Neck pain

Neck pain is a common ailment affecting about 10% of adults. It most commonly results from neck strain caused by sitting in an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods, wearing heavy bags on one shoulder, or sleeping on an inappropriate pillow. This pain usually goes away on its own within a few days and does not require medical intervention.

Also, neck pain often worries people with posture disorders or the habit of holding the phone pressed between the shoulder and neck during a conversation. By nature and duration, pain may be acute (occurring suddenly and lasting hours or days) or chronic (lasting more than a few weeks). It may occur in multiple locations in the neck and may vary in intensity. Often, neck pain is accompanied by numbness or muscle weakness.

Neck pain may be caused by the following disorders and conditions:

• Ankylosing spondyloarthritis
• Osteochondrosis of spine
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal scoliosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Herniated disk
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neck injury
• Spinal fracture
• Meningitis

Osteochondrosis of the spine: cervical

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a complex of abnormalities in the intervertebral disks and adjacent vertebral surfaces caused by destruction and disruption of tissue structure. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar osteochondrosis may be distinguished depending on the level of involvement.

Key features of osteochondrosis include localized changes in spinal configuration (development of lordosis, kyphosis, or scoliosis)—visible curvatures of the spine longitudinally or transversely. The second most frequent symptom is pain syndrome, which can be located not only in the area of the affected vertebra, but also irradiated to the areas innervated by the corresponding nerve root. Patients also often report discomfort and tiredness in the neck.

In cervical osteochondrosis, pain typically affects the neck and may extend to the shoulder and scapula, which may be mistaken for pain in a heart attack because of the similar symptoms. Cervical osteochondrosis may also be accompanied by frequent headaches and dizziness. When the arteries supplying the brain are compressed (compressed), symptoms of brain dysfunction (neurologic symptoms), such as fainting, nausea, tinnitus, mood changes, anxiety, and others, may develop.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an unexplained autoimmune rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic, erosive arthritis as well as synovitis, which is inflammation in the joints. This condition can cause systemic damage to the internal organs, increasing the risk of early disability and decreasing life expectancy.

It affects connective tissues and primarily affects small joints, often resulting in their destruction. The most commonly affected are the cervical spine and joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and hip, knee, ankle, metatarsophalangeal, and tarsal joints. Lesions of the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, temporomandibular joints and the cricoarytenoid joint are much less common.

The symptoms that accompany neck pain are important for making an accurate diagnosis. Some of these symptoms indicate a serious disorder that requires immediate medical attention. Thus, people should see a doctor urgently if neck pain progressively worsens and travels to or from the arms or legs or if their limbs become weak or numb or they lose control of urination or bowel movements. A special evaluation unit should be used if neck pain has developed after an accident or other traumatic injury, such as a fall or diving. Also, neck pain accompanied by fever and muscle stiffness should not be overlooked. It may be a sign of meningitis, an infection of the meninges whose outcome depends on the timely initiation of treatment.

Neck pain is often a concern for people whose work is related to computer use. To prevent its occurrence, you should pay attention to the organization of the workplace, ensure that the monitor is at eye level, and the chair helps to maintain the back in an even upright position.

Neck pain is common and may indicate various problems. It is crucial not to rely on "everything will go by itself", avoid self-treatment, and not to seek help from unprofessional masseurs. Inappropriate spinal manipulation can lead to serious complications, including damage to the cervical vertebrae.

Causes of neck pain vary. One of them is spinal injuries. The vertebrae and disks can be displaced by impact, sudden head movements, or sudden vehicle braking. Pain may not occur immediately, and people may not associate it with a motor vehicle accident several days or even weeks ago.

Another cause may be overuse of certain muscle groups. This can occur under both dynamic and static loads, such as long-term computer use.

Diseases affecting the muscles of the back and neck.

Spinal disorders, congenital or acquired. The most common causes of neck pain include osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.
Systemic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by psoriasis, Bekhterev's disease, etc.
Infectious diseases affecting spine, head and neck organs: tuberculosis, polio, herpes zoster or shingles, meningitis, encephalitis.
Tumors, malignant or benign.
Only a doctor can determine the cause of neck pain. People may have to undergo an examination, do an x-ray, undergo magnetic resonance imaging, or have other ways to obtain diagnostic information.

Treatment of Neck Pain

Severe pain should not be tolerated, and people should not self-medicate unless they understand exactly why it occurs. It is also not recommended to warm up the affected area: in infectious inflammations or tumors, it can worsen the condition.

Drug therapy is possible, but drugs should be selected and used only by a specialist. Analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or antiseizure drugs in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, or patches may be used.

Sometimes doctors prescribe a special brace collar.
Physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and osteopathic effects can also be effective.
For prevention of neck pain, it is recommended to regularly perform a set of exercises for the back, neck and shoulder girdle.
Occasionally, surgery may be needed

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