Dorothy FarrarNeck pain
The term neck pain is used by physicians to understand pain in the cervical vertebrae and neck area, which can be traced back to a wide variety of causes. Poor posture is often to blame for the persistent symptoms. According to statistics, about every second person is regularly affected by neck pain.
What is neck pain?
The term neck pain, which is kept quite generally, refers to all painful complaints that can occur in the area of the neck, neck and cervical vertebrae. Neck pain, which is clearly due to problems in the cervical vertebrae, is once again referred to separately as cervical syndrome.
Neck pain is often associated with restricted mobility, making it difficult and painful to turn the head. This condition is also known as a stiff neck . Neck pain is very common: statistics say that more than half suffer from it on a regular basis. However, these are mostly short-term symptoms that disappear after a few days.
causes
In most cases, the causes of neck pain lie in poor posture on the part of the person concerned. Sitting in front of the computer for a long time or lying down in the wrong position can lead to painful cramps or tension.Stress or a flu infection can also result in similar symptoms. Such symptoms often subside on their own after a few days. Neck pain can also be caused by a fall or an accident, for example in the form of a so-called whiplash. In rarer cases, neck pain can also be attributed to signs of wear and tear, for example of the intervertebral discs.
If the painful symptoms cannot be explained by a rather harmless cause, there may be a more serious underlying disease such as osteoporosis, meningitis, vascular diseases or a tumor . For this reason, neck pain should always be medically clarified if it occurs more frequently or is particularly severe.
Diseases
When to the doctor?
Neck pain usually indicates harmless muscle tension and cramps, which subside after a few days without medical help. However, if the pain occurs again and again and even gets worse, a doctor should clarify the causes. Strong tension in the neck area can be the trigger for certain forms of migraine. If neck pain always occurs shortly before a migraine attack, the doctor should be informed.
Neck pain that occurs some time after an accident, especially a rear-end collision, may indicate whiplash that requires medical attention. Meningitis is also typically associated with neck pain. If other symptoms such as fever, headache or cramps occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
The same applies if neck pain is accompanied by pain when bending the head towards the chest, signs of paralysis or impaired consciousness. Neck pain associated with numbness or tingling in the arms and hands can indicate the onset of cervical spine syndrome. In these cases, a doctor must also be consulted.
diagnosis and course
If neck pain persists or is particularly painful, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the causes. In addition to a detailed discussion about the duration and severity of the symptoms, an orthopedic examination takes place. This provides information about the mobility of the neck and shoulders as well as the general function of the muscles.
It can also be used to determine whether a nerve has been pinched . In addition, depending on the individual situation, blood tests, X-rays or computed tomography can be carried out. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is advisable if there is a suspicion of meningitis.
Neck pain usually subsides on its own after a few days if it can be traced back to a harmless acute cause. If there is a more serious underlying condition that is accompanied by neck pain as a symptom, it can worsen if left untreated and, in some cases, reach life-threatening proportions.
complications
There are a number of complications associated with neck pain. Patients with neck problems often also have headaches or migraines . The symptoms can be accompanied by nausea and dizziness. In addition, sufferers can suffer from ringing in the ears. Those affected may be restricted in their movements. As a result, a bad posture can occur, which triggers further muscle tension. Long-lasting neck pain can also change physique. The back may be arched and the shoulders may be hunched forward. Tilting the head is also conceivable.
Neck pain can radiate to other parts of the body. This can lead to signs of paralysis on the legs and/or arms. Tingling in the hand and sensory disturbances are also possible. People with neck pain can be restricted in everyday life. Sporting activities may no longer be possible. Restrictions can also exist when driving a car. Neck pain can become chronic. In addition, a tumor or cervical spine syndrome can form. As a result, numbness can occur. In connection with neck pain, whiplash, a herniated disc or the fracture of a vertebra cannot be ruled out. Neck pain can indicate rheumatic diseases, vascular diseases or infections.
treatment and therapy
The therapy that is used for neck pain depends on the cause in each individual case. If tension is the reason for the painful symptoms, heat applications (e.g. heat patches) or massages can help. In many cases, however, the symptoms will go away on their own anyway.
A doctor does not necessarily have to be consulted. If the pain is very severe, it is also advisable to temporarily take painkillers or anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medication. Those affected should take care to protect the throat and neck area during and shortly after the treatment; however, normal loading should be resumed as soon as possible.
If neck problems occur more frequently, it can make sense to take part in physiotherapy exercises to loosen up the affected regions and strengthen the muscles. In addition, those affected learn to work on their posture and to avoid incorrect posture and painful tension in the future.
Neck pain is often caused by psychological stress. In this case, the only sensible treatment is to reduce the stress, for example through relaxation exercises. If the neck pain is caused by a more serious illness, appropriate treatment of the same is necessary.
A herniated disc , for example, may need to be treated surgically. If there is cancer, the doctor treating you will initiate chemotherapy and, if necessary, surgery to prevent the cancer cells from spreading in the body.
outlook and prognosis
Neck pain is harmless in most cases and will go away on its own after a few days. It is usually sufficient to eliminate typical triggers such as an incorrect sitting posture or a cold draft and to temporarily protect the neck. As a result, the pain decreases after one to two weeks at the latest and should have completely subsided after another week. If the neck pain is caused by stress, additional measures may need to be taken.
Above all, a change in the professional or private situation promises improvement. In severe cases, a psychiatrist can determine the cause of the symptoms and help resolve them. For most people, these measures lead to success. From now on, however, the patient must also strive to sit upright and lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Otherwise, chronic neck pain can develop, which in the long term can lead to back pain , deformities and other complications. The longer the symptoms persist, the less likely it is that you will fully recover.
prevention
Neck pain can be effectively prevented, especially if it is caused by tension or muscle hardening due to a permanent bad posture. Measures such as actively sitting at work or in the office can significantly reduce the symptoms or even completely eliminate them later on.In addition, physiotherapy exercises or participation in a back school can have a preventive effect, as can strengthening the muscles through regular, appropriate exercise.
More serious diseases that have neck pain as a symptom can be prevented to a certain extent by leading a healthy lifestyle and attending the recommended check-ups. If symptoms persist, a doctor should always be consulted.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.