Neck pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint after low back pain. It has started to be seen more frequently, especially with computers, tablets and smart phones dominating our lives.
What is Neck Pain?
90% of neck pain is of mechanical origin. Neck pain may be accompanied by arm pain, numbness and tingling in the arm, back pain and limitation in neck movements.
The most common causes are; Damage to the neck muscles and ligaments (muscle strain = cervical strain) that develops after incorrect posture or compulsive movement, and trigger points and tense muscle bands (myofacial pain syndrome) that develop in the neck muscles. Calcification in the neck joints (cervical spondylosis = neck calcification) and wear and herniation of the discs that act as shock absorbers in the spine (cervical disc hernia = neck hernia) are the leading causes of neck pain.
Lung, heart and gall bladder diseases can also cause pain that radiates to the neck. Shoulder diseases can spread to the neck area. Your doctor will find the cause of your pain with examinations and tests.
What are the Causes of Neck Pain?
Neck problems, injury, poor posture, excessive strain, wear, tear, blows in sports activities, sprains or It develops due to the disease. In this syndrome, the victim initially experiences only mild pain, but develops neck stiffness and pain after a few hours. Discomfort peaks in a few days and resolves within 1 month.
Poor posture or obesity, weak abdominal muscles or sitting for long periods of time cause the waist to curve forward and the back to curve back. In order to achieve this balance, the neck is pushed forward and neck pain occurs. If the neck muscles remain contracted without rest, neck pain occurs.
There are changes in the cervical spine with age. Especially at the age of 40-60, the wear and tear of the spine in the C4-C6 range causes neck pain. As the disc wears, it shrinks, loses its flexibility and water content, degenerates erosion occurs. Pain occurs as a result of degeneration.
What kind of treatments are used for neck pain?
Very good results can be obtained with non-surgical treatments for neck pain. Conservative treatments applied can be briefly summarized as follows:
- Medicine therapy (simple painkillers, anti-rheumatic drugs, muscle relaxants, other drugs used in the treatment of chronic pain)
- Physical therapy agents (superficial heat, cold) application, ultrasound, laser therapy, heating and relaxation of deep tissues, pain relief with electric currents, strengthening muscles and stimulating worn nerves)
- Pain bands (kinesiotape) and neck collar applications
- With ESWT trigger point therapy
- Massage, mobilization and manipulation
- Local injections, dry needling
- Exercise program
- Recommendations for correcting posture in daily life ( orthopedic neck pillow selection, appropriate sports activity selection, ergonomics suggestions at office and home)
Neck Pain and Acupuncture
With acupuncture treatment, strong pain relievers from the body Endorphins and enkephalins are secreted.
These substances are very effective in the treatment of arthrosis, headaches, low back and neck pain and similar painful syndromes. If the neck pain is caused by the edema around the hernia, this released cortisone dissolves the edema in that area and relieves the pressure exerted by the edema on the nerve. Relief of pressure also reduces pain.
Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) from the brain. GABA is a powerful muscle relaxant and causes pain relief. There is muscle spasm, especially in neck and waist hernias. Thanks to GABA, this spasm is eliminated.
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