Pain and stiffness in the neck are caused by improper loading, as well as some pathological conditions of the cervical spine. Painful sensations in the neck are almost always accompanied by limited mobility - there is a sharp or increasing sensation of pain when trying to turn or bend the head. Sometimes it is so strong that a person is forced to move his whole body instead of moving his neck. In this case, the pain can affect not only the neck, but also the surrounding areas - chest, arms, head, shoulders; tinnitus, numbness of the hands and fingers, accompanied by dizziness.
To prescribe a competent treatment, you need to determine the causes of neck pain - this will be the task of the specialist with whom you have contact. Let's understand what can cause pain in the cervical spine.
Causes of neck pain
There are two main causes of pain and limited neck movement: muscle stiffness and cervical spine disease.
Neck stiffness
Stiffness is a condition in which the muscles become more toned (unable to relax) and resist attempts to move. Stiffness of the neck muscles is not an independent disease - it occurs either due to lack of physical activity, or is accompanied by some diseases.
Due to a sedentary lifestyle - computer work, driving, lack of sports activity - the cervical spine can change, there are excruciating pains, spasms caused by improper circulation of the cervical region.
Neck stiffness can also be a sign of:
- encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage. Other symptoms of these diseases: headache, weakness, nausea, fever, dizziness, rash.
- parkinsonism. Vibration on all sides of the body is accompanied by imbalance and automation of movements and speech problems.
- neck injuries. In such cases, the pain always has a serious mechanical effect (fall, shock) on the neck.
Cervical spine diseases
Cervical spine pain and limited mobility may occur due to spinal pathologies:
- Torn. Severe pain spreads to the shoulders and arms, palms throbbing and numbness, there is a "neck lumbago" - a sharp pain that impedes the movement of the entire upper body.
- Cervical osteochondrosis. Accompanied by headache, tinnitus, decreased visual acuity, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes, pain in the arms and shoulders.
- Cervical arthrosis. The pain occurs not only in the neck, but also in the shoulder area. Most worry in the morning and evening.
- Spondylosis. Occipital pain, numbness and tingling in the neck, hearing and vision problems, 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 see for neck pain?
First of all, we suggest that you consult with a general practitioner (therapist) who will arrange the next direction of the examination. Physicians with a narrower focus can be involved to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe direct treatment: rheumatologist, neurologist, traumatologist, orthopedist. The patient can also be referred to a chiropractor and massage therapist.
To determine the cause of neck pain
After an oral examination, the doctor examines the patient: probe the surface of the neck, check the sensitivity of the arms and legs, reflex condition, learn the presence of muscle spasms and hypertension.
Techniques used:
- radiography;
- MRI;
- CT examination;
- electromyography (EMG);
- Ultrasound dopplerography of the cervical veins (USDG).
Blood and urine tests can be done to detect inflammatory processes in the body.
Treatment of cervical pain and stiffness
Neck pain treatments may include:
- Physiotherapy sessions (magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, shock wave therapy).
- Prescribing painkillers, sedatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants.
- Integrated medical methods (acupuncture, massage, ointment, hirudotherapy, stone therapy, vacuum therapy).
- Physiotherapy, proper organization of the workplace, posture control.
- Surgical intervention. Radical methods of surgical treatment are prescribed only if conservative methods are ineffective or with a more serious diagnosis that initially involves surgery.
Treatment of neck pain in the medical center
The high professionalism and effective 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 masseurs and chiropractors will help not only to relieve neck pain, but also to improve the body in general.
If you are interested in neck pain and limited mobility, contact us without waiting for the situation to worsen.