Pain and stiffness in the neck occurs with improper load, as well as some pathological conditions of the cervical spine. Painful sensations in the neck are almost always accompanied by its limited mobility - when trying to turn or tilt the head, there is a feeling of sharp or growing 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 be given to the nearby areas - chest, arms, head, shoulders; accompanied by tinnitus, numbness of hands and fingers, dizziness.
In order to prescribe a competent treatment, you need to determine the causes of neck pain - this will be the task of the specialist you contact. Let's figure out what can cause pain in the cervical spine.
Causes of neck pain
There are 2 main causes of pain and limitation of neck movements: muscle stiffness and diseases of the cervical spine.
Neck stiffness
Stiffness is a condition in which muscles become more toned (unable to relax) and resist any attempts to move. Stiffness of the neck muscles is not an independent disease - it occurs either due to lack of physical activity, or accompanies some diseases.
In connection with a sedentary lifestyle - working at a computer, driving, lack of sports activity - the vertebrae of the cervical spine may shift, aching pains, spasms caused by improper circulation of the cervical region appear.
Neck stiffness 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, blow).
Diseases of the cervical spine
Pain and limitation of movement in the cervical spine can occur due to pathologies of the spinal column:
- Hernia. Severe pain radiates to the shoulders and arms, palms can tingle and numb, there is a "neck lumbago" - a sharp pain that impedes the movement of the entire upper body.
- Cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by headache, tinnitus, decreased visual acuity, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes, pain in the arms and shoulders.
- Cervical arthrosis. Pain occurs not only in the neck, but also in the shoulder region. She is most disturbing in the mornings and evenings.
- Spondylosis. It is accompanied by occipital pain, numbness and tingling of the neck, problems with hearing and vision, dizziness may occur.
- Asymmetry of the cervical artery. It is characterized by tinnitus, headache, darkening of the eyes, and increased 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, doctors of a narrower focus can be involved: rheumatologist, neurologist, traumatologist, orthopedist. The patient may also be referred to a chiropractor and massage therapist.
Diagnosing the cause of neck pain
After an oral questioning, the doctor examines the patient: probes the surface of the neck, checks the sensitivity of the arms and legs, the state of reflexes, finds out the presence of muscle spasms and hypertonicity.
Of the hardware techniques used:
- radiography;
- MRI;
- CT scan;
- electromyography (EMG);
- ultrasound dopplerography (USDG) of the vessels of the neck.
Blood and urine tests may be taken to detect inflammatory processes in the body.
Treatments for cervical pain and stiffness
Treatments for neck soreness may include:
- Physiotherapy sessions (magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, shock wave therapy).
- Prescription of painkillers, sedatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants.
- Holistic medicine methods (acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, hirudotherapy, stone therapy, vacuum therapy).
- Physiotherapy, correct 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 involves surgery.
Neck pain treatment at the medical center
High professionalism and impressive work experience of doctors allows 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 massage therapists and chiropractors will help not only relieve pain in the neck, but also generally improve the body.
If you are concerned about pain and limited mobility of the neck, make an appointment with us without expecting an exacerbation of the condition.