Our neck is composed of vertebrae, which extends from the neck to the upper part of the trunk. Between the vertebrae are hypoallergenic discs, which absorb the pressure. The bones, ligaments and muscles located in the neck, all working to support the head and to perform the movement. Any abnormality, injury, or inflammation in the cervical region leads to the painful feeling.
To do, if it hurts the neck? Because the time passes for all. This is often due to over-exertion or a posture. Sometimes the pain may be the result of an injury as a result of a fall or sports.
More often get rid of a pain in the neck can be for a couple of days at home without additional funds, if it is fairly insignificant, disappears by itself. Sometimes it can be a warning about the serious injuries and illnesses, and requires immediate inspection by a specialist. If the pain in the cervical region of the vertebral column strong, saves more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
The causes of pain in the neck
When it hurts the neck? This can be due to various causes.
Muscle tension and stretch
The chalice, this occurs due to:
- the bad posture;
- a lot of find behind a desk;
- incorrect posture during sleep;
- damage in the neck during the exercise.
The injury
Our neck is especially vulnerable in falls, traffic accidents, sports practice and other activities, during which the muscles are forced to go beyond the usual range of movements. When the crisis of the cervical vertebrae is large, the probability that the spinal cord is also damaged.
A heart attack
The neck pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. However, usually in these cases manifests itself along with other symptoms, such as:
- difficulty breathing;
- increased sweating;
- the weakness;
- vomiting;
- pain in the arms or jaw.
If you have noticed several of the following symptoms, immediately call an Ambulance.
Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the thin shell of the spinal cord and the brain. In many cases, patients with meningitis, along with fever and headache you notice unpleasant sensations and causing congestion in the neck. It is a very dangerous disease that can end up fatal. If you determine that you have the symptoms of meningitis, contact a doctor immediately.
Other causes
- Rheumatoid arthritis causes discomfort, swelling of the joints and the formation of bone spurs. During the development of arthritis in the neck, severe pain.
- The osteoporosis weakens the bone tissue and fractures. The greatest risk is usually being affected by the hands and knees, but often suffers and the neck.
- Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the area of the neck and shoulders.
- With age occurs the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. This condition is also known as osteoarthritis — a narrowing of the space between ceruicis the vertebrae, which increases the tension in the neck and causing pain.
- As A result of an injury of the intervertebral disc can begin very to act toward the outside, which increases the load on the spine and nerves, causing discomfort.
- Spinae stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, when it leaves the vertebrae. This may be the result of a long-term inflammation caused by arthritis and other diseases.
In rare cases, neck pain can occur as a result of:
- congenital anomalies;
- the infection;
- abscess;
- tumor;
- cancer of the spine.
When to see a doctor
If the symptoms persist for more than a week, it is worth consulting with a specialist. You also have to go to a hospital, if you have the following symptoms:
- strong pain in the neck without cause.
- the tumor;
- fever;
- headaches;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- the weakness;
- vomiting;
- problems with swallowing and breathing;
- nausea;
- numbness;
- ringing in the ears;
- pain that extends up and down to your hands or feet;
- the inability to move the hands;
- the inability to touch the chin on the chest;
- disrupt the functioning of the bladder or of the intestine.
Also immediately consult your doctor if the pain is the result of a fall or accident.
How is the pain in the neck
In the first place, the doctor will check your physical condition and medical history. Be prepared to talk about all the nuances are the symptoms. It's also worth to mention about all the medications you are taking in recent times. All the information about the injury, even if it seems that she has nothing to do with the problem that it will be useful.
The method of treatment depends on the diagnosis. In addition to the inspection and analysis of your health insurance card, the doctor may also order an analysis of:
- a blood tests;
- x-rays;
- ct scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging is the analysis;
- electromyography, which allows you to check the health of the muscles and control their nerve endings;
- lumbar spine or a lumbar puncture.
Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Treatment may include:
- heat just;
- Physical therapy and stretching;
- the pain medications;
- injections of corticosteroids;
- muscle relaxants;
- neck bandage;
- tractu applying traction to the spinal column;
- antibiotics if there is infection);
- the treatment in the hospital (when tuberculous meningitis and a heart attack);
- the operation (is unlikely).
An alternative treatment is:
- acupuncture;
- the chiropractic;
- massage;
- percutaneous electrical stimulation of the nerves.
Whatever the treatment method, make sure that you went to a specialist provider.
How to get rid of a pain in the neck in the home
If the pain is mild, try the following methods of treatment:
- The first couple of days, apply a cold compress to the injured area. Immediately after this, use a warm compress or take a hot shower;
- Take non-prescription medicines, medicines for pain, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
- In a few days they refuse to practice any sport, weight lifting, and activity, which reinforces the feeling of pain. As the reduction of the symptoms gradually returns to the narrative level of activity;
- Each day you should carry the load for the neck. Slowly pull the head from side to side, up and down;
- Be sure to position;
- During a call, do not hold the phone between the neck and the shoulder;
- Often change the position of the body. Do not sit and do not stand too long without movement;
- Make a slight massage on the neck;
- During sleep use a pillow for the neck;
- Do not put the padded bandage without prior consultation with a specialist. Incorrect application can aggravate the symptoms.
Stretching helps to forget the pain
During the work, concerned that the monitor is at eye level, sit up straight, the back, keep exactly, not recurvus and do not lower the head is too low. In the time in the car driving, or surfing the internet from a smartphone try to do with small periods of rest for the cervical vertebrae, do not go too far.
The key to getting rid of headaches — the correct movements and competent stretching. The following exercises for the back and neck can be done at work, and behind the wheel:
- Make 10 circular movements of shoulders back;
- 10 times touch the shoulder blades together;
- Keeping the head straight, the most strongly supported by the nape of the back of the chair and hold this position for 30 seconds;
- Tilt the head to one side as close as possible to the shoulder 10 times with each hand.
Be careful in the dream
If you often concerned about pain in the cervical region, it's worth the care relates to under what conditions and in what position you are sleeping. Try sleeping only on the side or in the back — never sleep on the stomach.
When you sleep on the stomach, the head in the other hand and the neck solidifies in a few hours in an uncomfortable position. This dream can affect the state of the lumbar area, as if there is not a lot of support in the belly to sink down.
The mild pain, in addition to the exercises, follow the following recommendations:
- Attach to the injured area is cold or a hot compress. The first 48 to 72 hours, use ice, then switching to warm compresses. Do not use a compress during sleep, as this can lead to injuries.
- Take non-prescription medicines, medicines for pain, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
- To continue, but avoid movements that increase the pain. This will help to reduce the symptoms and inflammation.
- Make a slight massage on the neck.
- Try sleeping on a firm mattress without a pillow or a pillow for the neck.
- Ask your doctor about the need for the use of cervical smooth. Do not use a bandage too much time, this can weaken the muscles.
9 yoga exercises for the neck
Yoga is a great way to get rid of pain.
1. Hand-in-hand through the chest
Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair with the back straight, the shoulders relaxed, the neck elongated. Pull the right hand so that it is at shoulder height, and bring your left. You turn your head, look over your right shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the neck and the back of the shoulders. Hold this position for 8-10 breaths-exhalations, and then the same thing happened with the left hand.
2. The position of "mode of threading the thread in the needle
Stand on four legs, with the knees at an angle with respect to the hips. Stretch the left arm maximum forward and pass right under it. Support on the ground to the right, the shoulder and cheek. Close your eyes, relax, feel the stretch the muscles of the shoulders, the arms, the upper back and neck. Hold this position for 8-10 breaths-exhalations, and then the same thing happened with the left hand.
3. Of the hand of an eagle
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, with your spine exactly, the neck stretched. Pull the two hands, so that they are the height and the width of the shoulders. Turn to the right hand to the head, and pass the finger of the left hand below the right. Fold and wrap the left arm around the right. The final goal is to touch the palms of the hands. This can take some time, therefore, if it is not, grip it with the left hand by the wrist of the right hand. Take a deep breath. Lower your shoulders, gently pull the hands of the face and slowly turn your head toward your left shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the hands, the shoulders, the upper back and neck. Hold this position, as minimum, to 5 breaths-exhalations (ideally, 10). Repeat with the other side.
4. The circular movements of the head
Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair with the back straight, the shoulders relaxed, the neck elongated. Lower the chin towards the chest, then slowly lower the head to the right, trying to touch your right ear to the right shoulder. Lower the tips of the fingers of the left hand on the left shoulder and the right hand on the left ear. The more you tap with the hands on the shoulder and the ear, the more you stretch the muscles. This is an exercise for pain in the neck and shoulders. Repeat with the other side.
5. Circular movements of shoulders
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, with the back hold exactly. Place the tips of the fingers on the shoulders. Stretch the elbows to each other in the front of the body to stretch the shoulder blade and the upper part of the back. Upward to stretch the triceps. On the side to stretch the chest and front of shoulders. Stretch the elbows to each other by part of the back to stretch the deep muscles of the shoulders and the chest.
6. Stretch "The Cat"
Stand on four legs, with the knees at an angle with respect to the hips. In each breath to deflect the back, the eyes pointing to the ceiling. With each exhalation, tighten the chin towards the chest, pull the tail, the back to round. This exercise helps to stretch the muscles of the neck, chest, shoulders, back and lumbar area. Hold each position for 8-10 breaths-exhalations.
7. Of the hand to the elbow
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, with the back hold exactly. Lift the right hand up, bent at the elbows and down between the shoulder blades. Left hand, put on the elbow and press slightly to increase the stretch of the muscles. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the shoulders, triceps, back, and neck. Make a stop at the position of 8 to 10 breaths. Repeat with the other side.
8. The hands in the castle behind the back
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Pull back the hand and follow connected to the palms of the hands. Lift your arms as high as possible, until it feels like it stretches the front of the shoulders. Make a stop at the position of 8 to 10 breaths.
9. The position of fish with the support of
Sit on the floor, legs pull out in front of one or to bend the knees. Place a small stack of blankets or two yoga blocks behind me, so that when he leans back, one was between the shoulder blades, and the other below the head. Lean back on the blocks of the hand keep relaxed to the sides of the trunk. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the chest and neck, as well as the front of the shoulders. Make a stop at the position of 8 to 10 breaths.