Neck pain can occur more often than thought and sometimes radiate into the shoulder. Headaches or dizziness can also be a result of neck pain. The pain can manifest itself in very different ways and sometimes even resemble sore muscles. Often, neck pain is also paraphrased as “having a stiff neck.” Acute or chronic neck pain should definitely be investigated.
The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!
The triggers for neck pain can be quite different. Most often, tense muscles are the cause, which can be caused by sitting for a long time, for example. Neck pain can indicate diseases of the cervical spine and also the lumbar spine. That’s because a herniated disc doesn’t have to occur only in the lower back. In cervical spine syndrome, the cervical vertebrae are affected by a herniated disc. Other causes of neck pain may include:
If the neck pain persists for a long period of time, more than three months, it is a chronic condition. Bad postures that would be taken over a long period of time can also be the cause of neck pain. Especially when the cervical spine is in a strong curvature due to poor posture, neck pain can occur, for example.
The symptoms of neck pain can be quite different, depending on the severity. They are often regionally limited and do not radiate into neighboring regions. Tension in the neck region, which is not perceived as extremely painful, can also occur. The tensions in the musculature can then possibly also lead to blockages in the area of the cervical spine, which must be released.
In addition to tension pain, neck pain can also radiate to other regions and may also cause discomfort in the head, chest as well as between the shoulder blades. The neck pain may radiate to the forearm or hands. This is the case, for example, when a herniated disc pinches the exiting nerve roots. As a result, sensory disturbances may also occur, such as numbness or tingling sensations. These sensory disturbances show up along the course of the nerve. Other symptoms that may be associated with neck pain:
The paralysis symptoms can also appear in the legs, namely when a herniated disc occurs in the lower region or in the lumbar spine. This is when spinal cord entrapment occurs, which can lead to numbness and paralysis in the legs. In extreme cases, this can even cause paraplegia. Gait unsteadiness or bladder and rectal dysfunction may also be evident.
A comprehensive, thorough diagnosis is especially important for neck pain in order to find out the exact trigger. During an interview, the first questions asked are about possible causes and the duration of the neck pain. Any pre-existing conditions are also important in this context. This is followed by a physical examination, looking at various factors. Important are the functions of the muscles and the existing mobility in the area of the cervical and lumbar spine. The neck is also examined to see if a nerve is blocked or pinched.
After the physical examination, further diagnostic steps can be taken. The following procedures, for example, may be considered:
A blood test is also performed, for example, to diagnose any inflammation in the body.
Similar to back pain, neck pain can be treated with a variety of therapies. When choosing adequate treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to the causes of pain in the neck. Painful tension, for example, can be relieved with special medication (infusion therapy). These include painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Massage or customized ultrasound therapy can also provide relief for neck pain. Other therapeutic measures:
You can prevent pain in the neck and shoulder area by strengthening your neck muscles. Long, sedentary jobs can lead to spinal overload and, as a result, neck pain. It is better to weave movements and small exercises into your daily routine every now and then. Don’t just sit, get up every now and then and move around a bit.
It is recommended to regularly exercise your muscles in the shoulder and neck area. If the first tensions appear, you should stretch the affected area every now and then. Stress or significant, psychological strain can also lead to neck pain. Try to make your everyday life as stress-free as possible. You should also pay attention to the following points:
As soon as you notice the first neck pain, you should not fall into an unnatural protective posture. It is better to keep moving. Too much rest tends to be counterproductive to the healing process for neck and back pain. We would be happy to show you what else you can do for prevention and acute neck pain. Make an initial appointment at our Orthopedic Center Munich East.
