How does WebMD’s new Symptom Checker work. What are the key features of the updated tool. How can users effectively navigate the symptom selection process. What should users know about interpreting the results.

Navigating WebMD’s Enhanced Symptom Checker: A Comprehensive Guide

WebMD has recently unveiled an updated version of its Symptom Checker, introducing a novel feature that allows users to select symptoms based on body location. This enhancement aims to streamline the process of symptom identification and potential condition assessment. The tool now offers a more intuitive interface, enabling users to select multiple symptoms efficiently.

Key Features of the Updated Symptom Checker

• Body location-based symptom selection
• 11 primary body regions and 41 sub-regions
• Quick multiple symptom selection
• Improved search functionality
• General symptoms and skin-specific categories

The updated tool provides a more comprehensive approach to symptom analysis, allowing users to pinpoint their concerns with greater accuracy. By incorporating body regions and sub-regions, WebMD has created a more user-friendly experience that caters to a wide range of health queries.

Understanding the Body Region Classification System

WebMD’s Symptom Checker now incorporates a sophisticated body region classification system. This system consists of 11 primary body regions, each further divided into specific sub-regions. For instance, while the arm represents a primary region, the elbow is categorized as a sub-region within it.

This hierarchical structure serves a dual purpose: it allows users to specify their symptoms more precisely while also providing a broader category for those uncertain about the exact location of their symptoms. The inclusion of sub-regions enhances the tool’s ability to offer more accurate and relevant results.

Navigating Body Regions and Sub-Regions

When using the Symptom Checker, users may sometimes find themselves unsure about which body area to select. In such cases, it’s advisable to begin with the primary body region. This approach ensures that users don’t overlook any potential symptoms, as all sub-region symptoms are also listed under their corresponding primary region.

For example, if a user is experiencing discomfort in the arm but can’t pinpoint whether it’s specifically in the elbow, wrist, or shoulder, selecting the primary “arm” region would be the most appropriate choice. This strategy ensures a comprehensive review of all possible arm-related symptoms.

Addressing Non-Localized Symptoms: Chills and General Discomfort

While many symptoms can be easily associated with specific body parts, some, like chills, are more generalized and don’t correspond to a particular location. WebMD’s Symptom Checker has taken this into account, providing alternative methods for inputting such symptoms.

Options for Inputting General Symptoms

1. Main search box: Users can directly type symptoms like “chills” into the primary search field.
2. “General Symptoms” category: This dedicated section houses symptoms that don’t align with specific body regions.
3. Skin symptoms section: A separate category exclusively for skin-related concerns.

These options ensure that users can effectively communicate all their symptoms, regardless of whether they’re localized or general in nature. This comprehensive approach enhances the tool’s ability to provide accurate and relevant results.

Maximizing Symptom Input: Strategies for Thorough Searches

To get the most out of WebMD’s Symptom Checker, users should aim to input as much relevant information as possible. The tool is designed to handle multiple symptoms, and providing a comprehensive list often leads to more accurate results.

Tips for Effective Symptom Searches

• Check both “most common” and “all” symptom tabs when selecting a body location
• Utilize the category-specific search box for a broader range of symptoms
• Leverage the main page search box to access all symptoms across all categories
• Input multiple symptoms for more precise results

By following these strategies, users can ensure they’re providing the Symptom Checker with a complete picture of their health concerns, leading to more accurate and helpful results.

Navigating the “Questions” Page: Handling Missing Conditions or Medications

The “Questions” page of the Symptom Checker allows users to input additional information about their medical history and current medications. However, users may sometimes find that their specific condition or medication isn’t listed in the type-ahead suggestions.

What to Do When Your Condition or Medication Isn’t Listed

If you can’t find your condition or medication in the provided list, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t invalidate your symptoms or concerns. The absence of a particular item simply means that WebMD doesn’t have sufficient information to factor it into the results algorithm.

In such cases, users are advised to skip that particular field. It’s crucial to remember that all questions on this page are optional, and users can proceed directly to the results if they prefer. The tool is designed to provide insights based on the information available, so omitting certain details won’t prevent you from receiving helpful results.

Interpreting and Using Symptom Checker Results

Once you’ve input your symptoms and any additional information, the Symptom Checker will generate a list of potential conditions. Understanding how these results are formulated and presented is crucial for making the most of this tool.

How Results Are Ordered

The Symptom Checker ranks potential conditions based on two primary factors:

1. How closely your symptoms match a particular condition
2. The prevalence of the condition in the United States

This dual-factor approach aims to provide results that are both relevant to your specific symptoms and reflective of common health issues. However, it’s important to note that extremely rare conditions may not appear in the results, even if they match your symptoms closely.

Limitations and Precautions

While the Symptom Checker is a valuable tool for initial health assessments, it’s crucial to understand its limitations:

• It does not provide medical advice
• Results are for informational purposes only
• It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment

Users should always consult with a healthcare professional for specific concerns, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. In case of a potential medical emergency, it’s essential to contact a doctor immediately or dial emergency services.

Best Practices for Using WebMD’s Symptom Checker

To ensure the most accurate and helpful results from the Symptom Checker, users should follow certain best practices:

Navigation Tips

• Use the tool’s internal “back” or “previous” buttons to navigate between pages
• Avoid using your browser’s back button, as this may cause you to lose entered symptoms

Symptom Input Recommendations

• Enter multiple symptoms for more precise results
• Be as specific as possible when selecting body regions and symptoms
• Utilize both the “most common” and “all” symptom tabs

Result Interpretation

• Remember that results are based on symptom matching and condition prevalence
• Consider results as a starting point for discussion with a healthcare provider
• Don’t use the tool as a substitute for professional medical advice

By following these guidelines, users can maximize the benefits of WebMD’s Symptom Checker while understanding its role as an informational tool rather than a diagnostic device.

Understanding Chills and Stiff Neck: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help

While the original text focuses primarily on the functionality of WebMD’s Symptom Checker, it’s important to address the specific symptoms mentioned in the title: chills and stiff neck. These symptoms can be associated with various conditions, ranging from minor infections to more serious medical issues.

Common Causes of Chills and Stiff Neck

• Viral infections (e.g., flu, common cold)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)
• Meningitis
• Muscle strain or tension
• Stress and anxiety

The combination of chills and a stiff neck can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or sensitivity to light. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While WebMD’s Symptom Checker can provide initial insights, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

• Severe, persistent neck pain
• High fever accompanying chills and neck stiffness
• Difficulty moving your head
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Nausea and vomiting along with neck pain and chills

Remember, tools like the Symptom Checker are designed to provide information and guidance, but they cannot replace the expertise of a healthcare professional. Always err on the side of caution when dealing with persistent or concerning symptoms.

The Role of Digital Health Tools in Modern Healthcare

The development and enhancement of tools like WebMD’s Symptom Checker reflect a broader trend in healthcare: the increasing integration of digital technologies to empower patients and support healthcare providers. These tools serve several important functions in the modern healthcare landscape.

Benefits of Digital Symptom Checkers

• Increased health awareness and education
• Preliminary self-assessment capabilities
• Potential reduction in unnecessary medical visits
• Support for informed discussions with healthcare providers

However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of these tools. They are designed to supplement, not replace, professional medical advice and care. The responsible use of digital health tools involves recognizing when self-assessment is sufficient and when professional intervention is necessary.

The Future of Digital Health Tools

As technology continues to advance, we can expect digital health tools to become increasingly sophisticated. Future developments may include:

• Integration with personal health data from wearable devices
• Improved AI algorithms for more accurate symptom analysis
• Personalized health recommendations based on individual medical histories
• Enhanced telemedicine capabilities

These advancements hold the potential to further empower individuals in managing their health while also supporting healthcare providers in delivering more efficient and personalized care. However, the ethical use of such technologies, particularly concerning data privacy and the potential for overreliance on digital tools, will remain important considerations as these technologies evolve.

In conclusion, tools like WebMD’s Symptom Checker represent a valuable resource in the digital health landscape. By understanding how to use these tools effectively and recognizing their limitations, individuals can take a more active role in their health management while still relying on the irreplaceable expertise of healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptom Checker with Body from WebMD

NEW: This symptom checker now includes the ability to select symptoms by body location. We hope this makes it easier for you to identify your symptoms and possible conditions.

The tool also allows you to select multiple symptoms quickly. Click to see FAQs and tips for searching

1) How many body sections are there?

• There are 11 primary body regions and 41 sub-regions from which you can choose. For example, the arm is a primary region, and your elbow is a more specific sub-region. The ability to choose sub-regions allows you to more precisely specify your symptoms.

2) What should I do if I’m not sure which body area to choose?

• Since all symptoms in a sub-region (example “elbow”) are also listed in the primary body region (example “arm”), it is best to start with the primary body region if you are unsure exactly where the symptom is on your body.

3) What if my symptom isn’t associated with a specific body location (for example, “chills”)?

• If you are not sure what body area your symptom falls under, you can type your symptom in the main search box or select the “General Symptoms” category.

• There is also a separate section for skin symptoms only.

4) What if I don’t see my symptom on the list?

• When a body location is selected, the “most common symptoms” are displayed first, but you can also switch tabs to see “All” symptoms.

• You can also use the category-specific search box to search for all symptoms in that category.

• The search box on the main page includes ALL symptoms in all categories.

5) What if I can’t find my condition or my medication on the “Questions” page?

•If your condition or medication is not displayed in the type-ahead list, we don’t have enough information about it to factor it into the results. If you don’t see it, skip that field.

• All questions are optional, you can always skip directly to results.

6) Are there any other tips for using this symptom checker?

• If you need to go back to a previous page, please use the “back” or “previous” buttons within the tool. Do not use the back button on your browser or phone. You could lose the symptoms you entered.

• Results are ordered by how closely your symptoms match a condition AND how common it is (in the United States). Extremely rare conditions may not surface in this tool. You should always consult a doctor for specific concerns.

• We strongly suggest entering more than 1 symptom. It will likely improve your results.

This tool does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Symptom Checker with Body from WebMD

NEW: This symptom checker now includes the ability to select symptoms by body location. We hope this makes it easier for you to identify your symptoms and possible conditions.

The tool also allows you to select multiple symptoms quickly. Click to see FAQs and tips for searching

1) How many body sections are there?

• There are 11 primary body regions and 41 sub-regions from which you can choose. For example, the arm is a primary region, and your elbow is a more specific sub-region. The ability to choose sub-regions allows you to more precisely specify your symptoms.

2) What should I do if I’m not sure which body area to choose?

• Since all symptoms in a sub-region (example “elbow”) are also listed in the primary body region (example “arm”), it is best to start with the primary body region if you are unsure exactly where the symptom is on your body.

3) What if my symptom isn’t associated with a specific body location (for example, “chills”)?

• If you are not sure what body area your symptom falls under, you can type your symptom in the main search box or select the “General Symptoms” category.

• There is also a separate section for skin symptoms only.

4) What if I don’t see my symptom on the list?

• When a body location is selected, the “most common symptoms” are displayed first, but you can also switch tabs to see “All” symptoms.

• You can also use the category-specific search box to search for all symptoms in that category.

• The search box on the main page includes ALL symptoms in all categories.

5) What if I can’t find my condition or my medication on the “Questions” page?

•If your condition or medication is not displayed in the type-ahead list, we don’t have enough information about it to factor it into the results. If you don’t see it, skip that field.

• All questions are optional, you can always skip directly to results.

6) Are there any other tips for using this symptom checker?

• If you need to go back to a previous page, please use the “back” or “previous” buttons within the tool. Do not use the back button on your browser or phone. You could lose the symptoms you entered.

• Results are ordered by how closely your symptoms match a condition AND how common it is (in the United States). Extremely rare conditions may not surface in this tool. You should always consult a doctor for specific concerns.

• We strongly suggest entering more than 1 symptom. It will likely improve your results.

This tool does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Approaches

Approximately 2/3 of people worldwide experience neck pain [1]. These are mostly middle-aged people, women are affected somewhat more often than men [2,3]. Neck pain is a very common phenomenon, and there are a lot of factors provoking it. The main causes of neck pain can be grouped as follows: degenerative diseases of the spine, neck injuries, immune disorders, infections, tumors and referred pain in diseases of the internal organs, pain in fibromyalgia and psychogenic pain [4]. Among these causes, the main, most common are osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.

The prevalence of degenerative diseases of the spine, osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis is known to increase with age. X-ray signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, osteophytes, degenerative changes in the intervertebral joints) are found in half of people over 50 years old and in 75% of people over 65 years old. But these findings are often found in young 30-year-old people [1]. Therefore, it is quite difficult to establish the boundary between normal aging of the spine and the onset of the pathological process, especially since the relationship between neuroimaging findings and clinical symptoms is far from always obvious. The pathogenesis of such pain is usually complex, and in addition to age-related degenerative changes, postural factors and a sedentary lifestyle, anxiety and depression, constant neck muscle tension, industrial and sports injuries play a certain role in it [2].
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine can lead to the development of four main syndromes: local pain (cervicalgia), pain radiating from the neck to the arm (cervicobrachialgia), head (cervicocranialgia) or chest (cervicothoracalgia), radicular syndrome (radiculopathy) and spinal cord injury (myelopathy) [5].
Cervicalgia in osteochondrosis is usually dull, aching, less often acute, more often unilateral and localized in the back of the neck. Tension of the neck muscles and restriction of movements are also detected. Pain often appears after a long stay in an uncomfortable position, for example, in the morning after sleep, may increase with movement, weakens at rest and warmth. On examination, pain in the intervertebral joints, limited mobility of the cervical spine are found.
Cases of acute pain in the neck, or acute torticollis, are quite common. This is a fixed position of the neck due to muscle spasm and severe pain. Usually this condition lasts from several days to 2 weeks. Most often, acute torticollis occurs at the age of 12-30 years. The causes of its occurrence are not fully known, presumably, these are microdamages of the intervertebral discs and joints, which are not visible during X-ray examination. When examining such a patient, the forced position attracts attention – the head is tilted and slightly turned in the direction opposite to pain, head extension is limited, muscles are tense and painful, pain is usually localized in the neck and does not radiate. Acute torticollis most often occurs in the morning after sleep [6].
Radiculopathy occurs when compression or irritation of the spinal nerve root. This is a fairly common cause of neck pain, the annual incidence is 83.2/100 thousand people. The disease often occurs in the 5-6th decade of life. Changes in the intravertebral disc are the cause of approximately 20% of cases, mainly a combination of discogenic and spondylogenic disorders. The connection between the onset of pain and physical exertion or injury is detected in less than 15% of patients [7]. Cervical manifestations of radiculopathy include neck pain, paresthesia, and radicular pain. Most often, the lower cervical region is affected. Sensory symptoms are usually present in the area of ​​the dermatome and myotome, more often at the level of the root dermatome C4 (60% of cases), C6 (35% of cases), C7 (34.2% of cases). Pain in the scapular region is found in about half of the cases [8]. Physical examination is characterized by pain in the cervical spine, limited range of motion, and suppression of deep tendon reflexes (from the biceps, supinator, and triceps) [1]. Weakness in the upper extremities is found in 15% of cases, decreased sensitivity – in 1/3 of patients. Muscle hypotrophy can be detected much less frequently (in less than 2% of cases). The most typical level of damage in this case is C7 (40-46% of cases) and C6 (17-42% of cases). Bilateral involvement occurs in 5–36% of cases [7].
Hernias, bony spikes, thickened spinal ligaments, and other signs of age-related degeneration can narrow the spinal canal and cause compression of the spinal cord, ie. myelopathy. Usually myelopathy develops gradually, it is not always accompanied by pain, paresthesia and numbness of the extremities, weakness and awkwardness in the hands, gait disturbance due to sensory ataxia or spastic paraparesis of the lower extremities appear. An increase in tone may be seen in the arms and legs, but a decrease in muscle strength is more common in the upper extremities. A change in tendon reflexes is very characteristic. Plantar reflexes are enhanced, clonuses and a positive Hoffmann’s sign are possible. Sensory changes may include decreased vibration sensitivity and deep muscle feeling. Violations of the functions of the pelvic organs are quite rare [1].
The duration and course of the pain syndrome in degenerative changes in the cervical spine can vary. Allocate acute (less than 4 weeks), subacute (1-4 months) and chronic (more than 4 months) pain. For example, pain in acute torticollis usually resolves within a few days. However, a significant part of the pain has a tendency to recur or become chronic. It is believed that about 10% of cases of acute neck pain become chronic [2]. One study in the UK showed that 58% of patients who came to the appointment with neck pain, this complaint persisted after a year [9]. In Norway, out of 10 thousand patients surveyed, 34% had experience of cervicalgia in previous years [10]. A review of studies shows that among retreatment patients with chronic neck pain, 20% to 78% of patients experience recurrence of symptoms regardless of therapy. Episodes of cervicalgia in history significantly worsen the prognosis of the current pain syndrome [1].
Injuries to the intervertebral joints and discs, muscles, ligaments and the vertebrae themselves quite often cause pain in the neck. One example is whiplash injury of the spine [11]. This injury is most often received in car accidents, similar injuries can be observed in divers. The frequency of whiplash is as high as the frequency of road traffic accidents. The mechanism of injury is a sharp two-stage whiplash movement of the neck. A blow from behind leads to a sudden overextension followed by a sharp flexion of the neck, in a frontal collision, on the contrary, first flexion and then extension occurs. These movements primarily damage the intervertebral joints, as well as muscles, ligaments, discs, and spinal roots. Symptoms usually develop within a day: there is pain in the neck and shoulders, which can radiate to the back of the head, hands and interscapular region, head movements are limited. There may be a prolonged headache, often in the back of the head, sometimes radiating to the temple and orbit, as well as dizziness and nausea. If during the injury there was damage to the roots or the formation of a hernia with compression of the root, then radicular pain develops. The clinical manifestations of the injury can be very severe and come to the fore, masking the source of pain.
The consequences of whiplash injury are varied: visual impairment, dysphagia, dizziness, neurosis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, etc. In other cases, with a milder injury, the injury may go unnoticed by clinical and radiological examination. Such patients may suffer from chronic neck pain of unknown etiology for a long time. They are difficult to diagnose even with the help of neuroimaging methods. In many of these patients, along with chronic whiplash, anomalies of the vertebral joints or the brachial plexus are detected. It is still not clear whether the degenerative changes that existed before the injury affect the course and outcome of traumatic pain [1,11].
Differential diagnosis of pain in the neck is aimed at excluding symptomatic pain, which can be caused by severe somatic pathology. So, neck pain occurs in various immune diseases, for example, in ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, arthritis of various nature (rheumatoid, psoriatic, arthritis caused by inflammatory bowel disease, Reiter’s syndrome, reactive arthritis) [1,5].
Pain in the neck, accompanied by fever, chills, leukocytosis and other signs of inflammation, can be caused by an infectious process. Examples are damage to bone tissue in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, inflammation of the lymph nodes – lymphadenitis, thyroid gland – acute thyroiditis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, shingles, meningitis, etc. [1].
Prolonged, persistent neck pain may be due to a tumor in the cervical spine. Such tumors require a thorough oncological search, since they are usually metastatic. Most often, cancer of the breast and prostate glands, lung cancer metastasizes to the spine, somewhat less often – melanoma, kidney and thyroid cancer. Reflected pain in the neck is characteristic of heart disease (pain in the front of the neck) and esophagus, lung cancer, intracranial masses, hemorrhages and abscesses [1].
Diffuse pain in the neck, limbs and torso is characteristic of fibromyalgia, they are usually accompanied by depression, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, and fatigue. Palpation reveals painful points of a certain localization, characteristic of this disease [1].
Given the wide range of causes that cause neck pain, their diagnosis should include a detailed collection of complaints and anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory and instrumental studies. First of all, the nature and localization of pain, their intensity, connection with movement and physical activity, and accompanying symptoms are clarified. It is necessary to carefully ask the patient about the presence of concomitant diseases, his general condition, about the presence of injuries in history. Physical examination includes: examination of the neck, assessment of the position of the head and shoulders, voluntary movements in the cervical region, palpation of the cervical vertebrae and muscles, lymph nodes, thyroid gland and assessment of active movements and their volume. It is necessary to conduct a neurological examination to exclude radicular syndrome and myelopathy. Of the laboratory parameters, special attention is paid to the complete blood count, ESR, rheumatoid factor, HLA–B27 antigen. The HLA-B27 antigen plays an important role in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter’s syndrome, as well as other autoimmune diseases. If HLA–B27 antigen is not detected, ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter’s syndrome are unlikely. To determine the cause of pain in the neck, instrumental research methods are quite informative: X-ray of the spine, CT of the spine, CT with myelography (shown before surgery for a herniated disc), bone scintigraphy, MRI.
Neck pain treatment
Most back pain responds well to conservative treatment [12]. When choosing a therapeutic approach, it is important to correctly assess the risk factors and possible complications of the available treatments individually for each patient. Basically, an integrated approach is used with the use of medicinal and non-drug methods.
Non-drug methods of treatment include: compliance with the regimen (warmth and rest), orthopedic therapy, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy, manual therapy. A large number of studies on the treatment of acute and chronic pain in the neck indicate a good therapeutic effect of methods of mobilization physiotherapy and/or manual manipulations and exercise therapy [2,13,14]. The combination of these techniques gives particularly good results. The addition of psychotherapeutic influences brings a certain benefit. The effectiveness of acupuncture, traction and electrical stimulation methods turned out to be less obvious and requires evidence-based research [1,15,16]. Early start of mobilization physiotherapy and timely return to normal physical activity after traumatic impacts are a good prevention of the development of chronic pain syndrome [17].
Drug therapy for neck pain is usually combined, it includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-opioid analgesics, drugs that relieve muscle spasm – muscle relaxants (baclofen, tizanidine, tolperisone, botulinum toxin), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), microcirculation stimulants ( pentoxifylline, actovegin, nicotinic acid) and antioxidants (vitamins C, E, thioctic acid, mexidol). In the presence of triggers in the muscles, injections into trigger points of local anesthetics, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, botulinum toxin, or dry needle injections are used [18,19]. Both for acute and chronic pain, local effects are used: applications, ointments with NSAIDs, warming ointments and patches.
NSAIDs occupy a leading position in the relief of pain in degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Their obvious advantage lies in the presence of not only an analgesic, but also an anti-inflammatory effect. The main therapeutic effects of NSAIDs – analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, are based on a decrease in the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. COX exists in 2 forms: COX-1 is constantly present in all tissues, COX-2 is synthesized against the background of inflammation.
The drug OKI (lysine salt of ketoprofen) is a non-selective NSAID, it inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. OKI has anti-bradykinin activity, stabilizes lysosomal membranes and delays the release of enzymes from them that contribute to tissue destruction during chronic inflammation, reduces the release of cytokines, and inhibits the activity of neutrophils. Ketoprofen lysine salt has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties with a rapid onset of action (as early as 15-20 minutes), duration of action up to 8 hours and good tolerance. The rapid onset of action is due to the higher solubility of the lysine salt of ketoprofen compared to unchanged ketoprofen. High solubility contributes to a faster and more complete absorption of the active substance, which leads to the achievement of peak plasma concentrations after oral administration after 15 minutes. (Fig. 1), while conventional ketoprofen reaches a maximum after 60 minutes. after admission [20].
OCI reduces pain due to a unique triple mechanism of analgesic action (peripheral – due to blockade of the arachidonic acid cycle and two central ones – a decrease in the sensitivity of brain receptors and a blockade of impulse transmission in the spinal cord).
On the domestic market, OKI is available in the form of granules for the preparation of an oral solution, rectal suppositories with various dosages for children and adults, and a rinse solution. A variety of forms of release of the drug expands the range of its application. Orally or rectally, OKI has a systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is used to treat a variety of inflammatory processes that manifest as acute pain, including: dorsalgia, myalgia, arthralgia, acute pain in inflammatory and rheumatic diseases of the joints, headache, toothache, etc. P. When prescribing NSAID therapy, special attention is always paid to the side effects characteristic of this group of drugs, and above all, this concerns the gastrointestinal and hematopoietic systems. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer, hepatic reactions – this is not a complete list of possible adverse events. In this aspect, the lysine salt of ketoprofen has advantages over ketoprofen, since it causes side effects much less frequently. Due to its chemical composition, OKI dissolves quickly with a neutral pH and therefore almost does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Tolerability of OKI in comparison with ketoprofen is better by 1. 6 times. On fig. 2 shows the general and local tolerability of the gastric mucosa (according to gastroscopy) of the OKI preparation against the background of a 10-day intake compared with placebo. According to doctors, the general and local tolerability of the OCI preparation was comparable with placebo [21].
The optimal alternative to systemic tablet forms is Artrosilene (lysine salt of ketoprofen) for the local treatment of acute and chronic pain in the joints, back, muscles and ligaments, with injuries and inflammations, with various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Local forms Artrosilene spray 15% and gel 5% have the highest effective concentration among NSAIDs and the speed of action. This high concentration and shape feature (spray-foam for improved penetration through the skin) allows for a faster therapeutic effect. Sometimes the action comes as quickly as with intravenous administration. The effective concentration in the focus of inflammation (120 μg/ml) and in soft tissues is reached in 15-20 minutes, and the small particle size causes a high degree of penetration into pockets, cavities and other hard-to-reach places on the skin. In experimental studies, it was shown that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of Artrosilene spray is stronger than diclofenac gel. The method of application is convenient and fast – apply 2-3 rubles / day. on intact skin. Artrosilene gel and spray do not cause irritation and dryness of the skin due to the low content of ethyl alcohol (alcohol 0.3%), and due to low systemic absorption (0.38%) they do not have side effects.
A special place in the fight against neck pain is the prevention of their occurrence or exacerbation. In the occurrence of cervicalgia, one of the key factors is the postural factor [1]. Proper organization of daily physical activity, workplace, sports activities should be selected individually for each patient. However, there are a number of simple general rules that help eliminate the factors that provoke pain:
• sit upright while reading, writing, working on the computer;
• take breaks with gymnastic exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle;
• monitor posture;
• sleep on a small elastic or orthopedic pillow, high pillows are excluded;
• do not throw back your head for a long time and do not tilt it while lifting weights;
• remove excess weight;
• engage in physical education and swimming.
The therapeutic prognosis for acute neck pain is usually good, but it becomes less predictable if the pain becomes chronic. Carrying out preventive measures and complex therapy of chronic pain syndrome in the neck with the use of both medicinal and non-drug methods of influence give good results and in most cases can get rid of severe pain and significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Literature
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Why my neck hurts and my head is spinning, and what to do about it

Pain in the neck, dizziness, nausea – a complex of unpleasant symptoms, when they appear, a person’s working capacity and quality of life are sharply reduced. With their periodic occurrence, it is imperative to consult a doctor, because it is almost impossible to independently determine the cause of the ailment. The list of diseases that can be accompanied by such symptoms is very wide.

General

Most often, sudden dizziness does not directly signal diseases of the brain or other organs in the head itself. Statistics indicate that most of the dizziness is associated with pathological processes that occur in the cervical region (in the cervical spine and in the vessels that pass through the neck). That is why such an alarming symptom as dizziness is considered by doctors in combination with pain in the neck.

Causes of painful symptoms

If the patient complains that his neck hurts and feels sick, and also (when walking or at rest) dizzy, doctors first need to understand the causes of the condition and make the correct diagnosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The most common cause of dizziness, accompanied by nausea and pain, is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. During his life, a person constantly makes various movements, which means that his body is almost constantly under load. The spine absorbs the load, and over the years this leads to the fact that its individual elements wear out and gradually begin to lose their function. Cartilaginous structures (intervertebral discs), which are present in the cervical and other parts of the spine, gradually lose moisture, become fragile, thin. This is called osteochondrosis. The vertebrae and intervertebral discs altered by osteochondrosis begin to irritate the paired vertebral artery that feeds the brain, hence the dizziness (in conjunction with nausea). Neck pain is caused by the fact that the distance between the spinal disc and the vertebral body becomes smaller, and they begin to gradually compress the spinal nerves.

Vascular diseases

If the neck hurts and nausea appears, these symptoms may be associated with problems of the vascular system. The general disruption of the vessels leads to the fact that the blood moves through them at a reduced speed, and in some segments the blood even stagnates. Consequently, the normal nutrition of all organs and systems of the human body stops. For poor blood supply to the brain, dizziness and nausea, a headache that radiates to the cervical region, are quite typical.

Metabolic diseases

Neck pain and nausea are symptoms that can occur due to a general metabolic disorder in the human body. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis and other pathologies that lead to a gradual accumulation of harmful substances in the human body.

Traumatic disorders of the spine and head

The cause of pain in the neck, an unstable state in motion or at rest, can also be a spinal injury. In case of violation of the structure of the vertebrae (especially the most fragile ones, which are located in the cervical region), every movement of a person can be accompanied by pain. Dizziness, on the other hand, occurs due to the fact that damaged vertebral structures interfere with the normal blood supply to the brain.

Vegeto-dystonic syndrome

In a separate group of causes that provoke dizziness and pain in the neck, vegetative-vascular dystonia is distinguished. This is a complex disease that is associated with a violation of the vascular tone of the autonomic nervous system. Dizziness and pain in the neck are symptoms that appear along with heart rhythm disturbances, pressure surges, blanching of the face, fainting, etc.

Diagnostics

Since the causes of vertigo are varied, the methods of diagnosing the disease can also vary. First of all, in order to exclude or confirm metabolic diseases, the patient is prescribed a blood test (general, clinical, for sugar or another), as well as other standard tests that every person has taken at least once in a polyclinic. In the presence of injuries, an x-ray of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe spine where the damage is localized is necessarily taken. Also, to study the internal bone structures and soft tissue structures of the cervical region, CT, MRI or ultrasound may be prescribed. At the initial examination, the doctor (this may be internist , neurologist , surgeon traumatologist or other specialist) performs a visual examination and palpation to see if the pain increases when pressing on the affected area.

What causes dizziness

If we separately consider such a symptom as dizziness, we can distinguish two main causes of it. The first is brain dysfunction. The second is a violation of the vestibular apparatus. The mechanism of dizziness can be described as follows:

If the process of transmitting information about the location of the body in space is disturbed at any stage, the person is likely to feel dizzy. Violation can occur for any of the above reasons – vascular failure, injury, metabolic disorders, and so on.

How to treat headaches and neck pain

The method of treating neck pain and dizziness directly depends on what caused the appearance of such symptoms.