3 minutes of reading
The neck - or cervical spine - is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints and muscles. The role of the neck is to provide support and mobility for the head. This activity, when improperly exercised or absent, causes pain. Neck pain is most common in adults, but can occur at any age. About 15% of adults suffer from neck pain every three months! This pain lasts for at least one day. Cervical spine pain can occur suddenly, for example in an accident, but also slowly and gradually, for example after years of poor posture. There are many reasons why cervical spine pain arises. Irritation at the nerve pathways of the neck can cause pain in the shoulder, head and arm. Neck pain usually subsides within a few days or weeks. If the pain persists longer, it is time to see a doctor. What should you know about cervical spine?
Foundation of the spine
Forward, backward and circular movements are made possible by a pair of facet joints that connect the two vertebrae. Between the vertebrae is a disc (intervertebral disc) that provides cushioning, spacing and coordination. Nerve roots extend from the spinal cord and exit through intervertebral openings in the bones. These can be found on the left and right side of the spine.
The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and consists of a series of 7 vertebral segments called C1 to C7. It connects to the thoracic region of the spine at the level of C7- T1. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons help the cervical spine stabilize and move. The most common cause of neck pain is excessive strain on one of these soft tissues. This type of injury usually heals within a week or two. The exception comes at the top of the cervical spine, which mainly provides rotation for the skull. Various cervical spine problems can irritate the nerve root or spinal cord, causing long-term neck pain as well as neurological problems. Often, for example, a degenerated discpressing into a nerve or a bony prominence growing on the facet joints that interferes with the nerve.
Symptoms of sore neck and their extent
Neck pain can be small and easy to ignore, but still so excruciating that it interferes with daily activities. Cervical spine pain can prevent a person from being able to get dressed, do the washing, working or sleeping. If this pain leads to stiffness in the neck, the range of motion is quite minimal, we talk about a neck sprain. The duration of neck pain is commonly classified into:
Neck pain may be sharp and persist in one place, or it may be less intense and affect a wider area. Sometimes the pain progresses to the head or is accompanied by headache. Other manifestations include muscle spasms in the neck, upper back, shoulder blade or a sharp pain or tingling sensation in the shoulders and arms. Every pain is a reaction of the body trying to alert us to a problem. However, it is not always a banality. Sometimes we can just sit in a draft and subsequently get a neck pain which disappears in a few days. But never take it lightly! Some of the signs and symptoms associated with neck pain can indicate serious problems such as nerve root or spinal cord damage, or a possible infection. Such diagnoses are often accompanied by high fevers, chills, pain and tingling in the upper and lower extremities, problems with balance and body coordination, or other unpleasant symptoms. In this case, see a doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Time plays an important role here, every day counts, so be sure not to postpone professional consultations. For trauma that is caused by a fall or an accident, it is necessary to seek emergency care.
How to treat a sore neck
Cervical spine pain can usually be relieved by resting, applying a cool compress or improving your posture. Sometimes medical interventions such as medication, physiotherapy or injection therapy are needed. If none of these alternatives help and the pain still doesn't subside, it's time to consider surgery. Your doctor will always explain the potential risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure to you beforehand. To avoid these extreme solutions, try the NoPainOffice program, which offers regular short videos on office exercises. Prevention is the best option.
