Neck pain and stiffness occur with improper loading, as well as in some pathological conditions of the cervical spine. Painful sensations in the neck are almost always accompanied by its limited mobility - when you try to turn or tilt your head there is a feeling of sharp or increasing pain. Sometimes it is so strong that a person is forced to move the whole body instead of moving the neck. In this case, the pain can touch not only the neck, but also to the nearby areas - chest, arms, head, shoulders; accompanied by tinnitus, numbness of the hands and fingers, dizziness.
To prescribe competent treatment, you need to determine the causes of neck pain - this will be the task of the specialist you contact. Let's find out what can cause pain in the cervical spine.
Causes of neck pain
There are 2 main causes of pain and restriction of neck movements: muscle stiffness and diseases of the cervical spine.
Stiff neck
Stiffness is a condition in which the muscles become more toned (unable to relax) and resist any attempt to move. Neck muscle stiffness is not a disease in itself - it occurs either due to lack of physical activity or accompanies some diseases.
In connection with a sedentary lifestyle - computer work, driving, lack of sports - the vertebrae of the cervical spine may be displaced, there are aches and pains, spasms caused by improper circulation of the cervical region.
Stiff neck can also be a symptom of:
- encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage. Other symptoms of these diseases: headache, weakness, nausea, fever, dizziness, rash.
- parkinsonism. It is accompanied by tremors throughout the body, imbalance and automatism of movements and speech problems.
- neck injuries. In such cases, the pain always precedes some serious mechanical effect on the neck (fall, impact).
Diseases of the cervical spine
Pain and restriction of movement in the cervical spine can occur due to pathologies of the spine:
- Hernia. Severe pain radiates to the shoulders and arms, palms may tingle and numb, there is a "lumbago on the neck" - a sharp pain that interferes with the movement of the entire upper body.
- Cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by headache, tinnitus, decreased visual acuity, blinking "flies" in front of the eyes, pain in the arms and shoulders.
- Cervical osteoarthritis. The pain occurs not only in the neck but also in the shoulders. It is most disturbing in the morning and evening.
- Spondylosis. Accompanied by occipital pain, tingling and numbness of the neck, there may be problems with hearing and vision, dizziness.
- Asymmetry of the cervical artery. It is characterized by tinnitus, headache, darkening of the eyes and high blood pressure.
Which doctor should I go to for neck pain?
First of all, we suggest that you consult a general practitioner (therapist), who will form the further direction of the examination. To clarify the diagnosis and the appointment of direct treatment may be involved doctors with a narrower focus: rheumatologist, neurologist, traumatologist, orthopedist. The patient may also be referred to a chiropractor and masseur.
Diagnosing the cause of neck pain
After an oral examination, the doctor examines the patient: probes the surface of the neck, checks the sensitivity of the arms and legs, the state of reflexes, establishes the presence of muscle spasms and hypertension.
From the hardware techniques used:
- radiography;
- NMR;
- CT scan;
- electromyography (EMG);
- Doppler ultrasound (USDG) of the vessels of the neck.
Blood and urine tests can be taken to detect inflammatory processes in the body.
Treatment of cervical pain and stiffness
Treatment for neck pain may include:
- Physiotherapy sessions (magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, shock wave therapy).
- Prescribing painkillers, sedatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants.
- Methods of holistic medicine (acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, hirudotherapy, stone therapy, vacuum therapy).
- Physiotherapy, proper organization of the workplace, posture control.
- Surgical intervention. Radical methods of surgical treatment are prescribed only in case of ineffectiveness of conservative methods or with a more serious diagnosis, which initially includes surgery.
Treatment of neck pain in the medical center
The high professionalism and impressive work experience of the doctors allow you to choose the appropriate program for the treatment of neck diseases for each patient. The medical center is equipped with modern high-tech and reliable devices for laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, physiotherapy and treatment. And experienced masseurs and chiropractors will help not only to relieve neck pain, but also to improve the body as a whole.
If you are concerned about pain and limited mobility of the neck, make an appointment with us without expecting an exacerbation of the condition.