Neck pain - this is what brings the mentioned posture, "sofa" lifestyle, excessive physical activity. There are many factors that affect the cervical spine not in the best way. Let's understand why the neck hurts and what to do to alleviate the discomfort.
Cervicalgia and cervicalgo
Neck pain is divided into two types:
- Circumcalgia is a persistent spasm in one place. It appears gradually, its intensity changes. The neck hurts constantly, and in the same place - you have to go to the hospital, a serious illness can develop.
- Cervicago is a sudden pain that starts and stops quickly. The reason may be very sudden movements of the head or long stay in the same position.
During the attack, coordination is disturbed and painful stimuli respond to other parts of the body.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix
Osteochondrosis is a violation of the articular joints. The disease is mainly formed in those who lead a sedentary, malnourished life. Not the last role is played by hereditary predispositions. People suffering from osteochondrosis experience dizziness, ringing in the eardrums and stiffness in the limbs. The back of the head aches, burning between the edges of the shoulders. They often complain that the spine hurts in the neck. It becomes difficult to turn the neck, the movements are accompanied by a croaking sound. Possible numbness.
Pain in the neck indicates the development of this disease. The neck hurts on the left or right side - most likely, osteochondrosis.
Pain in the cervical spine is accompanied by this disease. If you turn to a specialist in a timely manner, it can be easily cured.
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
The disease also appears in young people. Pain in the left side of the neck, shoulder, arm, chest, impaired vision and hearing, impaired concentration are possible. For people with this disease, doctors recommend peace and rest, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.
Disc herniation
Not only a complete hernia, but also a minimal swelling of the disc is felt strongly: the canal in the cervical region is narrow, the nerve endings are at close range. Pain in the left side of the neck, in the lower back, in the lower back. The disease develops from unhealthy diet, inactivity, lack of physical development. Acupressure and vacuum therapy techniques are used for treatment.
jack
The neck can ache from excessive physical exertion: for example after a workout. The main symptom of constriction is severe neck pain. The damaged area swells, it becomes impossible to turn the head, it may take an unnatural position and the patient risks fainting. To make it easier, you can take an anesthetic, apply a cold or hot compress, massage the compressed area. It is not recommended to lie on your stomach - in this case, the head will turn right or left, and the tense ligaments may not resist. For a few weeks, it is best to give up physical activity. When the pain subsides, you can start cooking the neck, bending it to the sides.
spondilosis
Cervical spondylosis is a serious disease that can lead to disability and requires immediate consultation with your doctor. Spondylosis can be a neglected form of osteochondrosis. The disease occurs mainly in the elderly, as well as in athletes as a result of injuries. Unpleasant sensations in the occipital part of the head and the collar area become permanent.
Another signal is a throbbing pain in the left neck. There is a feeling of stiffness, discomfort when turning the head.
There are many opinions on how to treat cervical spondylosis. The main thing is to eliminate inflammation and pain. Medication therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures in combination with therapeutic exercises will help restore work capacity and improve the overall condition of the body.
cervical myelopathy
Myelopathy occurs after narrowing of the spinal canal. Pain in the cervical spine signals the development of myelopathy. Those suffering from myelopathy feel unwell and weak, often have a feeling that the limbs are shaken, speech slows down, it becomes difficult to take steps, coordination is disturbed. The disease appears after falling from great heights and accidents. The patient wears a soft collar of the cervix, undergoes a course of physiotherapy and strengthening exercises.
Whipping
The term lash is used to describe the pain that results from soft tissue injury. Injury occurs due to sharp elongation with further flexion and vice versa. Sharp pain in the neck (any area) after a fall, brawl or accident may signal lashes.
The ligaments are damaged - the head assumes an elongated position, the cervical lordosis is lost. Following an injury, X-ray examination is mandatory. Mitigation of the disease occurs after 1-6 months.
Cervical injury
Pain in the cervical spine appears after injuries, unsuccessful jumps in the water, accidents. An unnatural flexion, aching pain in the back of the head indicate an injury to the cervical region. Edema and hematoma appear, the motor functions of the body are disturbed. For those who have cervical back pain, doctors will initially prescribe wearing a special collar for several months.
infections
Infectious skin diseases lead to inflammation, which can be accompanied by acute pain. With infections, such as tonsillitis or rubella, the lymph nodes expand and lead to unpleasant sensations of pain in the neck muscles.
Pathology of internal organs
Severe neck pain often presents as a pathology. With pain in the right hypochondrium, extending to the neck on the right side, is suspected of developing cholecystitis. If the cervical temples ache in the morning, it looks like hypertension. The pain in such cases is reflected and comes from the head, heart, esophagus. Myocardial infarction and angina are often associated with pain in the chest, shoulders and arms.
Patients who survived similar illnesses complained of left neck pain. Pain in the neck on the right, cramps in the thigh on the same side suggest the development of cholecystitis. Pain in the front of the neck gives the right to suspect a disorder of the thyroid gland, esophagus, larynx or pharynx. Local neuritis may develop - nerve damage. This usually happens after poisoning with chemicals, such as alcohol.
Concerned back pain of the cervix is a precursor to an evolving pathology. In this case, the pressure jumps a lot. Pain in the neck on the right, with disability to move the head, afflicts during meningitis.
Painful sensations on the side are the result of tumor expansion in the brain. Help should be sought immediately. Pain in the neck in front of the right or left may indicate the presence of pharyngitis, laryngitis, lymphangitis or any other disease associated with inflammation of internal organs.
It hurts in the back of the cervix - maybe there is a process of developing meningitis, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis. A non-dangerous disease that can be easily treated - vegetative-vascular dystonia can also be associated with disease. Pain in the region of the cervix is given in the limbs, spine, there is an increase in pressure, shortness of breath, lethargy.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by stabbing pain in the neck. It intensifies at night.
Other reasons
Often, pain in the neck on the right is the result of a banal lumbago. Lumbago or lumbago - contraction of the neck muscles. It is harmless and goes away on its own after a few weeks. Most often it is manifested due to a current, the pain spreads to the head, chest. The neck hurts a lot on the left or right - maybe the person just "stretched" on this side. Physical inactivity impairs physical condition and impairs the functioning of the vessels of the cervical spine. During this type of disease it is enough to change the position of the body.
Many people who are obese often have neck pain. The spine and cervical vertebrae can not withstand the excess weight, they have a large load and begin to actively resist.
Stress and psychological tension become the cause of painful sensations. Emotional outbursts and tension often cause pain in the back of the neck. Above it, as in any other part of the body, there are many nerve endings. If the shoulders also ache, there is a tingling sensation and numbness, the nerve is suppressed. The pain will subside after an injection or taking an anesthetic medication.
Pull the muscles - maybe you should diversify your day with walks in the fresh air. Pain on the right side in a healthy neck - the person was simply cold.
Treatment
Those who are constantly concerned about the cervical region should consult a specialist. This is very important, especially if the temperature rises with severe pain. When the neck hurts for three days, you should sound the alarm. Treatment of a sore neck can only be prescribed by a specialist.
Doctors usually prescribe medication. The disturbing parts of the neck are recommended to be lubricated with preparations with a warming effect. Persistent pain can make a person nervous: the doctor prescribes sedatives, antidepressants. Neck pain on the right, left, front, side and back can be relieved by applying a heating pad to the affected area or by wrapping it in a warm scarf.
Massage is a mandatory welfare procedure. You can do it yourself. The neck hurts forward, for example - gently tap and rub its surface, trying not to touch Adam's apple. Blood circulation will improve and pain in the cervical region will cease to bother.
Withdrawal of severe neck pain is recommended to be treated with warm compresses. In such cases, a person needs complete rest, and the pain in the neck on the right or left side will disappear within a few minutes. If the situation is serious, a professional who knows how to treat neck pain, like a trained physical therapist, should take over.
Bruises and sprains are relieved with cold compresses. In medical practice, acupuncture and physical education are often used to improve health, especially with persistent neck pain.
In particularly severe cases, patients are operated on, but this is more the exception than the rule. If the treatment of the cervical region is successful, you can get rid of the discomfort in a few months.
How to treat neck pain yourself
What people struck by the disease did not succeed! For minor sprains or injuries, you can use informal pain management methods. There is a proven way to get rid of neck pain in an hour.
Fold the gauze into three layers. Boil the potatoes in their uniforms, then push and stick to the neck through a cloth, then warm with a scarf or towel. While the potatoes are cooling, remove the layers of gauze. After the procedure, rub the neck with any alcohol.
In order for the pain in the cervical region to stop, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Keep the right attitude. A crooked spine contributes to muscle deformation. Shoulders should be lowered, chin should be in a raised position. Sitting with a crooked back, you run the risk of getting seriously ill.
- Prefer a backpack rather than a purse. The load will be evenly distributed on both the left and right side of the body and the pain in the cervical spine will decrease.
- Keep your head straight while reading, do not lower it. You can adjust it with a roller or cushion (not soft), change position.
- Find time for physical activity. Yoga, swimming, fitness strengthen the neck muscles. If it is not possible to train, take a break from work, lie down, relaxing all the muscles.
- Take a contrast shower. During changes in cold and hot water, the body experiences stress: blood circulation speeds up, muscles, including the neck, become involuntarily strengthened.
- Do not stress too much. When the neck hurts a lot, it is better to leave it alone and in no case continue to work or train. The pain in the cervical spine can go away on its own.
- Do not panic. Stress affects not only the psychological but also the physical health of a person. Instead of shouting "what to do if your neck hurts terribly on the left", it is better to calm down and evaluate the situation with reason.