases.Typically 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 bodily dysfunction.
- Root C5 – problems occur here in approximately 10% of cases.The pain is located 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, can be difficult.
- The C6 root is affected in 20-25% of cases.Most often it hurts in the neck, shoulders and between the shoulder blades, as well as the inner part 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, make some shoulder and forearm movements, and extend the wrist.
- The C7 root is most frequently affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized in the lower part of the neck with transition to the shoulder, interscapular region and extensor surface of the forearm.The middle finger on the affected side and the chest may be affected.There are difficulties with elbow and finger extension and with pronation (internal rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inner part of the forearm and the 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 number of ways, although it's best not to let the condition get to the point where you need therapy.Here we will not consider medications, as the doctor must prescribe medications.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 of 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 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 pretty strong evidence that acupuncture is comparable to placebo.
Manual massage
Widely known mechanical manipulation of body tissues to improve function and general 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 improvement in organ function after mechanical kneading.
Therapeutic exercise
This is a series of special 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 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 fitness and self-actualization.
Yoga can actually 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 is no better than other methods.
Soft bandage (Shantz collar, etc.)
Orthopedic device for fixing the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is approximately similar to that of physical therapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is often associated with incorrect posture - to avoid it, keep your head in 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 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 lower than your hips.
- If you want to free your hands 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 elevated on small pillows to relax your spinal muscles.