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 in their lifetime.So if you haven't had one, there are only 2 options: either someone else's neck hurts, or you need to wait a little.
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, the incidence rate peaks in middle age, not in old age, as one might expect.
Neck pain provokes 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 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 called systemic inflammation - inflammaging.This is a sluggish inflammatory process in organs and tissues that does not cause clinically significant symptoms, but “undermines” the health of the body.
People who are overweight also sometimes experience a decrease in 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 further weakens the muscles.
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, domestic or sports.As a rule, they do not go unnoticed, so we will not dwell on them in detail.
What kind of neck pain occurs?
Depending on the duration of discomfort, neck pain can 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 the prognosis for its treatment.
Based on the causes of occurrence, neck pain is divided into:
- mechanical;
- 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 associated with irritation of the nerve roots.For example, painful symptoms due to herniated discs 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 critically important for the doctor, since treatment tactics directly depend on this.Today, various 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 full examination and data from instrumental studies, including an x-ray or CT/MRI.
Where does your neck hurt?
Here we step slightly into medical territory, since this information directly relates 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 once again 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 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, which are designated from 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 exhibit 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, as a rule, there is no muscle weakness or dysfunction of the body.
- Root C5 – problems occur here in approximately 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.
- 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 the inner side of the forearm.Pain may be referred 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 most often affected, in 45-60% of cases.The pain is localized 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 elbow and finger extension, and pronation (inward rotation) of the forearm.
- The C8 root is affected in 10% of cases.The lower part of the neck, the inner side 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 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 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
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 their superiority over pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture (acupuncture)
It involves the insertion of needles into specific points 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 massage
Widely known mechanical manipulation of body tissues to improve their function and overall relaxation.
The superiority of massage over no treatment and placebo has been documented.However, massage is considered no 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 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 indeed help with neck pain, but it is considered no 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 no better than other methods.
Soft bandage (Shantz collar, etc.)
An orthopedic device for fixing the neck in a certain position.The effectiveness is approximately similar to physiotherapy.
How to prevent neck pain?
Neck pain is quite often associated with incorrect posture - to prevent it, keep your head on the same axis as your spine.Some simple lifestyle changes may 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 free your hands while talking on the phone, do not hold it with your shoulder.Insteaduse a headset or speakerphone.
- 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 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.