Neck pain and stiffness occurs when improperly loaded loads, as well as some pathological conditions of the cervical spine. The sensation of pain in the neck is almost always accompanied by its limited mobility - when trying to turn or tilt the head, there is a sharp or increasing 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 not only touch the neck, but also spread to the surrounding areas - chest, arms, head, shoulders; accompanied by tinnitus, numbness of hands and fingers, dizziness.
To prescribe a competent treatment, you need to determine the cause of the neck pain - this will be the task of the specialist with whom you contact. Find out what can cause pain in the cervical spine.
Causes of neck pain
There are two main causes of neck pain and limitation of movement: stiffness and cervical spine conditions.
Stiff neck
Stiffness is a condition in which muscles become firmer (unable to relax) and resist any attempt to move. Neck stiffness is not an independent disease - it occurs due to lack of physical activity or accompanied by several diseases.
Related to a sedentary lifestyle - working on a computer, driving, lazy in sports - the cervical vertebrae can be displaced, pain and spasms occur due to cervical circulation. improperly.
A stiff neck can also be a symptom of:
- encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage. Other symptoms of these diseases: headache, weakness, nausea, fever, dizziness, rash.
- Parkinson disease. It is accompanied by tremors throughout the body, imbalance and automaticity of movements, and speech problems.
- neck injury. In such cases, the pain is always preceded by some serious mechanical impact on the neck (fall, blow).
Diseases of the cervical spine
Pain and limited range of motion in the cervical spine can occur due to diseases of the spine:
- Herniation. Severe pain that radiates down the shoulder and arm, the palms may tingle and numb, and there is "low back pain" - sharp pain that interferes with movement of the entire upper body.
- Cervical fibroids. Accompanied by headaches, ringing in the ears, decreased vision, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes, pain in the arms and shoulders.
- Cervicitis. The pain occurs not only in the neck but also in the shoulder area. She is most annoying in the morning and at night.
- Spondylolisthesis. 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 ringing in the ears, headache, dark circles under the eyes and increased blood pressure.
Which doctor should I see for neck pain?
First of all, we recommend consulting with a general practitioner (therapist) who will form the direction of further examination. To clarify the diagnosis and prescribe direct treatment, it is possible to engage doctors of a narrower focus: rheumatologists, neurologists, traumatologists, orthopedists. Patients may also be referred to chiropractors and massage therapists.
Diagnosing the cause of neck pain
After oral examination, the physician examines the patient: probes the surface of the neck, checks the sensitivity of the arms and legs, the state of reflexes, looks for the presence of muscle spasticity and hypertonia.
Among the hardware techniques used:
- X-ray;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- CT scan;
- electromyography (EMG);
- dopplerography (USDG) ultrasound of the neck blood vessels.
Blood and urine tests can be performed to detect inflammatory processes in the body.
Treatments for pain and stiffness of the cervix
Treatments for neck pain may include:
- Physiotherapy sessions (magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic ultrasound, shock wave therapy).
- Prescribe painkillers, sedatives, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants.
- Holistic medical methods (acupuncture, massage, massage, drug therapy, stone therapy, vacuum therapy).
- Physiotherapy, proper organization of the workplace, postural control.
- Surgical intervention. Radical surgical treatment is indicated only in cases where conservative methods are ineffective or there is a more serious diagnosis that requires surgery initially.
Neck pain treatment at medical center
The doctor's high professionalism and impressive work experience allow you to choose the right cervical pathology treatment program for each patient. The medical center is equipped with modern and reliable high-tech equipment for laboratory diagnosis and instrumentation, physiotherapy and treatment. And experienced massage therapists and chiropractors will help not only relieve pain in the neck, but also improve the body.
If you are concerned about pain and limited mobility in your neck, make an appointment with us without expecting an exacerbation.