Pain and stiffness in the neck occur with improper loading, as do 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, a sharp or growing pain sensation is felt. Sometimes it is so strong that a person is forced to move their whole body instead of moving their neck. In this case, the pain can touch not only the neck, but also be given to nearby areas: chest, arms, head, shoulders; accompanied by tinnitus, numbness of the hands and fingers, dizziness.
To prescribe competent treatment, it is necessary to determine the causes of pain in the neck - this will be the task of the specialist you contact. Let's find out what can cause cervical spine pain.
Causes of neck pain
There are 2 main causes of neck pain and limitation of movement: muscle stiffness and cervical spine disease.
Stiffness in the neck
Stiffness is a condition in which the muscles become more toned (unable to relax) and resist any attempt to move. Stiffness of the neck muscles is not an independent disease: it occurs due to lack of physical activity or accompanies some diseases.
In connection with a sedentary lifestyle - computer work, driving, lack of sports activity - the vertebrae of the cervical spine can move, aching pains appear, spasms caused by improper circulation of the cervical region.
Stiff neck can also be a symptom of:
- encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral haemorrhage. 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 severe 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 spine:
- Hernia. Severe pain radiates to the shoulders and arms, the palms may tingle and numb, there is a "low back pain in the neck" - a sharp pain that prevents 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. It is most disturbing in the morning and evening.
- Spondylosis. It is accompanied by occipital pain, numbness and tingling in the neck, hearing and vision problems, dizziness may occur.
- Cervical artery asymmetry. 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 appointment of direct treatment, doctors of a narrower focus may be involved: rheumatologist, neurologist, traumatologist, orthopedist. The patient may also be referred to a chiropractor and massage therapist.
Diagnosis of the cause of neck 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, discovers the presence of muscle spasms and hypertonus.
Of the hardware techniques used:
- radiography;
- magnetic resonance;
- CT scan;
- electromyography (EMG);
- ultrasound dopplerography (USDG) of the vessels of the neck.
Blood and urine tests may be done to detect inflammatory processes in the body.
Treatments for neck pain and stiffness
Neck pain treatments can include:
- Physiotherapy sessions (magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, shock waves).
- 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 surgical intervention.
Neck pain treatment at the medical center
The high professionalism and impressive work experience of the doctors allow to choose the appropriate program for the treatment of neck diseases for each patient. The medical center is equipped with modern, highly technological and reliable equipment for laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, physiotherapy and treatment. And experienced masseurs and chiropractors will help not only relieve neck pain, but also improve the body in general.
If you are concerned about neck pain and limited mobility, make an appointment with us without expecting a worsening of the condition.