Neck pain is one of the most common complaints people come to our clinic with. Sometimes it is the result of a single careless movement, but far more often it develops gradually, as the result of hours spent in front of a screen. In this article we explain why the neck hurts, how to recognise cervical syndrome and how therapy can give you back your freedom of movement.
Why neck pain develops
The cervical part of the spine carries the head, which weighs around five kilograms, and at the same time it has to remain mobile in every direction. This combination of load and mobility is what makes it vulnerable. When the muscles, joints and intervertebral discs in this region are under constant overload, what we call cervical syndrome develops, a set of complaints originating in the cervical spine.
The most common causes we see in practice are:
- Computer work and a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for a long time in the same position tires the muscles of the neck and shoulders and reduces their blood supply.
- So-called text neck. When we lower the head towards the phone, the load on the cervical spine increases many times over. At a tilt of only a few tens of degrees, the neck bears a force equal to several times the weight of the head itself.
- Cervical spondylosis. Over time the discs and joints of the cervical spine naturally wear down, which can narrow the space through which the nerves pass and cause pain, stiffness and numbness.
- Muscle tension and stress. Tension is often held unconsciously in the shoulders and neck, so the muscles remain tight and sore.
- Sudden movements and a poor position during sleep. An unsuitable pillow or sleeping on your stomach puts additional strain on the neck.
Symptoms of cervical syndrome
The complaints of cervical syndrome need not stay in the neck alone. Because of the way the nerves and muscles are connected, the pain often spreads to other parts of the body as well. Pay attention to the following signs:
- dull or sharp pain in the neck that worsens when you turn your head,
- stiffness and a feeling that you cannot move your neck freely,
- pain that spreads towards the shoulder, the shoulder blade or down the arm,
- numbness or tingling in the fingers,
- headaches that start from the back of the head, so-called cervicogenic headaches,
- occasional dizziness or a feeling of tension at the nape of the neck.
Many people do not connect cervicogenic headaches with the spine, yet they actually arise when the tense muscles and joints of the upper neck press on the nerves running towards the head. When the neck relaxes, the headache often disappears as well.
Tips for better posture in everyday life
A large part of neck problems can be eased by changing your habits. Here is what we advise patients to do every day:
- Place the top edge of your screen at eye level, so that you do not lower your head.
- Raise the phone towards your face instead of tilting your head towards it.
- Every thirty to forty minutes, stand up, take a walk and gently stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed, down and back, rather than raised towards your ears.
- Choose a pillow that keeps the neck in line with the spine and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Regularly strengthen the muscles of your back and neck with gentle exercises, because a strong muscle corset protects the spine.
How therapy helps with cervical syndrome
For neck pain, the best results come from a combined approach that at the same time relieves the pain, relaxes the tense muscles and restores mobility. As part of physical therapy we draw up a plan tailored to each patient, based on the cause of the complaints and how long they have lasted.
In treating cervical syndrome we most often use:
- Magnetic therapy, which reduces inflammation and pain and stimulates tissue recovery in the deeper layers of the neck.
- Therapeutic massages, which relax the tense muscles of the neck and shoulders and improve blood flow.
- Dry needling, which acts precisely on the painful, tight points in the muscles and quickly releases tension.
- Kinesitherapy, that is, exercises under expert guidance, which strengthen the muscles, correct posture and prevent the complaints from returning.
The aim is not only to make the pain go away, but also to remove the cause, so that you feel well in the long term. That is why, along with therapy, you always receive advice and exercises to continue at home.
When to see a doctor
Occasional stiffness of the neck is usually no cause for concern and eases with rest and movement. Nevertheless, be sure to seek professional help if the pain lasts longer than a few days, if it spreads down the arm, if you feel pronounced weakness or numbness in the fingers, or if the pain is accompanied by a severe headache and dizziness. This article is informative in nature and does not replace an examination by a doctor, who alone can accurately determine the cause of the complaints and recommend appropriate therapy.
At the REHABILITY clinic in Subotica we have been helping patients free themselves of neck pain and return to everyday activities without limitation since 2006. If cervical syndrome is troubling you, book an examination or call us on 024/522-150, and together we will create a plan that suits you.