There are 7 vertebrae in the neck region. Between the vertebrae, there is a cartilage tissue called disc that starts between the second and third vertebrae. The neck has the ability to move our head in all directions and has a structure that carries the weight of the head. It provides these movements through the discs and joints located between the vertebrae. The spinal cord passes through the cervical vertebrae. The nerves that provide movement of the arm muscles and sensation of the arms come out of the holes located between the vertebrae. Since the cervical vertebrae have a very mobile structure, neck pain is a common complaint. Half of the people in the adult age group experience neck pain at least once in their lives.
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Types and Causes of Neck Pain
There are two main types of neck pain: Mechanical neck pain and pain due to spinal pathologies.
1. Mechanical Neck Pain
This is the most common type of neck pain. It usually occurs due to minor traumas affecting the neck or minor injuries affecting the neck muscles and connective tissue. Poor posture is the most important cause of this type of pain. It is a common complaint, especially in people who work at a desk all day long, leaning forward. Mechanical neck pain can spread to the head, shoulders and arms.
Often, the real cause and location of the pain cannot be found. This pain gradually decreases within 2-3 days and disappears within 1-2 weeks. Sometimes the pain can become chronic and occasionally worsen as acute attacks. Pain or numbness radiating to the arm and hand can be a sign of nerve root compression. In this case, it is useful to see a doctor to be evaluated for cervical disc herniation.
The aim of treating mechanical neck pain is to restore neck movements to normal as soon as possible. Since neck movements are painful at the beginning, the person wants to keep their neck still. However, in order to prevent the neck from stiffening, it is necessary to make natural movements by continuously increasing the degree of pain as much as the pain allows. Using a neck brace is not recommended as it will restrict neck movements. Restoring the neck to its normal movements as soon as possible prevents the pain from becoming chronic. Painkillers are useful to reduce pain. Tablets containing paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce pain and make neck movements easier. If muscle spasm is evident, muscle relaxants can be used for 2-3 days. Due to the side effects of the drugs, it is necessary to start appropriate drug treatment according to the doctor's recommendation.
In what cases can the cause of pain be serious?
- If the patient has a serious systemic disease such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis
- If the pain gets worse instead of decreasing day by day
- If there is a loss of strength or a change in sensation in the arm
- If there are symptoms such as fever and weight loss along with the pain
- If there is tenderness in the neck bones
2. Neck Pain Due to Spinal Diseases
Neck pain in this group is proportionally less common than mechanical neck pain. The most common causes are:
a) Cervical disc herniation
b) Degeneration / wear in the cervical vertebrae (Cervical spondylosis)
c) Spinal cord involvement due to narrowing in the cervical spinal canal (Cervical spondylotic myelopathy)
