Our neck consists of vertebrae, which run from the neck to the upper torso. Between the vertebrae are special discs that absorb pressure. The bones, ligaments and muscles located in the neck — still working to keep the head and carry out the movement. Any anomaly, injury or inflammation in the cervical region leads to the painful feelings.
What to do if my neck hurts? Because from time to time it happens with everyone. Often it is related to перенапряжением or incorrect posture. Sometimes the pain may be the result of injury due to a fall or playing sports.
The most commonly get rid of the pain in the neck can in a few days at home without the additional funds, if it is quite negligible, then it is held by itself. Sometimes it can be a warning sign of serious injuries and illnesses, and requires immediate examination by a specialist. If your neck pain is severe, persists for more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Causes of pain in the neck
When the neck hurts? It can be caused due to several reasons.
Muscle strain and sprain
The bowl only is it due to:
- bad posture;
- too long search for the working table;
- failed posture during sleep;
- damage to the neck during exercise.
Injury
Our neck is particularly sensitive when crashes, car accidents, sports and other activities in which the muscles are forced to go beyond the usual range of motion. At the turn of the cervical vertebrae a big chance that the spinal cord is also damaged.
Heart attack
Pain in the neck can be a symptom of myocardial infarction. Usually, however, in such cases manifests itself along with other symptoms, such as:
- shortness of breath;
- increased sweating;
- weakness;
- vomiting;
- pain in the hands or jaw.
If you have noticed in several of the listed symptoms, immediately call a management of a Quick.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin shell of the spinal cord and the brain. In many cases, patients with meningitis, along with the zeal and headaches emphasize the discomfort and застои in the neck. This is a very dangerous disease, which can end up with fatal consequences. If you are celebrating with yourself to the symptoms of meningitis, immediately consult a physician.
Other reasons
- Rheumatoid arthritis causes discomfort, swelling of the joints and bone spurs. In the development of arthritis in the neck appear severe pain.
- Osteoporosis leads to weakened bones and fractures. The biggest risk usually prone on hands and knees, but often suffer from and neck.
- Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the neck and shoulders.
- With age there is degeneration of the intervertebral disk. This condition is also called osteoarthritis — a narrowing of the space between the ceruicis the vertebrae, thereby increasing the burden on the neck and causes painful feelings.
- As a result of injuries intervertebral disc can begin to strongly influence outwards, thereby increasing the load on the spine and the nerve endings, causing discomfort.
- Spinal stenosis occurs when the spine narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, when it comes out of the vertebrae. It may be the result of long-term inflammation caused by arthritis and other diseases.
In rare cases, a sore throat may occur due to:
- congenital anomalies;
- infection;
- abscess;
- tumors;
- cancer of the spine.
If it's worth it to visit the doctor
If symptoms persist for more than a week, it is worth it to consult with a specialist. Also it is necessary to go to the hospital, if you have the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the neck without cause;
- tumor;
- heat;
- headaches;
- inflamed лимфоузлы;
- weakness;
- vomiting;
- problems with swallowing and breathing;
- nausea;
- numbness;
- ringing in the ears;
- pain that spreads from the top down, hands or feet;
- inability to move hands;
- the inability to touch the chin chest;
- work stoppages of the bladder or bowel.
Also, seek immediate medical help if pain arose as a result of a fall or accident.
How to treat pain in the neck
In the first place, your doctor will check your physical condition and medical history. Be ready to tell you about all the nuances that manifest themselves symptoms. Also worth noting about all of the medicines you have taken recently. All the information about the available injury, even if it seems to you that it has no relationship to the problem, it will be useful.
The method of treatment depends on the diagnosis. In addition to the overall examination and analysis of your medical card, the doctor may also prescribe additional tests:
- analysis of the blood;
- x-rays;
- computed tomography;
- MRI-scan;
- электромиография, which allows you to control the condition of the muscles and watching their nerve endings;
- lumbar or lumbar puncture.
Depending on the results of analyses the doctor will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Treatment may include:
- calor justo;
- Physical therapy and stretching;
- anesthetic;
- injection of a corticosteroid;
- muscle relaxers;
- cervical bandage;
- tractu вытяжение of the spine;
- antibiotics (if there is infection);
- treatment in the hospital (when менингите and heart attack);
- surgery (rarely used).
An alternative treatment is:
- acupuncture;
- chiropractic;
- massage;
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Whether it is a method of treatment, make sure that is turned to a certified specialist.
How to get rid of sore throat at home
If there is pain a little, try the following methods of treatment:
- The first few days прикладывайте a cold compress on the injured area. Immediately after use warm compresses or take a warm shower;
- Take medications without a doctor's prescription pain medication means, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
- For a few days to give up the sport, weightlifting and activity, which amplifies painful sensations. At least reduce the symptoms, gradually return to привычному activity level;
- Perform the exercises every day for the neck. Slowly pull your head from side to side, top to bottom;
- Watch your posture;
- During the call, not pinch the phone between neck and shoulder;
- Often change the position of the body. Do not sit and do not do not stay too long without moving;
- Make a light massage of the neck;
- While you sleep, use a special pillow for neck;
- Do not wear neck bandage without prior consultation with a specialist. Incorrect its use may worsen the symptoms.
Stretching helps to forget the pain
At work, try to monitor was located at eye level, sit up straight, back keep exactly, is not recurvus and do not lower your head too low. While driving behind the wheel or surf the internet from your smartphone try to give you small periods of rest to the neck vertebrae not to go too far forward.
The key to liberation from the pain — the correct moves and the appropriate stretching. The following exercises for the back and neck is possible to do in the job and behind the wheel:
- To 10 circular movements of the shoulders back,
- 10 times сведите the shoulder blades together;
- Keeping your head straight, most упритесь backset into the arms of the chair and hold this position for 30 seconds;
- Tilt your head to the side as close to the shoulder, 10 times on each side.
Be careful in your sleep
If you often troubled by pain in the cervical region, then it is worth it внимательней refers to the fact, in what conditions and in what position you are sleeping. Try to sleep on your side or on your back — never sleep on my stomach.
When you sleep on your stomach, then turn your head in one direction or another, and my neck stiffens a few hours in an uncomfortable position. Such a dream can have a negative impact on the condition of the lumbar, as in the case of a proper support of the abdomen "falls" down.
In less pain in addition to exercise, stick to the following recommendations:
- Attach to the damaged area cold or hot compress. The first 48-72 hours, use ice, then go to hot compresses. Do not compress during sleep, because it can lead to injury.
- Take medications without a doctor's prescription pain medication means, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen;
- Continue to move, but eliminate those movements that increase the pain. This will help relieve symptoms and inflammation.
- Make a light massage of the neck.
- Try to sleep on a firm mattress without a pillow or on a special pillow on the neck.
- Ask your doctor about the need for the use of cervical бандажа. Not to wear the bandage for too long, it can relax the muscles.
9 yoga exercises for neck
Yoga is another good way to get rid of the pain.
1. Hands over breasts
Comfortably sit on the floor or on a chair with a straight back, shoulders relaxed, neck, extra long. Pull your right hand so that it was at shoulder height, and put her to the left. Turn your head and look over your right shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the neck and the back part of the shoulder. Linger in this position for 8-10 breaths-выдохов, then repeat the same process with the left hand.
2. Pose "продевание yarn on the needle"
Stand on all fours, knees at an angle towards to the sides. Pull the left hand top forward and swipe right under it. Опуститесь on the floor, right shoulder and face. Close your eyes, relax, feel how to stretch the muscles of the shoulders, arms, upper back and neck. Linger in this position for 8-10 breaths-выдохов, then repeat the same process with the left hand.
3. Hands eagle
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, the spine is the exactly, his neck stretched out. Pull both hands to the width and height of the shoulders. Bend your right hand to your head and slide your left hand under the right. Bend and wrap the left arm around the right. The ultimate goal — to touch the palms of the hands. It may take some time, so if you can not, then, grasp the left hand behind the right wrist. Breathe deeply. Lower the shoulders, gently take his hands from his face and again slowly head towards the left shoulder. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the hands, shoulders, upper back and neck. Linger in this position for at least 5 breaths-выдохов (ideally 10). Repeat on the other side.
4. The circular motion of the head
Comfortably sit on the floor or on a chair with a straight back, shoulders relaxed, neck extra long. Lower your chin to your chest, then slowly lower your head to the right, trying to touch the right ear to the right shoulder. Dip the tips of the fingers of the left hand on the left shoulder and the right hand above the left ear. The stronger you push your hands on the shoulder and the ear, the stronger they are stretched muscles. This exercise from the pain in the neck and shoulders. Repeat on the other side.
5. The circular motion of the shoulders
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, back keep exactly. Place the tips of the fingers to the shoulders. Stretch your elbows together, in front of the body to stretch the shoulder blades and upper back. Up — to stretch the triceps. Towards— to stretch the chest and on the front side of the shoulders. Stretch the elbows to each other from the sides of the back, stretch the deep muscles of the shoulders and chest.
6. Stretching Is A "Cat"
Stand on all fours, knees at an angle towards to the sides. On every breath deflect back, gaze directed at the ceiling. With each exhale pull your chin to chest, pull your tailbone under you, back округлите. This exercise helps to stretch the muscles of the neck, chest, shoulders, back and lower back. Each position keep in 8-10 выдохов-выдохов.
7. Hand to локтю
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, back keep exactly. Lift your right arm up, bend at the elbows and lower between the shoulder blades. Left palm down on the right elbow and gently press to enhance the stretching of the muscles. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the shoulders, triceps, back, and neck. Hold the position for 8-10 breaths. Repeat on the other side.
8. Hands in the lock behind your back
Stand up straight, feet shoulder width apart. Take your hands behind your back and соприкоснитесь palm. Raise your hands, a maximum high, up to that time, until you feel how it tightens the front part of the shoulder. Hold the position for 8-10 breaths.
9. The fish posture with the support of the
Sit on the floor, legs stretch out in front of themselves, or bend at the knees. Place a small pile of blankets or two blocks for yoga exercises in a row, to take, when to lean back, one between the shoulder blades and the other under his head. Опуститесь back on the blocks, keep your hands safely on the sides of the torso. This position allows you to stretch the muscles of the chest and the neck and front of shoulders. Hold the position for 8-10 breaths.