Neck strain
Unpleasant pulling and boring pain can be an indication of a neck strain . The main cause of neck strains is overloading of the back, shoulder or neck muscles.
What is a neck strain?
A neck strain is an unphysiological stretching of the neck muscles. In magnetic resonance imaging , edema formation within the muscles becomes visible. In contrast to the muscle fiber tear , however, there are no tears in the muscle fibers of the neck muscles. The excessive muscle stretching in a neck strain is usually caused by a sudden overload of the neck muscle.
The neck muscles are a functional continuation of the back muscles . It is therefore often attributed to the so-called autochthonous back muscles. The neck muscles are responsible for flexing, tilting, extending and rotating the head. In the case of a neck strain, this range of motion can be severely restricted. The musculature of the neck is surrounded by the fascia nuchae, the neck fascia. Strains can occur in all muscles of the neck muscles.
A distinction can be made between an anterior and a posterior or deep neck musculature. The anterior group of neck muscles consists of the anterior rectus capitis muscle and the lateral rectus capitis muscle. The posterior group of neck muscles consists of the rectus capitis posterior major, the rectus capitis posterior minor, the oblique capitis superior, and the oblique capitis inferior.
causes
The complex structure of the anatomical structures of the neck muscles and the neck muscles, the nerve roots and the cervical spine ensures that the neck is very susceptible to functional disorders. Muscular imbalances, which are often a precursor to a strain, are caused by unphysiological and monotonous postures. People who work on screens or on assembly lines are particularly at risk. Constant overhead work or work that strains the muscles on one side also leads to muscular imbalances and increases the risk of suffering a neck strain.Another risk factor is torticollis. This is also referred to as torticollis in medical jargon. Mental illnesses and disorders such as burnout syndrome, depression, neuroses and stress in the area of the neck muscles often somatize themselves and thus prepare the ground for unphysiological stretching.
Diseases
- Muskuläre Dysbalance
When to the doctor?
A neck strain is often caused by overloading the muscles in the upper back. In the case of a slight strain, a few days of rest and rest are often sufficient. If the symptoms persist for several weeks, a doctor’s visit is necessary. The musculature must be examined more closely. If the symptoms occur spontaneously without an apparent reason, a doctor should be consulted. Medical evaluation of neck problems is also necessary if they continue to spread or increase in intensity.
Many people suffer from a neck strain when they feel exposed to increased stress and being overwhelmed at work or at home. You have a burnout, feel sad or are in a separation phase. The psychosomatic consequence is a neck strain. As soon as the person concerned feels that they need support to cope with the situation, they should consult a doctor.
For some people, performing a self-massage or various muscle relaxation techniques is sufficient for a neck strain. They draw strength from yoga exercises, regular meditations or warm baths. If this alleviates the symptoms, a doctor’s visit is not necessary. If the neck strain causes the head, upper body or pelvis to tilt, a doctor should be consulted. There is a risk of permanent damage to the skeletal system and an expansion of the existing symptoms.
diagnosis and course
The actual neck strain is often preceded by pain over a longer period of time . However, a characteristic symptom of a neck strain is severe, sudden pain in the affected neck muscle . The muscle usually swells slightly due to the formation of edema. A severe strain can cause bruising to form in the surrounding tissue, which can increase the pain. Due to the pain, the range of motion of the head is severely restricted. Depending on the location of the strain, the head can only be moved in one direction or only up and down.
complications
A neck strain causes limitations in mobility. This can affect the entire skeletal system. The muscles in the neck are damaged, causing problems in the shoulders, arms and upper back. Pain occurs with movement and impairs the performance of everyday bodily functions. In some cases, driving a car is no longer possible. A general malaise, headaches and tension in the head and neck occur. Rotational movements can no longer be carried out without symptoms and work on the PC or desk is just as restricted as sporting activities. There is a stiffening in the neck that can spread.
A neck strain can lead to circulatory problems in the back, neck or arms. Nerves and organs are not adequately supplied with vital nutrients and trigger functional failures. Unpleasant sensory disturbances of the skin occur. Disorders of consciousness are possible and heart activity increases. The risk of high blood pressure and a heart attack increases. A neck strain can disrupt your night’s sleep. Imbalance, a reduced level of performance and constant tiredness set in. The entire organism is heavily stressed by the interruptions in the rest phase and can trigger overload reactions. The psychological pressure increases and causes the occurrence of mental illnesses.
treatment and therapy
If you suspect a neck strain, you should see your family doctor or an orthopaedist. Neck strains and neck pain based on muscle tension are usually diagnosed clinically by the doctor. This means that the treating doctor can make the diagnosis based on the symptoms, medical history and physical findings. During the physical examination, the doctor examines the state of tension in the muscles, the mobility of the neck and shoulders , muscle strength and muscle reflexes.Touch sensitivity is also tested. Patients with a neck strain are extremely sensitive to touch in the neck area. The doctor also checks whether certain movements of the head or arms can trigger pain in the patient. He also checks whether the spine is sensitive to percussion. Trigger points can also provide information about the localization and the presence of a neck strain. In the event of abnormalities or complications, further diagnostics can be carried out. Imaging methods such as computer tomography , X -rays , magnetic resonance imaging or duplex sonography are used. Also blood tests, cardiological examinations and neurological examinations can be carried out.
outlook and prognosis
In most cases, a neck strain can be treated relatively well. Only in rare cases are those affected dependent on surgical interventions or lengthy treatments to limit the symptoms. If the strain is only slight, it can usually be resolved with rest and relaxation. There are no further complaints and the pain and restricted mobility usually disappear again. However, a doctor should be consulted for severe neck strains, as self-healing may not occur.
In particular, if the muscles are subjected to further strain, tears or other injuries can occur if they are not treated properly. This can also lead to permanent and irreversible damage. Due to the severe pain, patients often suffer from depression or other mental disorders. Furthermore, a neck strain can also restrict various types of work and lead to restrictions in the patient’s everyday life. However, the symptoms of a neck strain can be treated well with various therapies and exercises. Only rarely is the patient’s life expectancy reduced or restricted by this complaint.
prevention
The pain caused by a neck strain usually goes away on its own after a few days to weeks. Simple pain relievers , such as acetaminophen , can relieve the pain until recovery. Anti -inflammatory drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be administered. Depending on the symptoms, cold or warm packs applied to the painful neck can be helpful.
For normal neck strains, doctors rarely prescribe physical therapy and massage . Massages and procedures such as electricity or ultrasound treatment can stimulate blood circulation in the neck muscles and promote metabolic processes. This has a positive effect on the muscles and thus also on the recovery of the patient. If the doctor deems it necessary, he may prescribe physical therapy. But the pain usually has to last longer than a month.Tense and shortened muscles are stretched with various exercises in physiotherapy , so that the mobilization of the neck muscles and the cervical spine improves. Furthermore, relaxation methods and meditative movement therapies can be used for stress-related neck tension. Neck strains are best prevented by relaxing your neck and neck muscles. To this end, monotonous work and movement sequences should be avoided. People who work at screens should take regular breaks and use them for stretching and neck movement exercises.
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.