How to Treat a Stiff Neck After Sleeping

Waking up with a stiff neck can be unexpected and inconvenient. Despite a stiff neck’s potential for severe, sharp pain and reduced range of motion, some people might feel pressure to maintain the day’s planned activities, such as going to work or class. Below is an explanation of how a stiff neck might develop during sleep, as well as strategies for finding quick relief before making a decision as to what can be realistically accomplished during the day.

See Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Video: 4 Best Stiff Neck Remedies After Sleep

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These 4, simple, at-home remedies can help to alleviate neck pain and stiffness that results after sleeping.Watch: Video: 4 Best Stiff Neck Remedies After Sleep

How Neck Stiffness Develops During Sleep

Some ways that stiff neck can develop while sleeping include:

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7 Tips to Alleviate Sleep-induced Neck Stiffness
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• Awkward angle. The head or neck might settle at an awkward angle for an extended period of time while sleeping, which can stretch and stress muscles, ligaments, and joints beyond their normal limits.
• Sudden movement. Perhaps from rolling over or reacting to a dream, sudden neck movements might occur while sleeping that can strain or sprain the neck.
• Preexisting injury. Some injuries that happen while awake, such as whiplash, may take many hours before pain and stiffness develop later while sleeping.

Most commonly, the root cause of a stiff neck is a neck strain, which could be due to a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Several other causes could exist, such as facet joint osteoarthritis or cervical degenerative disc disease.

See Neck Strain: Causes and Remedies

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Remedies for a Stiff Neck After Waking Up

Some remedies for a stiff neck in the morning include:

• Ice or heat therapy. Applying ice shortly after a neck strain may help limit the swelling. Ice applications tend to be best for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Heat therapy, such as taking a warm shower or using a heating pad, helps loosen and relax the muscles, which may also reduce pain and improve range of motion.

  See Heat Therapy Cold Therapy

• Over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain and stiffness are bad enough to significantly limit movement in one or more directions, taking an over-the-counter medication may be advised. Some examples could include ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.

  See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

• Gentle stretching or self-massage. After finding some initial pain relief, further loosening of the muscles and ligaments may be achieved with some stretching and/or massage. Some stretches cannot fully be completed due to the neck’s pain and stiffness, which is OK. The goal is to gradually increase the flexibility without causing more pain. Similarly, the hand and fingers can be used to massage the neck’s sore area so long as it does not increase pain.

  See 4 Easy Stretches for a Stiff Neck

• Pain assessment and activity modification. After being awake for a while and applying these stiff neck remedies, an assessment can be made as to whether the pain and stiffness are improving. If neck stiffness still prevents significant amounts of movement in one or more directions, or is still exhibiting sharp or burning pain, it is advised to avoid any strenuous activities for the day and limit movements that increase pain. Walking and moving around are still encouraged, because full bed rest may cause the stiff neck and pain to last longer.

Watch: 3 Evening Tips for Sleeping with Neck Pain Video

Sometimes a stiff neck might start to improve shortly after applying treatments, but other times it might take a day or two before noticeable pain relief is achieved. A stiff neck typically resolves within a week’s time.

In This Article:

How to Prevent a Stiff Neck While Sleeping

Not all neck stiffness can be prevented, but steps can be taken to reduce the chance of developing one.

Video: How to Prevent a Stiff Neck While Sleeping

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Watch Video: How to Prevent a Stiff Neck While Sleeping

• Consider sleep position. Sleeping on the stomach puts more stress on the cervical spine because the head is pushed to one side or the other. If possible, it is recommended to sleep on the back to put the least amount of stress on the cervical spine. Another option is to sleep on the side. For some people, sleeping in a reclined position, whether it is in a reclining mattress or chair, offers more comfort for the neck.

  See Pillows and Positions for Easing Neck Pain Video

• Find the right pillow. Just like sleep position, no one type of pillow is best for everyone. For people who sleep on the back, placing a rolled towel or cervical pillow beneath the cervical spine may provide better support. Side sleepers may benefit from placing an additional pillow between the knees to keep the spine more aligned. Finding the right pillow typically involves some trial and error.

  See Pillows for Neck Pain

• Keep the temperature comfortable. Many people report waking up with a stiff neck after having cool air blow on them for the night, such as from a fan, vent, or open window. While the medical literature has not examined this specific topic in detail, some people may benefit from arranging the sleep environment to avoid cool air blowing directly onto the neck.

Several other factors can reduce the risk for a stiff neck or other aches from sleeping, such as having a firm enough mattress. It should also be noted that falling asleep in places that are not conducive to good sleep, such as a chair or couch while watching TV, may increase the likelihood of waking up with a stiff neck.

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When Waking Up with a Stiff Neck Is Serious

If waking up with a stiff neck is also accompanied by a severe headache, fever, arm numbness, tingling or weakness or other troubling symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately.

See When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?

Why Do I Have Neck Pain from Sleeping

You’ve been sleeping pretty much every night since, oh, your entire life (minus a few all-nighters in college, we’re guessing). Don’t you just hate it when you wake up with back or neck pain? You might think, “How did I mess up laying down, closing my eyes and doing nothing?”

Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything wrong. You can wake up with a stiff neck after sleeping for a few reasons. What’s most encouraging is that there are a few simple fixes that can prevent you from getting neck pain from sleeping, and some actions you can take to relieve any pain you do have.

What’s (Probably) Going On Here?

The spine is more than the sum of its parts. It’s strong because it has to be—it keeps you upright and moving and it fights gravity and other forces acting upon it pretty much 24/7. But its individual parts can be surprisingly delicate, especially in the neck, aka the cervical spine.

The cervical spine has an important job: holding up your head all day. The human head weighs about 10 to 12 lbs—as much as a bowling ball—and that’s with perfect posture. According to a 2014 study published in Surgical Technology International, the head’s effective weight can increase to up to 60 lbs. with a 60-degree tilt!

All that weight means the muscles that support your head and neck need to work overtime, and all that works makes for tired muscles. That’s one piece of the puzzle. Then add misalignment while you’re supposed to be resting and you’ve got yourself some torticollis.

Torticollis, also known as wry neck, is a condition where your neck is twisted or tilted at a funny angle. Some babies are born with it (congenital torticollis), and some people pick it up from a variety of sources. It can be ongoing (chronic) or temporary and caused by a single event (acute).

Torticollis isn’t a condition in and of itself like, say, ankylosing spondylitis is. It’s more like a symptom that can have a number of sources. Irritated ligaments—tissue that connects bones to other bones—in the neck are one common culprit, and spasms of neck muscles are another. Either of these can be caused by sleeping “wrong,” especially since your neck muscles will be exhausted from holding up your head all day.

Two Reasons for Torticollis

So now we know the “what” of neck pain from sleeping. What about the “how?”

Generally when you wake up with neck pain, there are one or two issues at play here. Either your pillow isn’t right for you, the position in which you sleep is aggravating your neck, or both.

You might think that a hard pillow can hurt your neck, but it’s usually a pillow that’s too soft that makes you wake up with neck pain. Just like you need to keep your cervical spine aligned during the day to avoid overly taxing your muscles and ligaments, you need to do the same at night. It’s harder, though; you can make a conscious effort in daylight, but how can you control your posture when you’re asleep?

Your pillow is the answer. A nice, firm pillow will keep your spine in a straight line from your atlas (the first cervical vertebra, C1) down to your coccyx (tailbone). Any deviation from straight runs the risk of torticollis, so avoid it by making sure your pillow is right.

Your pillow or your sleeping position could be the culprit.

The way you sleep can also have a profound effect on the way you wake up—ready to face the day or ready to crawl back under the covers and hide from your neck pain. The best sleeping position for neck pain is usually on the back.

Back sleeping may not be right for you—it can aggravate sleep apnea, for example. In that case, sleeping on your side is the next best thing. Try to avoid stomach sleeping; it can put pressure on nerves that start in your neck, leading to further neck pain or radiculopathy (pain that radiates from the spinal cord down to the arms or legs).

What You Can Do About Neck Pain From Sleeping

So, what now? Just go about your day in pain, with your neck tilted? No! Time to take action.

Although time can be some of the best medicine for a sore or stiff neck, we want to speed the healing process along AND cut down on the risk you wake up with neck pain again. First thing’s first: If you woke up with neck pain, get some ice on it. Try 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. That will cut down on the inflammation. Ditto an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Motrin (ibuprofen).

If it’s been a few days and your neck pain is stubbornly hanging around, switch from ice to heat. Again, 20 minutes on, 20 off is a good starting point. If your neck pain is caused by a spasming muscle, heat can help it relax and get the blood flowing to it. A gentle massage of the area can sometimes work for the same reason, but be careful not to overdo it.

Stretching, which may prove helpful as well, straddles the line between treatment and prevention. By the time you’re actually in pain it may be too late for stretching to help, but keeping your muscles loose and supple can reduce your risk of future neck ligament sprains, muscle and tendon strains, and torticollis.

Try stretching your neck through multiple planes of movement:

• Try to touch your right ear to your right shoulder. Push gently on the left side of your head. Come back through center, and repeat on the left side. Do 10 reps each of left and right.

• Look up to the ceiling as far as you can. Come back through center, and look down as far as you can. Do 10 reps each up and down.

• Turn your head to the right. Push gently on your chin with your left hand. Come back through center and repeat on the left side. Do 10 reps each right and left.

• Make a large clockwise circle with your nose, five times around. Make five circles counterclockwise.
   
• “Chin-alphabet”: using your chin as a pointer, gently sketch the alphabet from A to Z

You can stretch your neck muscles every day to cut down on strains.

Stretching will help keep your neck limber, but if you want to really cut down on neck pain from sleeping, you need to address the two root causes we talked about above. The first one is easy: Change your sleeping position to your back if you’re a side sleeper, or back or side if you’re a stomach sleeper. Second—and this one might cost a few dollars—get a new pillow, one that will keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine.

By now you know why you woke up with neck pain, what to do about it, and how to reduce the chance of it happening again. Still need help? You may have a chronic condition. Check out our info on herniated discs and cervical spinal stenosis to start, and if your symptoms don’t match up, see if you may have another condition.

Why does my neck hurt when I wake up — and what can I do about it?

Medical reviewer: Healthily’s medical team

Last reviewed: 08/06/2020

Medically reviewed

All of Healthily’s articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our safety page, or read our editorial policy.

Waking up with pain in your neck is an unpleasant way to start the day, but neck pain related to sleep is fairly common.

One study found that around 1 in 20 people with long term neck, shoulder or lower back pain might have it due to sleeping problems.

Most of the time the pain is a result of either the pillow you’re using or the position you’re sleeping in.

But if you’re worried about your pain or it persists for several weeks, you should see a doctor.

What can cause neck pain while you sleep?

If you sleep in an odd position, your neck muscles can become locked, which can lead to pain.

Certain sleeping positions also increase your risk of neck pain, such as sleeping on your tummy, as this makes you more likely to twist your neck to breathe.

Pillows that don’t provide enough support for your neck, or elevate it too much, can also lead to neck pain.

How to prevent neck pain while you sleep

The following tips may improve the quality of your sleep and help to prevent neck pain:

• choosing the right pillow — there is not one pillow that suits everyone. Generally, the best pillow for neck pain is low and firm. This is because your head should be at the same height as the rest of your body and not elevated.
• sleeping on your back — this keeps your spine in a neutral position, which helps to prevent neck pain.
• sleeping on your side — if you prefer to sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a slightly larger pillow
• building up your neck muscles — flexibility exercises including neck rotation and neck stretching at least twice a week can help to strengthen your muscles
• yoga and pilates — studies have shown that yoga improves neck muscle function and pilates increases neck muscle thickness
• creating a good sleep routine — sleep reduces stress and improves your overall feeling of wellbeing. Persistent neck pain has been linked to sleep problems, which can make the pain worse

How can I manage my neck pain?

If you have tried the above techniques but still wake up with symptoms there are other things you can do to help relieve the pain:

• a heat pack or hot water bottle on your neck can also help to reduce the pain and any muscle spasms
• exercise is an effective way to treat neck pain
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be effective at relieving neck pain, and can be bought from a pharmacy. They come in either tablet form or as a gel for rubbing on your neck

If you find NSAIDs help with the pain, try to gradually reduce the dose after 1 or 2 weeks. Please check with your doctor if you can take these medications.

If the pain persists and is affecting your everyday life you should see a doctor.

They may order tests to find out the cause of your neck pain, suggest physiotherapy to improve your strength and flexibility, or a muscle relaxant if non-prescription medicine hasn’t been effective.

When to see a doctor for neck pain

If you have any of the following symptoms you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

• pins and needles in your arm
• you’re recovering from an injury, such as whiplash
• you have a temperature or unexplained weight loss
• the neck bones rather than neck muscles are tender
• you develop weakness in your legs or have difficulty peeing or pooing
• pain or stiffness doesn’t go away after a few weeks
• painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen haven’t worked
• you’re worried about the pain
• you have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm – this could be something more serious

Most neck pain can resolve on its own, but don’t assume it’s due to a bad sleeping position if it happens regularly or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Article information

Last reviewed:

08 June 2020

Next review:

08 June 2023

Medical reviewer:

Healthily’s medical team

Author:

Tomas Duffin

Morning Neck Pain: Why It Happens and How to Avoid It

My body’s preferred way to remind me that I’m aging is through pain. In recent years, my level of consequence-free drinking has plummeted from “omg liMitLe$s!!” to one and a half standard glasses of Chardonnay. In yoga, I am often forced not to enter the “fullest expression of the pose” and instead to just kind of lie there.

And then there is The Tweak. About once a month—not at any certain time of the month, but roughly 12 times a year—I will wake up feeling like someone French-braided my neck muscles overnight. The pain burns from the base of my skull, down one side of my neck or the other, and onto the adjacent shoulder blade. The Tweak makes it impossible to rotate my head fully to one side or the other for the day. It’s not an athletic injury—I know no sport. It’s also not related to any underlying medical conditions that I know of, though when I talked with experts for this article, they asked me “if I am stressed,” which I took to be a rhetorical question.

Generally, The Tweak leads me to spend the day hunched over in my chair, kneading at my neck with fingers and marker caps. But it usually goes away by the next morning. So I felt lucky when I connected with a dentist named Michael, who told me he has also experienced mysterious neck pain. (He asked me not to use his last name, because he worried it could affect the terms of his life-insurance policy.) Except his situation was much, much worse.

One night back when Michael was in high school, he awoke to what felt like an electric shock zapping the left side of his neck. Muscles in his neck had tightened so much that his head was drawn down to his shoulder. The slightest movement—even talking—was excruciating. He was able to move his hand enough to reach his TV remote, which he used to turn on the set and dial the volume all the way up. The blaring TV woke up and summoned his parents, who called an ambulance. The diagnosis was torticollis, an ailment in which the neck muscles spontaneously contract. He needed muscle relaxers to get his neck to untwist.

Michael still doesn’t know why it happened, but he remembers the EMT saying one thing that sticks out in his mind: “You sure have a lot of pillows on your bed.” It was true: He had three or four pillows around his head, as well as a body-length one. “I like my pillows,” Michael told me. But pillows might have been his undoing.

Read: Against the travel neck pillow

When people have neck pain, they often say “I slept on my neck wrong,” but in reality, says Natasha Bhuyan, a primary-care doctor with One Medical, it’s more like you slept the wrong way for your neck. The best way to sleep is on your back, and second-best is on your side, she says. When you sleep, you want the tip of your nose to be perpendicular to your chest, like you’re going down a waterslide. Or lying in a casket. A pillow that’s too soft or thin will cause your neck to flop back too much, while one that’s too firm, or simply too high, would push your neck too far forward.

If you sleep on your stomach, you’re forced to turn your neck too far to the left or right, which is also not ideal. “Cranking your neck to one side all night with your arm overhead is a recipe for increased tension on the neck and shoulders,” says Brian Schwabe, a sports physical therapist in Los Angeles. “Add a thick pillow, and you are looking at a painful morning.”

Bhuyan recommends one of those memory-foam pillows with a divot in it, which can support your neck while keeping your nose properly aligned.

Several physical therapists and personal trainers told me that outside the bed, I might be leaning my head too close to my computer screen or phone during the day. A few years ago, I wrote about the scourge of text neck, in which supposedly up to 60 pounds of force weigh on your neck as you lean forward to check your bae’s Insta Story. This is, of course, in addition to the already heavy weight of FOMO.

Read: What texting does to the spine

The other morning-neck-pain culprit is poor sleep, which can happen because of anxiety, insomnia, or too much caffeine, among other factors. In one study of more than 4,000 people, those who had moderate-to-severe sleep problems were more likely to develop chronic musculoskeletal pain after a year than those who slept more soundly. Poor sleep can make it hard for your neck muscles to relax, which increases the likelihood that they’ll tear during the night. And that’s what neck pain is: little tears that appear in your neck muscles. The reason it often gets better by the next day is that the tears simply repair themselves.

As for Michael’s torticollis, it might have been a sign that his neck muscles were so fed up with the pillow situation—or something else—that they “just contracted down really severely,” Bhuyan says. “Like, ‘No, we’re done with this.’”

And so am I. While still lying in bed in agony, I one-click ordered the pillow she recommended from Amazon.

Why Does My Neck Hurt When I Wake Up?

While it may seem like a mystery that you have a pain in your neck when you wake up, if you see a chiropractor for your neck pain relief, you will learn that there are a lot of reasons why you might be having this problem. Here are just a few of the most common causes:

Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your stomach might feel comfortable, but it actually wreaks havoc on your neck. When you lay on your stomach, you have to turn your head to one side, which turns your neck out of alignment.

Not only can your spine become out of alignment, but your neck muscles can also become imbalanced. The muscles on one side of your neck will become contracted, and the muscles on the other side will be stretched. When you wake up and try to move your hide like normal, those contracted muscles can pull painfully.

There is nothing you can do to resolve this imbalance except to stop sleeping on your stomach. You can’t use a special pillow to provide support or balance.

You can also hurt your neck if you sleep on your side without the right pillow. A thinner pillow will cause your neck to bend down, away from your shoulder. This will cause alignment issues and pull on your muscles. You can continue to sleep on your side without problems if you use a thicker and more supportive pillow that will keep your neck in alignment.

Pillow

A flat pillow will not provide the support you need, no matter what sleeping position you choose. If you are sleeping on your back with a flat pillow, your neck will fall back and cause muscle contractions and alignment issues. You need a thick pillow with a neck roll for back sleeping.

Using the right pillow will also reduce the risk of nerve irritation, which can occur when your neck muscles become contracted or your spine shifts out of alignment. If a nerve is pinched, you will have severe pain. You will need to see a chiropractor or doctor for neck pain relief if that happens.

Memory foam pillows are usually good choices since they are firm and conform to your body shape. If those don’t work, you can also invest in a custom-made pillow. Some chiropractors recommend having a few different pillows on hand to rotate as needed for your sleeping position or your current preferences.

You can also consider getting a pillow with cooling technology. It won’t help your neck pain, but it will offer a more restful night’s sleep.

Relieving Neck Pain

If you notice neck pain in the morning, just know that it is not usual. Pain is a sign that something is off, and you need to see a chiropractor to get to the bottom of the issue. Your Mesa chiropractor will ask you about your sleeping environment and habits, including a description of the type of bed and pillows you have and what sleeping position you use.

Your chiropractor may suggest some changes based on your answers and will then evaluate your spine and neck. Some adjustments can be made to provide neck pain relief and to address other back and neck issues. Your provider may also suggest some lifestyle changes you can make to improve the situation.

BodyWorkz in Arizona can help you with neck or back pain in Mesa that you may be experiencing. We have experienced chiropractors on staff, as well as acupuncturists and therapists. We can provide back or neck pain relief through a variety of services, including adjustments, massage therapy in Mesa or traditional acupuncture in Mesa. One type of service may be enough to find relief, or you may find greater success with a variety of treatments. Our providers will make recommendations tailored to your symptoms to help you achieve optimal wellness and get the relief you seek. Call us today for a consultation.

Published By:
BodyWorkz
6610 E Baseline Rd #103
Mesa, AZ 85206

Office: 480-245-4995
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mybodyworkz.com

Why Your Neck Hurts and What You Can do to Fix it

Why Your Neck Hurts and What You Can do to Fix it  

Does your neck ache at the end of the day, or feel stiff as a board when waking up in the morning? Different types of neck pain, can tell you what the underlying problem is.

Neck pain is incredibly common. In fact, an estimated eight out of ten adults will experience neck pain at some point in their life. The reasons as to why you may develop neck pain are about endless. For some, neck pain is the result of poor posture, while for others neck pain can be the direct result of a car crash or other injury that causes the neck to jolt quickly, the experience otherwise known as whiplash.

Sometimes neck pain is short lived. After sleeping on your neck poorly, or after carrying something that is exceptionally heavy there is a chance that you will develop neck pain that will hurt for a day or two, but will gradually start to get better until it is entirely gone after a period of days or maybe weeks.

But then there is chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is pain that develops in the neck, frequently as a result of injury, but doesn’t go away. As is the case with most issues of chronic pain, the resulting, lingering pain that follows you around indefinitely is often more frustrating and in some cases even more downright painful than the experience of the injury itself.

Change the Way You Sleep

Your neck needs to be supported during the night. Never sleep on your stomach, as this causes excessive strain on the neck muscles and joints, making symptoms worse. Sleep on your back or side. When sleeping on your back you might need to use two pillows, layered in a way that the bottom pillow supports your shoulders, while the upper pillow is overlapped and supporting your neck.

For sleeping on your side, have a thick enough pillow or use two, so that the pillow is tucked all the way to the shoulders supporting the neck.

Improve Your Posture

Be careful as to how you hold your posture throughout the day. Working at a computer, or spending prolonged time on a phone with a forward head posture, can put up to 40lbs of stress on your neck over hours!

When looking at your smartphone or tablet, try to bring the screen closer up in front of your face, rather than look down. In addition, when working at a computer, make sure the monitor is high enough so that the top 1/3^rd of the screen is eye level.

When sitting, try to use a small rolled up towel in the small of your back to sit tall. Avoid slouching on couches or in a chair. Be comfortably tall when sitting.

Improve your Shoulder and Neck Motion

Most pain to the neck is cause by stiffness in the upper neck and upper back, causing abnormal strain to the mid neck. The goal is to increase the mobility of these areas, to alleviate strain and restore natural movement to the whole neck and shoulder area.

Shoulder retractions

In sitting, keeping your neck relaxed, gently bring your shoulder blades back and together. Don’t hunch up your shoulders. Do this action smoothly and slowly. Repeat 10 times and do multiple times a day to loosen your neck.

Chin tucks

Stand with your back against a wall with good posture. Keep looking forward, then gently try to press the back of your head towards the wall. Don’t worry if you can’t touch the wall with your head, just keep your eyes and chin level. Feel a gentle stretch in the neck, but don’t press hard. Hold for 5 seconds and perform 10 of them 2-3 times a day.

Treatment for Acute Neck Pain

As a general rule, acute neck pain is easier to address than is chronic neck pain. However, without proper treatment and intervention, acute neck pain can become a chronic problem.

Address acute neck pain by:

• Reducing burden from your neck and back muscles by taking it easy

• Using a combination or rotation of hot and cold therapy

• Using over-the-counter medications, as appropriate

• Massage

• Exercise

• Muscle stretching

• Posture

It is a good idea to meet with a physical therapist and to go over the ideal ways to address neck pain before making any attempts to alleviate neck pain on your own. The wrong type of exercise or a bit too much stress on your neck while it is already vulnerable can cause you to develop a more severe injury, and this could cause your neck pain to become chronic—meaning it won’t go away.

Treatment for Chronic Pain

Neck pain is considered chronic when it has refused to lessen, despite attempted intervention, following a prolonged period of time.

Self-care is still an option when addressing chronic neck pain, and taking precautions like reducing the burden on your neck by sitting more often, using improved posture and trying others of the home-remedies listed above like muscle stretching and hot-cold therapy may work to some extent, but you will need physician support to fully address this level of pain and to ensure that you do not cause yourself any further injury.

Before you attempt any treatment for neck pain it is important that you meet with your doctor of physical therapy, and that you understand exactly what the cause of your pain is. Pain from a sprain or a tear in a ligament is going to require very different treatment from pain as a result of tension or tightened muscles.

Working with your physical therapist with hands-on treatment and specific PT exercises to address the source of your chronic pain can help you live pain free, but only if those physical therapy exercises are done right. Before attempting any stretching or mobility exercises on your own, make sure that you consult with your physical therapist for guidance and support.

Learn More About Helping Your Neck Pain

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Why Does My Neck Hurt? Neck Pain Causes & Treatment

What Is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is any time your neck hurts. It’s a common problem with lots of causes.

Your neck has a tough job. It holds up the same weight as a bowling ball all day long. The bones at the top of your spine, along with your muscles and ligaments, support your head, which weighs about 11 pounds.

It can be a delicate balance. Things like sleeping wrong and bad posture can cause neck pain, as more than one-quarter of American adults can tell you. It isn’t usually a symptom of a more serious health problem.

Neck Pain Symptoms

If your neck hurts, you may notice other symptoms including:

• Pain that gets worse when you hold your head a certain way while working on a computer, driving, or doing other tasks
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Trouble moving your neck or head
• Headache

Neck Pain Causes

Many things can cause your neck to hurt:

• Poor posture
• Repetitive motion
• Bad sleep habits
• Gritting your teeth
• Carrying a heavy shoulder bag or purse
• Pinched nerves
• Sports or other injuries
• Car accidents involving whiplash
• Arthritis
• Infection
• Tumors
• A fractured or collapsed vertebra, which can be related to osteoporosis
• A slipped (herniated) disk
• Fibromyalgia
• Narrowed spaces within your spine (spinal stenosis)

Neck Pain Diagnosis

Call your doctor if your neck pain is severe, doesn’t respond to treatment, gets worse over time, or includes numbness, weakness, or tingling and pain in your arms and legs.

Your doctor may ask:

• When did the pain start?
• Have you been injured?
• Do you have numbness or weakness in your arms or hands?
• Does moving your neck in a certain way make things better or worse?
• Does coughing or sneezing make the pain worse?

Your doctor has many tools to figure out what’s wrong. They could order X-rays, an MRI, CT scan, EMG (electromyography), or blood tests.

Neck Pain Treatment

Treatments could include muscle relaxants, physical therapy, a padded neck collar, or traction.

In rare situations, you may need shots of cortisone or even surgery.

With treatment, your neck will usually stop hurting in a few days. Use medicines like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to ease pain. Put an ice pack on your neck for the first 2 to 3 days to help lower swelling. After that, use moist heat, like a hot shower or a heating pad, to help it heal. There are also exercises you can do at home (or in front of your computer at work) to gently stretch your neck muscles.

You can also visit a chiropractor or get a neck massage for short-term relief.

Neck Pain Prevention

Fix your posture to fix your neck pain. Sit or stand with your shoulders directly over your hips and your head straight. Adjust your chair or desktop so your computer monitor is at eye level. Take frequent breaks.

Don’t tuck your phone between your ear and shoulder. Use a speakerphone or headset instead.

Try not to carry heavy bags with shoulder straps.

Try a different pillow if you’re waking up with a stiff neck. Some people find that a relatively flat one, or one with built-in neck support, works best. Sleeping on your back or side, not your belly, also allows your neck muscles and ligaments to get the rest they need.

90,000 17 exercises to help relieve neck and shoulder pain

If you sit at the computer for a long time with your head forward or lower it while looking at your smartphone, your neck muscles have a hard time. Constant tension causes stiffness and pain.

Lifehacker has compiled exercises ^{to stretch and strengthen the neck, shoulders and chest, which will relieve painful sensations and help avoid them in the future.}

When training won’t help

This complex is not designed to treat specific disorders.If you have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, herniated discs or other diseases, a doctor should prescribe gymnastics.

If pain persists for several days, worsens, or is accompanied by headaches, nausea, fever or other symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What exercises to perform

The complex consists of two parts: simple stretching and muscle strengthening exercises and safe yoga asanas.

Exercise at least three times a week, and even better every day.

If pain occurs, stop immediately. After the exercise, the stretch area should feel relaxed and soft.

How to do exercises to stretch and strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles

You will need a chair. Sit on the edge, straighten your back, lower and straighten your shoulders. Do each exercise for 10-15 seconds.

1. Pivots and Bends

Turn your head to the right so that your chin is in line with your shoulder. Lock, and then repeat the movement in the other direction.

Return to starting position, tilt your head and look at the floor. Pulling your chin to the right and then to the left will increase the tension in your neck muscles.

Take a starting position, and then stretch your arms forward, as if trying to reach something. Feel the stretch between your shoulder blades.

2. Chin to chest

Tilt your head strongly, as if trying to reach your chin to your chest. Feel the stretch at the back of your neck and down to the shoulder blades.

Tilt your head again, but now lock your hands together and place them on top of your head, increasing the pressure. You can twist your chin slightly to the right and left to offset the tension.

3. Shoulder Drop Stretch

Lower your chin down diagonally to the right while reaching out with your left hand toward the floor. Repeat on the other side.

4. Head semicircle

Lower your chin to your right shoulder. Without raising your head, slowly move it to your left shoulder, as if you were drawing a semicircle with your chin on your chest.Repeat on the other side.

Do not throw your head back at the extreme points: this creates unnecessary stress on the cervical spine. Do the exercise smoothly.

5. Slide back and forth

Pull your chin forward as if it were sliding in a line, then pull it in.

6. Shoulder Movements

Move your shoulders forward, then pull them back and raise your elbows. Feel the stretch in your pectoral muscles. After that, lift your shoulders up, as if trying to reach your ears, and then lower it down.

7. Circle with elbows

Spread your elbows to the sides, place your palms on your shoulders. Rotate your arms, trying to increase the amplitude.

8. Stretching the arms

Lower and slightly spread your arms, palms forward, so that they do not touch the body. Stretch your fingers to the floor, feel the stretch in your shoulders and elbows.

Relax and turn your hands palms back. Pull them down again and then pull them back without releasing the tension.

9. Strengthening the lateral muscles of the neck

Place your palm over your right ear.Press your hand halfway down on your head, trying to tilt it towards the opposite shoulder. While contracting your neck muscles, resist the pressure and keep your head straight. Repeat the same on the left.

10. Strengthening the front of the neck

Clasp your hands together and place them on your forehead. Press lightly trying to move your head back. Resist the pressure and keep your neck straight.

11. Strengthening the back of the neck

Clasp your hands together, place them on the back of your head and apply light pressure.Resist the pressure and keep your neck straight.

12. Lowering hands with a towel

Grasp the ends of the towel, pull it and move your straight arms behind your head. Bend your elbows and try to lower them. The lower the elbows are, the better the muscles will stretch.

13. Transfer of hands behind the head

Grasp the ends of the towel, pull it and move your straight arms up. Bring the upper part of the body forward and take your straight arms with a towel further behind your head.

How to do yoga exercises

Follow the rules carefully and do not hold your breath.Maintain each pose for 30 seconds.

1. Half-tilt forward with an emphasis on the wall (simplified uttanasana)

Stand straight at a distance of two steps from the wall facing it. Place your feet hip-width apart so that you feel comfortable. From this position, bend at the hip joint and bend forward with a straight back to a 90 ° angle between the body and the legs. Place your hands on the wall.

Try to straighten and stretch your spine as much as possible. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds.

2.Warrior Pose II (virabhadrasana)

Stand straight, spread your legs wide, point the toes of your feet forward, raise your arms to the sides, join and straighten your fingers.

Expand your right foot 90 ° to the right. Bend your right leg at the knee to a right angle or close to that, and move your left leg back. Distribute your weight between your two legs.

Twist your pelvis, stretch your back, lower your shoulders. Try to open your pelvis and chest. Repeat the pose on both sides.

3. Twisting (bharavajasana)

Sit on the floor, bend your right leg at the knee, turn your shin outward and place your heel next to the pelvis.Bend your left leg at the knee, place your left foot on your right thigh.

Distribute the weight between the two ischial bones, pull the spine up. Place your right hand on your left knee and turn your body and head to the left, with your left hand grab the left toe. Repeat on the other side.

4. Child’s Pose

Get on all fours, bring your feet together, and then lower your pelvis to your heels. Lean forward, straighten your back and stretch your arms straight in front of you, touch your forehead to the floor and completely relax in this position.

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Neck pain – causes of occurrence, under what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests.For a diagnosis and correct prescription of treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Neck pain – the causes of the appearance, with what diseases it occurs, the diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Almost two-thirds of people have experienced neck pain – cervicalgia at least once in their lives. Such pain does not always indicate a serious illness. But if relapses occur more and more often, this can be a wake-up call.

Types of pain

Conditionally, the causes of cervicalgia are divided into two groups:

1. arising from diseases of the spine (herniated discs, arthrosis, dysfunction of the intervertebral joints) and subluxation of the vertebrae (whiplash).The consequences of such injuries can manifest themselves throughout life;
2. arising from other causes: infectious and endocrine diseases, tumor processes, rheumatism.

Possible causes

Myofascial syndrome

Prolonged overstrain of the neck muscles, sprains, hypothermia lead to pain, which is of moderate intensity and short duration.At the same time, there is often a limitation of the mobility of the head and a spasm of the cervical muscles, in which seals and soreness are felt when pressed.

As a rule, pain in myofascial syndrome disappears on its own within a few days.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine, which occurs as a result of deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs.Loss of elasticity, compression and destruction of discs lead to overloading of the intervertebral (facet) joints, arthrosis, pinched nerve roots and pain. With age, due to the drying out of cartilage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which causes damage to the intervertebral joints and ligaments.

Facet joint dysfunction

Damage to the structure of the intervertebral, or facet, joints is one of the most common causes of pain in the neck.

Thinning of cartilage on the articular surfaces leads to the appearance of bone growths – osteophytes. They narrow the lumen of the intervertebral foramen and squeeze the nerve endings. As a rule, dull pain occurs (gradually increasing, of low intensity), especially in the morning after sleeping in an uncomfortable position (on a high pillow, in the prone position). When moving, it increases, and at rest it weakens. The pain can radiate to the back of the head, ear, temple or shoulder.

Herniated and protruded intervertebral discs

Compression of the intervertebral discs that have lost their elasticity leads to their protrusion (protrusion) into the spinal canal and the subsequent formation of a hernia.

As a result, the spinal cord is compressed, leading to impaired hand sensitivity (numbness, burning, weakness) and pain. Shooting (irregular unilateral) pain intensifies when tilting, rotating or throwing back the head, so that the person instinctively tilts his head forward and to the side opposite to the localization of pain.

Cervical myelopathy

Prolonged compression of a hernia of the spinal cord leads to impaired cerebrospinal circulation.

Painful sensations arise not only in the neck, but also radiate between the shoulder blades, in the shoulders. They increase with movement and do not stop even after taking painkillers. Typical signs are the appearance of goose bumps, numbness of the limbs, problems with fine motor skills.Dizziness, memory impairment, gait changes are possible.

Whiplash

Whiplash injury of the cervical spine occurs in a person with a sharp bend of the neck forward or backward, followed by recoil in the opposite direction. Such damage most often occurs in road traffic accidents. In this case, stretching and damage to muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and cervical vertebrae occurs. In the most severe cases, dislocations and fractures of the cervical vertebrae occur.

The consequences of trauma can be pain in the cervical spine and shoulders, migraines, spasms of the neck muscles, and impaired mobility.

Concomitant symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches.

Neck pain due to muscle-tonic syndromes

Muscle-tonic syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged spasm of several muscle groups in the head, neck, and chest.Compression of the neurovascular bundles leads to pulling, sometimes severe pain. In particular, the syndrome of the scalene muscle is a symptom complex in which the innervation and blood supply of the scalene muscles of the neck, going from the cervical vertebrae to the first and second ribs, are disturbed. This syndrome is characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck, often in the morning, a certain position of the head (the head is tilted forward and slightly towards the tense muscle). The pain can be mild, aching, but sometimes it is also sharp, intensifying at night, with a deep breath, when the head is tilted to the healthy side.Sometimes pain is transmitted to the shoulders, to the axillary and interscapular regions, to the anterior chest.

Neck pain due to other causes

Persistent and prolonged neck pain can be caused not only by diseases of the spine.

First of all, infectious diseases should be excluded, in particular, nonspecific or tuberculous spondylitis, epidural abscess.Persistent pain that intensifies, rather than diminishes at rest, can be a sign of metastatic lesions of the vertebrae. These symptoms are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, general weakness, and sweating. When pressing on the spinous processes, local pain occurs.

The defeat of the spine is possible with rheumatoid arthritis. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, pain occurs in the neck, occiput and head. The pain can radiate to the forehead and eye sockets, and increase with bending and turning the head.Loss of sensitivity in the neck and arms.

Diagnostics and examinations

First of all, the doctor pays attention to the clinical symptoms: localization and spread of pain, impaired sensitivity in the neck, shoulders, arms, decreased reflexes, general condition, the nature of pain (increases with movement or at rest).

The doctor may prescribe:

• general blood test

330 rbl

In garbage

3 840 rub

In garbage

General urine analysis (Urinalysis with sediment microscopy)

A study of a single morning portion of urine, including the determination of physical (color, transparency, specific gravity), chemical (pH, protein content, glucose, ketones, urobilinogen, bilirubin, hemoglobin, nitrites and leukocyte esterase), as well as an assessment of the qualitative and quantitative …..

370 rbl

In garbage

C-reactive protein (CRP, CRP)

C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein, a sensitive indicator of tissue damage during inflammation, necrosis, and trauma.

Synonyms: CRP blood test; Serum C-reactive protein.

C-reactive Protein (CRP), quantitative; C-reactive protein test; CRP test.

Brief Description of Def …

570 rbl

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To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will need the results of computed and magnetic resonance imaging

90,000 why my back hurts and my head is spinning

Your questions are answered by a neurologist, doctor of the highest category, deputy chief physician for the medical department of the Spine Clinic of Dr. Razumovsky Sergey Igorevich Burovik.

Even thirty – forty years ago, back problems and frequent headaches were one of the indicators of a respectable age. Now, strong-looking guys and very young girls often complain of such ailments.

Blame for everything – a modern way of life and bad habits. Sedentary work, unwillingness to “come off” from the car, unhealthy diet, excessive enthusiasm for gadgets and even fashionable fitness – all this can cause problems with the musculoskeletal system. For example, did you know that sedentary work at a computer, laptop or phone increases the load on the lower back significantly? It is not as bad for the back to unload the boxes as to be in a static position all day.And problems with the spine quickly “spread” to the entire body, because everything in our body is interconnected.

But what if you can’t change your lifestyle? Some people drown out pain by taking painkillers, others make their own diagnoses and look for ways of treatment on the Internet. However, this is not a way out, but on the contrary, an aggravation of the situation.

We suggest that you do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor and ask any questions about spinal diseases to an expert of the Spine Clinic of Dr. Razumovsky.

Why does our back ache so often? How to understand the causes of headaches and dizziness? What treatments for the spine and joints are there? And what to do to prevent the disease, if any, from progressing?

Everything that is useful and important for you to learn about spine health, treatment of headaches and dizziness, you can ask Sergei Igorevich Burovik, neurologist, doctor of the highest category, deputy chief physician for the medical department of the Spine Clinic, Dr. Razumovsky.

Answers will be published on the same page.

Yusupova Zamira

Hello, I have such a question for what reason is the back pain from the bottom of the shovel on the right side and a constant feeling of nausea?

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Zamira. Back pain can be the result of osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias and other diseases of the spine. In some cases, back pain can be reflected from the internal organs.Nausea can be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired cerebral circulation, high or low blood pressure, and other diseases and conditions. You should start by consulting a neurologist. He will determine the further tactics of your examination and treatment.

Arman

Hello, I don’t understand what is dubious, constantly nervous movements crunching of the back, neck, eyes hurt when moving or pressing, my head seems to be in a fog and this state of mind is constant, I can’t even think normally

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Arman.To clarify the reason for your complaints, it is necessary to conduct an examination of the spine, vessels of the neck and brain, blood tests. A brain examination may also be required. To determine the final volume of research, you need to consult a neurologist. At the appointment, the doctor will study in detail the circumstances of the appearance of these complaints, the medical history, concomitant diseases (if any), establish a diagnosis and give all the necessary recommendations for further examination and treatment.

irina ivanova

hello. I would like to ask you. I worked two by two and switched to a week I was 26. the first day one work the second day another. I worked hard even from 10 to 11 at night the cook runs … zapara. and left work I had a rest for two days and went to look for something new. but on the way I felt bad on the bus numb from the stomach to the upper jaw and panic. I came and told my mother and it started again. The doctor came and said Tihacardia panic. And of course, osteochondrosis of the neck.slept on the floor did not make friends with the sofa. well smeared with cream. and valerian. then I walked like a zombie as if it weren’t me. I somehow resigned myself. but the fear remained. I do not go by buses. 2 years have passed. I am pregnant in the bus again had this attack. I chewed lollipops and somehow it passed and changed the position of my back. It hurts in the vertebra. Now again. My husband and I have worked a lot, and even we need to get up faster in the morning. I say that everything hurts .. I could hardly go. At night my legs went numb and my back neck began to hurt terribly. The husband left for three months on a business trip.I am with a child. He needs to be taken to the kindergarten and I can hardly go. Everything hurts. I think I’ll fall and the child. He will go anywhere he’s small .. I will cream. Tell me which doctor to go to.

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Irina. In your case, first of all, you need to consult a neurologist. At the appointment, the doctor will conduct an examination, determine the amount of necessary research, and also give recommendations for treatment.

Victoria

Good evening. I have a sore between the shoulder blades and neck, nausea and weakness, poor appetite.Often there are cramps in the abdomen and heart, pressure and tachycardia increase, trembling and panic begins. After tincture of valerian it becomes easier

Sergey Igorevich Burovik

Dear Victoria. These conditions can be associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, hormonal disorders, diseases of internal organs, stress. To find out the cause of your condition, it is necessary to study in detail the history of the appearance of these complaints, their development and connection with external factors, as well as conduct a complex of examinations.First of all, you need a consultation with a neurologist. It is possible that you will additionally need an appointment with an endocrinologist, cardiologist and psychotherapist.

Nikolay

Good afternoon. Such a problem. Sometimes once every six months there are bouts of pain in the head, accompanied by all the noise in the ears (as if by waves). After the injections, it becomes easier. Now, after work, I go home, my lower back starts to hurt, and my head starts to squeeze, the same tinnitus appears. Feels hot.Mri of the head showed that everything was normal. What to do? Thank you !

Sergey Igorevich Burovik

Dear Nikolay. To establish the reason for the appearance of these complaints, it is necessary to conduct an additional examination. In your case, you may need to conduct an MRI of the lumbosacral spine, duplex scanning of the vessels of the neck and brain, blood tests and ultrasound of internal organs. The doctor will be able to more accurately determine the amount of necessary research in consultation after a detailed examination and special tests.With these symptoms, you should start by consulting a neurologist.

Raya

Hello, the neck hurts, presses on the lungs, the lower back hurts: other symptoms of nausea, the condition happens as if I’ll faint swelling on the face

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Raya. You have a wide variety of complaints that may be associated with different diseases and conditions: diseases of the spine, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and hormonal disorders, and others.To establish a final diagnosis, you need a consultation with a neurologist and a therapist, as well as an additional examination according to their recommendations.

Diana

And so, lately my head is often dizzy (sometimes I even fall as soon as I get up, my legs do not hold) and it darkens in my eyes, at any time of the day there is severe drowsiness, I can sleep twice as much as the norm, as well as pain in the lower back and no appetite at all, I can eat nothing for 2-3 days. The parents say that I may just have low hemoglobin.Should I see a doctor? Thank you in advance

Sergey Igorevich Burovik

Dear Diana. A decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood can cause similar symptoms, but it also happens in other diseases and conditions. You should definitely consult a doctor to conduct an examination and establish the reason for these complaints. First of all, it will be necessary to conduct blood tests (clinical, biochemical and possibly a study for thyroid hormones), electroencephalography, duplex scanning of the vessels of the neck and brain, electrocardiography.In your case, you need a consultation with a general practitioner and a neurologist. Based on the results of the examination, consultations with other specialists may be required.

Anna

Good afternoon. Tell me, what could it be. Five days ago, the lower back on the left began to hurt, dizziness. And last night I woke up from an acute pain in the stomach.

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Anna. In case of acute pain in the stomach, urgent consultation with a doctor (surgeon or gastroenterologist) is needed, if necessary, call an ambulance team to exclude acute surgical pathology.Lower back pain can be in diseases of the spine, but sometimes reflected pain in pathology from the internal organs (abdominal cavity, kidneys, pelvic organs). Dizziness can be caused by diseases of the spine and brain, vascular, hormonal and metabolic disorders. To establish the final reason for the appearance of these complaints, you need to consult a specialist and assign a set of examinations. For back pain and dizziness, you should see a neurologist.

Julia

Hello, I have been a fitness trainer for the last 6 years, but I have been working in the gym since I was 18. Now I’m 39. Recently, after training, my lower back has started to hurt and, along with this, weakness and dizziness, I already feel nauseous in the morning from this And regardless of whether the training was of an aerobic nature or I was engaged with a barbell. Now I do not pull large weights, if I used to squat from 60kg .. now the maximum is 40 .. Tell me what it can be and which doctor should I contact, what tests to wait or procedures to do.Thank you.

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Julia. Back pain can be associated with degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, spondyloarthrosis, etc.), and weakness and dizziness, in addition to diseases of the cervical spine, can be caused by pathology of the cardiovascular system, hormonal and metabolic disorders, and others reasons. You should start by consulting a neurologist. At the reception, the doctor will conduct a full examination, examine in detail the complaints, medical history and prescribe the necessary examinations to establish the final diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Elena

Good evening! Can you please tell me for 9 months I have been suffering with dizziness, did an MRI of the brain and the entire vertebra, pathology only in the spinal region of protrusion in the l5, s1 discs and the manifestation of bilateral sequestration, which was not treated, and vasodilators and antidepressants, at the moment I drink fezam and paxil, when I start to move my pelvis, dizziness begins, knowing such a feeling as if it pushes in my legs when I walk and everything goes to my head and dizziness begins, and it can also be difficult to rearrange the legs, such a feeling as if they are being held or, on the contrary, it seems like it pushes faster, there are such things that when I go as if I’m falling through.Help pzhl I have already drank so many pills I have no strength, I am 33 years old

Sergey Igorevich Burovik

Dear Elena. Without consulting a doctor with a full examination and a detailed study of the medical history and examination results, it is very difficult to say something specific about your condition. Dizziness can be caused by impaired blood circulation, hormonal changes, pathology of the cervical spine and nervous system, the consequence of stress, metabolic disorders and other reasons.Most likely, additional examinations will be needed to clarify the cause of your symptoms: blood tests, electrocardiography, duplex scanning of blood vessels, electroencephalography, etc. In addition to consulting a neurologist, you may also need to see an endocrinologist and a psychotherapist.

Vlad

Hello, such a problem of lower back pain when bending the body forward or backward, nothing hurts in a calm state. Also accompanied by constant fatigue and irritability, especially in the daytime, sometimes it darkens in the eyes when lifting the body up, did an X-ray of the spine, it seems like a slight scoliosis, but there should not be such problems as they said, passed the tests passed the cardiogram MRI of the head everything is normal, tell me what could be

Sergey Igorevich Driller

Dear Vlad.Without consultation and a full examination, it is very difficult to establish the cause of your symptoms. It is possible that lower back pain is associated with intervertebral hernias or with kidney pathology, then magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region and ultrasound of the kidneys cannot be dispensed with. Darkening in the eyes may be associated with a deterioration in cerebral circulation against the background of a disease of the cervical spine or pathology of the vessels of the neck and brain. In this case, a duplex scan and examination of the cervical spine will be required.The final volume of research will be determined by a neurologist at a consultation. You can sign up for a consultation with a neurologist at our Clinic by phone or on the official website.

“Woe from Wit, or Why the Head Hurts”

Dr. Ivanov on how stress and excessive ambition can cause headaches

The next publication of a neurologist, candidate of medical sciences, osteopath and head of the spa department of the Luciano clinic Alexander Ivanov is devoted to the problem of headache.It turns out that every tenth person on the planet suffers from migraine. Julius Caesar, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx and Alfred Nobel suffered from her. So is a headache really a kind of payment for the success that accompanies a person in life?

RELATIONSHIP OF EMOTIONS AND HEADACHE

The topic of headache has always been close and interesting to me, since I myself, until recently, suffered from a terrible migraine. Maybe this is what predetermined my professional path – I studied neurology, my Ph.D. thesis was devoted to the prevention of headaches in students, and now I continue to develop in the field of an interesting science – osteopathy, which is very effective in treating headaches.

Headache “dresses in many clothes”, its manifestations are manifold. Why do people have headaches? Difficult question. Our brain is devoid of pain receptors – spinal nerve endings that perceive pain. Receptors are found in the dura mater, blood vessels, and in the soft tissues that cover the skull (muscles, fascia, tendons, and skin). Irritation of these receptors in pathology, such as an infectious disease, is associated with edema and increased intracranial pressure. But this is not always the case.Sometimes doctors do not find any serious diseases, but the head hurts. What then is the reason? Why does the head hurt, and not the arm or leg? It turns out that the head has such a “privilege” – to be ill?

The head is primarily a brain, a complex computer that determines our consciousness, emotions and intelligence. The connection between emotions and headaches is obvious. It is no coincidence that in our speech there are such stable phraseological turns as “my head hurts from this”, “this is my headache” (it makes me anxious), “hang my head” (get upset).That is, emotions can cause tension headaches, the most common type of primary headache.

HOOP, COMPRESSING HEAD

Tension headache can be called the main one, because it occurs most often. Probably, there is not a single person on planet Earth who has not experienced a short-term tension headache at least once in his life. It is a tedious, constant headache, pressing or constricting the head like a hoop, which can last for days or even weeks, reducing a person’s quality of life.Tension headache is directly related to the psychological state of a person and a constant companion of civilized life – stress. Chronic stress strains the muscles in the neck and head (see my article on Causes of Stress). Most often, mental workers suffer from such a headache: managers, office workers, accountants, teachers, doctors.

I will give an example from my practice. A young girl who came from the regional center to Kazan came to me with complaints of a headache.She completed accounting courses and took a well-paid job. At first she liked everything, but soon the work became boring, monotonous, she had to spend a lot of time at the computer, there was no time left for her personal life. Constant stress and dissatisfaction with living conditions led to the appearance of pressing, constricting pain in the forehead, temple and neck. At first, the pain appeared only at the end of the working day, but after a month it grew into a constant one. She began to feel it as an “iron hat”.The drugs provided only temporary relief. Our joint work with a psychologist helped to solve her problem.

Picture 1

MIGRAINE – ARISTOCRATIC DISEASE

Everyone has heard about migraine, everyone has their own idea of ​​this disease. For some, this word evokes from memory the literary image described by Bulgakov in the novel The Master and Margarita: “Yes, there is no doubt! It is she, she again, the invincible, terrible disease of hemicrania, in which half of my head hurts. “In the classical works of the 19th century, migraine is presented as a disease of aristocrats (perhaps because of their delicate mental structure, or maybe simply because they could afford it?). For some, migraine is associated with memories from childhood, when everyone in the house walked on tiptoe and spoke in a whisper so as not to disturb their mother, who lies with a headache in a room with tightly curtained windows. Or we can think of a work colleague who suddenly asked for time off and went home because of a severe headache.One thing is clear: migraine is a problem not only for the person who suffers from it, but also for his entire environment.

According to medical statistics, every tenth person on the planet suffers from migraines, but not all of them go to the doctor for help. Young women are most often at risk. Migraine headaches are mainly characterized by one-sided headaches, more often in the temples, forehead and eyes. Migraine is manifested by attacks of headache, which periodically occur and reduce the quality of life of the patient, in the rest of the life the person has good health.Migraine has many faces. As a rule, in 80% of cases, in addition to severe headache, it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, intolerance to smells, sounds, light, drowsiness and increased pain during movement. In the onset of migraine, heredity plays an important role. If both parents suffer from migraines, there is a high probability (up to 90%) that the child will develop the disease. The factors that trigger migraines can be seen in Fig. 1.

It is known that many prominent historical figures suffered from migraines – Julius Caesar, Llius Carroll, Friedrich Nietzsche, Emmanuel Kant, Frederic Chopin, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Alfred Nobel, Leo Tolstoy and others.It is believed that the headache in such people is a kind of payment for the success that accompanies them in life. However, there is nothing surprising in the occurrence of a headache in brilliant people, since people with an active life position, ambitious and purposeful, suffer mainly from migraines. Having a migraine is not a sign of genius or talent, since the percentage of migraines among the gifted and ordinary people is the same.

HEADACHE METAPHYSICS

In terms of psychosomatics, the presence of a headache is often associated with low self-esteem and feelings of guilt towards others, as well as with excessive demands on oneself.The man, as it were, “hits” himself on the head with reproaches. Unwittingly, in the speech of such patients, one can hear phrases such as “tired of puzzling over this problem,” “I lost my head,” “I cannot jump above my head,” and the like. The problem of headache often arises in people with a constitution of fire and metal (according to oriental medicine), that is, in people who are ambitious, leaders by nature, who are afraid to lead something, to lead. The manifestation of stubbornness, stubbornness in relation to events in life can lead to headaches in the forehead.

Migraine often occurs in people who do not give themselves the opportunity to be themselves. Such patients do not like work or study. For example, a child wants to become a musician, and his parents send him to an economic institute.

When treating a headache, it is important that a person is aware of his psychological problem and internally worked with it. This can be done both independently and with the help of a psychologist. I recommend writing to yourself a “therapy” letter detailing the situation as a method of problem awareness.Describing the problem in writing, thinking about the contents of the letter sometimes leads to good thoughts. Internal metamorphoses imperceptibly begin, which lead to the resolution of the situation.

HEADACHE – ALARMS. WHAT DOCTOR TO GO TO?

Many of us cope with headaches on our own by taking affordable medications. But there are situations when you just need to see a doctor. Make an appointment with a neurologist if the headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and sound phobia, is not relieved by drugs, seizures and their duration have become more frequent, if the headache interferes with professional and other duties, and if it arose after a head injury.Only a qualified doctor can identify the cause, diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

Which doctor should I go to for a headache? The problem of headache is usually dealt with by a neurologist, and it is more logical to contact him. He will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe additional research methods. With the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the doctor can see abnormalities in the structure of the tissues of the brain, its membranes, the skull, and even individual vessels. In some cases, Doppler ultrasound examination (USG) of the vessels of the neck and head is prescribed.With the help of USDG, the doctor can assess the rate of blood flow through individual vessels. There are also functional methods for assessing the work of the brain – for example, electroencephalography (EEG), that is, a study that allows you to evaluate the work of the brain by its biocurrents. The function of the spinal cord and its roots is assessed using neuromyography.

In some cases, to clarify the diagnosis and identify the root cause, a neurologist may require additional consultations from a therapist or other narrow specialists, for example, a cardiologist, ENT doctor, ophthalmologist, dentist, osteopath and even a psychotherapist.

The cardiologist examines the cardiovascular system, measures blood pressure, prescribes electrocardiography (ECG) to assess the functional state of the heart. High blood pressure (hypertension) or, conversely, low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause headaches. With hypertension, headaches, as a rule, are of a pulsating character, localized in the occipital region, and with normalization of pressure, they usually disappear. It is useless to treat a headache with analgesics when it is caused by high blood pressure! Accordingly, the task of the cardiologist is to treat hypertension in the first place.

The ophthalmologist will exclude the influence from the visual apparatus. With glaucoma, there may be headaches in the frontotemporal region. This headache can be accompanied by nausea. In addition, a headache can be provoked by improperly selected optics and some other ophthalmic diseases (uveitis, ametropia). At the appointment, the doctor will conduct a complete ophthalmological examination, if necessary, prescribe a CT or MRI diagnosis.

During the examination, the ENT doctor will exclude his pathology.With a headache in the temple or forehead, as well as in the presence of discharge from the nasal cavity, hearing loss or smell, the problem may be in the sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis).

In case of problems of the dentition, malocclusion or after manipulation of the teeth (treatment, prosthetics), pain in the temple and occiput area is likely, therefore it may be necessary to consult a dentist with appropriate treatment.

Physician-psychotherapist (clinical psychologist) will help to identify psychosomatic causes of headache – increased anxiety, apathy, depression.He will teach you how to cope with them, for example, using auto-training methods or art therapy. In some cases, drug therapy may be required.

The involvement of an osteopathic physician is recommended in the treatment of headaches of almost any origin. The doctor conducts an osteopathic examination, which consists in palpation (performed with the help of the doctor’s sensitive hands) and identifying zones of restrictions in the area of ​​the cranial sutures, mobility of the vertebrae, tension of muscles and their membranes. An osteopath can relax deep muscles and fascia, improve venous outflow from the cranial cavity, restore the biomechanics of movement of the bones of the skull, spine, improve blood flow to the brain, thereby eliminating the root cause of headache or facilitating the treatment process for other doctors.Osteopathy is effective in treating and preventing both tension headaches and migraines.

Be healthy!

Alexander Ivanov

The opinion of the author may not coincide with the position of the editors

90,000 Real stories of patients with coronavirus infection COVID-19

From the first person: the stories of people who fell ill with COVID-19 were told on the Echo of Moscow website by patients from the United States. They wrote about their feelings and fears.We present this publication in full – a translation of an article by VOX, USA.

Real stories of patients with coronavirus infection COVID-19

STORY ONE

“The despair I felt when I couldn’t breathe was a terrible feeling.”

Luis Manceno, 33, Brooklyn Immigration Attorney

I stayed at home on Friday morning two weeks ago because I felt very tired and aching all over my body.Then I got chills and the pains in my body intensified. I measured the temperature and I had about 101 degrees F (38.3 C). For two days I could not do anything. Finally the temperature decreased and the pains in the body almost stopped. But a dry cough began. After reading a lot about Covid-19 before, I contacted my doctor and told him that I had all the symptoms of Covid-19. My doctor said there was not much I could do and that I just needed to stay at home because testing was very limited back then and a positive test wouldn’t change anything anyway.

By Monday morning [March 16], I woke up with a gasp. I couldn’t think or speak because I was putting all my energy into breathing. I also felt a strong tightness in my chest that did not go away. That night I went to the emergency room because my condition was getting worse. The hospital staff immediately received me and hooked me up to an oxygen machine. An ambulance doctor examined me and gave me a Covid-19 test. He also tested me for common flu and other viruses.These tests were negative. I was in the hospital for about four hours, after which the doctor told me that I could go home. The doctor said they couldn’t keep me there because they needed a place for patients with more severe symptoms. However, the doctor warned me that I would need to return to the emergency room if I find it difficult to breathe again.

On Wednesday night, before going to bed, I again felt that I could no longer breathe. It was worse this time.I started to feel very dizzy and found it difficult to walk. For the first time since my symptoms began, I began to fear for my life. My husband helped me pack my bag and took me to the emergency room. It took us about 40 minutes, and luckily, by the time I got there, my breathing was restored. I spoke to a doctor who confirmed that I most likely have Covid-19, he told me to go home because there is nothing they can do for me.

On Saturday morning, when I finally felt a little better, the hospital called me and said that my positive test for Covid-19 came.It has been two weeks since I had my first symptoms. I finally feel better. Breathing difficulties almost disappeared. But the whole situation scared me very much. The despair I felt when I couldn’t breathe was a terrible feeling that I would not wish on anyone.

STORY TWO

“As a healthcare professional, I feel” that strange oppressive feeling “” what did I do wrong that I could get infected? ”

Laura, 26, Philadelphia Nurse

At first I started to have a headache, and I had a headache around my eyes and temples [it was March 16].I had a dry cough and shortness of breath that only came on when I was tense, such as when I was running down the stairs, or when I was playing with my dog, or when I was trying to exercise from home. I felt overwhelmed and also had chills. I had these symptoms only in the morning of the first day, and by the evening I felt good. When I woke up with the same symptoms the next day, I decided to get tested. Since I am a nurse and I had to go out on duty at the clinic in a week, I needed to know if I should warn my boss to take me off my schedule.In the end, I sent a message to my friend who works as an emergency doctor. I felt this strange oppressive feeling: “how did this happen to me?” and “what did I do wrong that I could get infected?” A friend of mine assured me that it was not my fault and that it is important now that I take the proper precautions. She informed me about the Covid Test Center at Penn Medicine, which opened just that day at 10 a.m.

I quickly got into the car with my fiance and he drove me there.I needed a referral from my primary physician, but since I did not have one, I was able to get a referral from a physician on site and make an appointment by phone to get a place in the queue. The whole process took about 45 minutes.

I was told that I would be called in three to five days if the test is positive, or I will receive a text message within 10 days if the test is negative. My symptoms gradually worsened. I lost my sense of taste and did not smell, gastrointestinal problems and general fatigue were added.These symptoms were wavy, and there were some days when I felt completely normal, and on other days I felt completely drained and immobilized.

On the fifth day, they called me and said that I had a positive result. At that time, I had been ill for more than a week. I receive a virtual check-up twice a day to track my symptoms using Penn Medicine’s automated messaging software. I feel guilty about not being able to help in the way that many of my colleagues, the nurses are on the front lines, do their best to take care of our loved ones, but I am happy that I was able to get tested early and did not become a source of distribution virus.The most frustrating symptom for me was the inability to smell or taste anything. This is really difficult.

STORY THREE

“I got an X-ray and was told that my lungs were filling with fluid”

Mike, 57, Seattle-based IT Worker

I honestly thought I had the flu, terrible flu. I felt very weak. It was hard for me to breathe. I had a temperature that came and went.[Monday, March 16] I went to the emergency room wearing a mask and squatted in the corner of the waiting room. I continued to have difficulty breathing. Flu tests were done and while they were awaiting results, the doctor decided to take a chest x-ray due to a cough and breathing problems. The flu tests came back negative, so they decided to test for Covid-19. This test is not carried out locally, so it had to be sent to the laboratory.

Chest X-ray already showed that I had pneumonia.Then I tested positive for the Covid-19 test, and the response came on Thursday afternoon [March 19]. This day was the worst. I went to the emergency room, but of course the hospital was not equipped to handle Covid-19 patients. They kept me with them until they found a place for me in another hospital. X-rays were taken there again, it showed that my lungs were filling with fluid. Imagine feeling as if your lungs are about to explode. Fourteen hours later, a hospital seat was found.At 2:30 am on Saturday, I was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital.

I was injected with antibiotics and immediately vomited. I was injected with the antibiotic several more times. Later that day, I felt better, but I still had violent coughing fits. By the end of the day, the fluid in my lungs began to drain.

On Sunday that same week, I was able to get the doctor to let me go home so that I could complete the treatment myself, because the situation no longer looked like I still needed a ventilator, there were many other patients who could use the ventilated ward.My oxygenation was good. Since then, coughing fits have been terrible and extremely painful. I was sent home with a special inhaler and medication. Ten days after the first symptoms, I finally spent the entire day [Thursday, March 26] without a bad cough. I was careful in my movements – I climbed the stairs and got up from the chair carefully so as not to disturb my lungs with sudden movements.

I’ve heard that there are people out there who think it really looks like the flu.But this is not at all the case. I once had a pretty bad flu that put me out of action for 10 days. It is nothing compared to that.

STORY FOUR

“Friends and relatives leave everything I need on the doorstep in front of my door”

Tina, 52, Housewife, Arizona

I noticed my first symptoms a few days after my trip to Disneyland. I woke up with a sore throat and a slight cough.It was like an annoying tickle. Day two: the temperature rose, the cough intensified, the sore throat intensified, and it became difficult to take a deep breath.

When I returned home to Arizona at the end of the second day, I thought I had a cold or possibly the flu. The condition gradually worsened every day. I began to feel very weak, with severe headaches. My neck hurt. I was sick. My chest ached, my ribs ached, it was painful to breathe.

A few days later, I called the doctor, talked about my symptoms, and was advised to go to the emergency room right away.The doctor called ahead of time to tell them I was coming. When I got there, they took me through a completely different entrance. All of them were wearing protective masks and protective clothing, with double gloves. I didn’t see a single patient the entire time I was there. I was placed in a separate room and kept in isolation.

They did tests and X-rays, and they told me that I had a coronavirus, so I must be in home quarantine for at least 14 days without contact with anyone.Since then, my cough has only worsened. My body feels weak all the time, and I feel very tired, everything just hurts. My throat still hurts and it hurts to swallow. I am not leaving my home. Friends and family leave whatever I need at my doorstep.

I never went back to the hospital because they have no cure for the virus, and the most they can do is connect me to a breathing apparatus, which I don’t need yet. I pray every day that I feel better and that my breathing does not get worse and my temperature finally subsides.There is no one to ask questions, because no one knows the answers. Hopefully tomorrow I will be better.

Read also:

90,000 This is how my life will end. ”What do people feel when they suddenly wake up during an operation, and why does this happen ?: People: From life: Lenta.ru

General anesthesia is needed to make medical procedures painless. However, in vanishingly rare cases, it fails, and the patient may suddenly wake up during the operation. Being in a paralyzed state, he is unable to move or even open his eyes.To his horror, the person feels every touch of the scalpel, unable to send a distress signal. What people actually experience during intranarcotic awakening and what is the reason for this phenomenon – in the material of “Lenta.ru”.

Donna Penner from the Canadian city of Altona has never been able to recover from the psychological trauma she received 13 years ago. In 2008, shortly before her 45th birthday, she experienced heavy bleeding during her period and sought medical attention.

The doctor referred her for diagnostic laparoscopy – a surgical operation in which an incision is made in the patient’s abdomen to examine the abdominal organs for injuries or diseases. Penner was reassured that there was nothing to fear, as she was waiting for an ordinary procedure. However, something went wrong, and the woman woke up seconds before the surgeon made the first incision with a scalpel.

Due to neuromuscular blocking drugs used simultaneously with anesthesia, Penner’s body was completely paralyzed.She was conscious and felt the surgeon making incisions in her abdomen. And while the doctors examined her body, the patient was in indescribable pain. “I thought, ‘That’s it, this is how my life will end, right here on the operating table, and the family will never know what I experienced in the last few hours of my life, because no one will even notice what was happening to me.” – admitted the Canadian

Donna Penner

Photo: from the personal archive

Painful memories still do not allow her to sleep peacefully.Several times a night she wakes up with nightmares. Penner stopped wearing clothes and accessories that tighten her neck, because they make her feel like she is suffocating. What she had to experience shortly before the anniversary, she calls a life sentence, which can hardly be canceled.

Penner’s medical case is undeniably rare, but not an isolated one. A 2017 study of 260 people by University of Wisconsin anesthesiologist Robert Sanders shows that about five percent of patients can regain consciousness on the operating table despite being submerged in anesthesia.

True, due to the action of anesthesia, many of the patients eventually forget about the experience of intranarcotic awakening. It is now more important for doctors than ever to investigate such cases, given how often anesthesia is used to treat patients.

In the UK alone, nearly three million anesthesia is used annually. I assume that right now in some part of the world, the patient is awake during operation

Peter Odor

Registrar of St. George’s Hospital in London

Anesthesiology appeared two centuries ago and became a real breakthrough in the world of medicine.On October 16, 1846, Boston dentist William Morton was the first in the world to successfully perform ether anesthesia to remove a submandibular tumor on a patient named Gilbert Abbott. Despite the fact that the patient could still mutter to himself, he no longer felt pain, only a faint sensation of being “scratched with a hoe.”

In Russia, the first operation under anesthesia was performed by Nikolai Pirogov’s friend at the professorial institute, Fedor Inozemtsev, in February 1847. A week later, Pirogov himself did the operation with the use of anesthetic.Soon he took part in hostilities in the Caucasus. There, for the first time in the history of medicine, he began to operate on the wounded under ether anesthesia. In total, the surgeon performed about 10 thousand operations with ether anesthesia.

Before the advent of anesthesia, surgery was considered the most extreme and cruel way to treat a patient. At the same time, the areas in which the surgeon could practice were strictly limited: minor surgery, amputation of limbs, excision of necrotic tissue and removal of stones from the bladder.The abdomen and chest were restricted areas.

Many patients died on the operating table, unable to bear the pain. Some patients survived only due to the fact that due to agony they lost consciousness

The success of the operation without anesthesia was determined only by the speed of the surgeon. However, with the advent of general anesthesia, surgery has moved to a new level. Now doctors could operate on patients more slowly, which means more accurate and accurate. Anesthesiology made it possible to treat restricted areas as well.Over time, ether began to be replaced by more modern inhalation anesthetics.

Anesthesiologists currently have a wide range of pain relievers. The choice of this or that remedy, like the dose, depends on the procedure and the needs of a particular patient.

William Morton conducts the world’s first anesthesia (October 16, 1846)

As a rule, surgeons are faced with the task not to make the patient unconscious, but to reduce or completely block the sensitivity of a certain part of the body.For example, regional anesthesia is used to “freeze” the lower half of the body: spinal or epidural anesthesia. It is most commonly used during childbirth, bladder surgery, and hip replacement.

Drugs that are injected into the patient’s body during general anesthesia intravenously or by inhalation completely turn off consciousness. Under anesthesia, a person does not feel pain and most often experiences amnesia. The exact mechanisms of general anesthesia are still not fully understood.There is a theory that anesthetics dull neurotransmitters – substances that regulate brain function.

For example, the short-term hypnotic propofol is used in general anesthesia as a sedative. It enhances the work of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system.

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“It is possible that anesthesia interferes with the active transmission of information,” says Robert Sanders, an anesthesiologist at the University of Wisconsin. In this case, the mind turns off, turning into a turned off TV, unable to process and respond to signals from the body.

However, it is important for the anesthetist to consider many factors when treating each patient. The specialist may use one drug to put the patient into a drug-induced coma and another to maintain that condition.In addition, the age and complexion of the patient is important, whether he smoked, what medications he took, as well as the cause of the disease, in order to determine the required dosage.

Doctors often inject patients with muscle relaxants – drugs that reduce muscle tone to the point of complete immobilization of a person. For example, in the UK, almost half of general anesthesia includes neuromuscular blockers. These medications temporarily paralyze the patient to eliminate the likelihood of spasms and reflex movements during surgery.

Anesthesiology has worked wonders for over 170 years, saving the lives of millions of people. However, as with other medical procedures, there are complicating factors. Some people have a high threshold for sensitivity to anesthetics. In this case, the drugs do not reduce the activity of the brain, and the person continues to be conscious. In difficult cases, for example, with wounds with a large loss of blood, the doctor has to manage with lower doses of anesthetics, so as not to aggravate the patient’s condition.

In some cases, the patient may move the limbs and even speak to warn the surgeon that the drugs have not worked. However, if the patient is injected with muscle relaxants, it is no longer possible to give a signal. It is for this reason that a small percentage of people become hostages to their bodies and are conscious on the operating table. Most often, they hear sounds and feel pain, but cannot call for help.

Penner recalls how worried she was before laparoscopy, although in the past she had already had surgery under anesthesia, and everything went without any problems.She was taken to the operating unit, placed on the table, and the first dose of medication was administered. Soon she began to fall asleep, having time to think: “Well, everything worked.”

When the Canadian regained consciousness, she heard the nurses scurrying around the operating table. Penner felt a touch on her stomach and decided that the examination was over and the nursing staff was rubbing her skin. “I thought, ‘Well, you were worrying in vain,’” she says. And then, to her horror, she heard the surgeon ask the nurse to give him a scalpel.The operation was not over yet, she realized suddenly. In fact, it hasn’t even started yet.

The next thing the patient felt was a sharp pain from a knife stabbed into her body. She tried desperately to move and speak, but muscle relaxants immobilized her body.

I felt so … so helpless. There was nothing I could do. Neither move, nor scream, nor open your eyes. I tried to cry so that the tears would run down my cheeks, hoping that they would notice it and realize that something was wrong.But I couldn’t cry

Penner put all her energy into moving one foot, and as a result, she succeeded. The Canadian was relieved when the nurse touched her leg with her hand. However, before she could move her foot again, the paramedic removed her hand. The patient tried to attract attention three times, but to no avail. “I lost all hope when I realized that I have only one way to communicate, but even that doesn’t work,” she admits.

Photo: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

Immediately after the operation, her torment seemed to end.But as soon as the effect of muscle relaxants began to fade away, Penner began to move her tongue near the tube inserted into her throat. Thus, she wanted to hint to the staff that all this time she was conscious.

The paramedic understood her message differently and prematurely took out the tube through which oxygen was supplied – before the muscle relaxants finally ceased to work and her lungs began to work on their own. “I was lying on the operating table, and he took what kept me afloat, my oxygen.I couldn’t breathe, ”she says.

Penner began to faint, and at that moment, she said, it seemed that she felt the presence of God. Fortunately, she was again connected to the oxygen machine, after which she woke up in tears

Memories of her experiences and feelings of insecurity haunt the woman to this day. Psychological trauma forced her to temporarily quit her job and take sick leave. “It’s hard to sit at home and see how neighbors leave the house in the morning, get into their cars and leave for work, and realize that I cannot,” she complained in a 2019 interview.

There are various organizations around the world investigating similar incidents. However, the Department of Anesthesia Awareness Registry at Washington State Research University is believed to provide the most detailed analysis. Operating since 2007, the university organization has collected information on hundreds of medical cases of intranarcotic awakening.

Although all stories are strictly anonymous, they shed light on this little-studied phenomenon. Nearly all patients who experienced an unintentional awakening from general anesthesia reported hearing voices and other sounds.

“I heard songs in the same genre and tried to understand why my surgeon chose him,” recalls one of the patients. Another patient noted that he also heard different voices, and it seemed to him that people were agitated. “They said they were losing me,” he recounted.

Photo: BSIP / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

More than 70 percent of those who experienced intraoperative recovery from anesthesia complained of pain. “I felt a sharp pain and burning sensation from four incisions, it felt like a cut in a finger with a sharp knife,” the patient recalls.”And then a burning, unbearable pain.”

It is the paralyzing effect of muscle relaxants that scares patients more than anything else. According to the stories of patients, due to muscle blockers, a person has the feeling that he stops breathing. And to all this – a devastating helplessness. “I shouted something like,“ Don’t they understand that I’m not sleeping, open your eyes and give them a signal, ”said one of the victims. The panic is exacerbated by the fact that patients experiencing an intra-narcotic awakening do not know what is happening to them and think that they are dying.

Fortunately, according to statistics, such incidents are really rare.

One of the largest and most detailed studies was the fifth national audit project carried out by the British and Irish Anesthesiology Associations. Under the arrangement, every public hospital in the UK and Ireland was required to report any cases of intra-narcotic awakening known to it within a year.

Results published in 2014 showed that this phenomenon occurs in one out of 19,000 patients who underwent general anesthesia.Moreover, if paralyzing drugs were administered during anesthesia, intraoperative recovery from anesthesia occurred more often – in one out of eight thousand patients – since people could not warn doctors about the problem.

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The data obtained and expert opinions confirm that the risk of experiencing intranarcotic awakening is vanishingly small. However, Peter Odor of St. George’s Hospital in London believes that the results of the study are not correct enough to use them to assess the risks of general anesthesia.

The national audit project took into account the stories of only those patients who wished to share their experiences. According to Odor, many victims simply could not or did not want to talk about the trauma they received during the operation in order to leave negative memories in the past.

In addition, anesthetics can cause memory lapses in patients. “Anesthetic drugs interfere with the ability to remember,” says Odor. “And the dose that is used to dull memory is less than that used to remove a person from consciousness.” It follows from this that a larger percentage of people could also come out of anesthesia during the operation, but then forget about it.

To investigate this phenomenon, experts use what they call the arm isolation technique.During the injection of anesthesia, the patient’s shoulder is tightened with a belt that does not allow muscle relaxants to block the arm. Due to this, for some time the patient can still move his hand and answer the doctor’s questions: is he conscious and does he feel pain.

In one of the largest studies of its kind, University of Wisconsin anesthesiologist Robert Sanders collaborated with colleagues from six hospitals in the United States, Europe and New Zealand. Of the 260 patients who participated in the experiments, 4.6 percent confirmed that they were still conscious despite the action of general anesthesia.

The data obtained are contrary to the indicators noted in the framework of the 2014 national audit project. About four out of ten patients who received the isolated arm technique – 1.9 percent of the entire study group – also said they felt pain. These results challenge the ethical aspect of the use of anesthesia.

Whenever I talk to interns, I discuss this philosophical issue with them. If the patient doesn’t remember anything, is it worth worrying about?

Robert Sanders

Anesthesiologist at the University of Wisconsin

According to Sanders, there is no evidence to date that patients who respond to pain during a belt-tugging experiment but do not remember later do not experience PTSD and other psychological problems, such as Penner’s case.After all, if a person does not experience harmful consequences in this case and does not remember anything, one might think that intranarcotic awakening is an unpleasant experience, but most often it does not cause fear.

Sanders decided to conduct a survey among ordinary people and was surprised to hear mixed opinions. An astonishingly large number of respondents said that they would take such a sudden exit from anesthesia calmly if the painful experience was sure to disappear from their memory upon awakening.

I believe the patient hopes that he will be unconscious; and as researchers who want to understand the mechanisms of this phenomenon, as well as doctors who want to provide quality care and meet the patient’s expectations, we must study this process and find out what is the true effect of intranarcotic awakening on a person, as well as find out how we can reduce the likelihood of its manifestation

Robert Sanders

Anesthesiologist at the University of Wisconsin

There is no doubt that various articles and studies on intranarcotic awakening can scare patients preparing for surgery.Some even refuse anesthesia and subsequent treatment in order to avoid the possible consequences of general anesthesia. However, it should be remembered that the risk of suddenly exiting drug-induced sleep is extremely low.

Physicians are convinced that this phenomenon should be known to as many people as possible. In some cases described in medical journals, patients were not aware of the existence of such a phenomenon and upon awakening were convinced that they were dying. Perhaps with greater awareness, patients will be able to make the experience less painful.

Greater awareness of this issue can also help physicians treat patients who have experienced intranarcotic awakening. Many patients, including Penner, claim that their behavior on the operating table was misunderstood by doctors.

Photo: Klar / ullstein bild via Getty Images

According to a study by scientists from the University of Washington, 75 percent of patients who experienced an unplanned awakening from anesthesia were unhappy with the staff’s response to their complaints.51 percent of people said that neither the anesthesiologist nor the surgeon expressed sympathy for them. Only 10 percent of the victims said that the hospital apologized to them, and only 15 percent were referred to specialists who helped them cope with psychological trauma.

When Penner tried to report the incident to the nurses, they stood in bewilderment and said nothing. “I will never forget the expressions on their faces – they seemed to be in complete shock,” she says. “They don’t know what to do in a situation like this.”The Canadian believes that doctors should study this phenomenon more.

Penner hopes that further research into intranarcotic awakening will help to better understand the effects of general anesthesia and, as a result, reduce the incidence of sudden awakening during surgery. Scientists believe that with a deeper study of medication sleep, doctors will be able to use this phenomenon for the benefit of patients.

Clinical studies show that certain types of therapeutic hypnosis have a beneficial effect on patients.Thus, anesthesia can be an ideal way to bring the patient into a hypnotic trance state. And although the brain goes into deep sleep under the influence of anesthetics, it has been shown that some areas continue to function, for example, the auditory zone. This suggests that doctors may communicate with an unconscious patient during surgery

There are very few studies examining this theory, but Jenny Rosendahl and her colleagues at the University Hospital in Jena, Germany, have tried to collect all the evidence available.Their meta-analysis showed a small but significant improvement in postoperative symptoms in patients, in particular nausea and vomiting, and less morphine use during the rehabilitation period.

After getting a little stronger after her trauma, Penner volunteered to help Canadian universities spread awareness among doctors about intranarcotic awakening and the most effective methods of treating patients. “I want them to be savvy,” she emphasizes. – After all, when the operation is not going according to plan, you need to know how to react; it is extremely important for the patient’s well-being. “

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Nika

About 3 years ago in February my knee got sick. First, I had an x-ray and was told that I had arthritis. I could barely walk. Like a disabled person. Doctors suggested doing knee surgery. I didn’t want to go to the operating table. I began to study this problem on my own. It’s good that I didn’t listen to them. I found out about the new Artropant cream and ordered it on the official website. The cream came in 7 days, smeared it, as written in the instructions.On the 11th day, I ran to prepare for the city marathon. The knee does not bother !!

Evgeniya

I work in an office and constantly sit at the computer for 6-8 hours a day. The back, of course, does not withstand such a load, and although I try to give physical activity to the back, but often pains occur in the lumbar region and neck and are very strong. I pinched my neck very much and went to the doctor, in addition to massages and pills to relieve inflammation, the doctor recommended buying Artropant. After a week and a half of constant use of the cream, the pain in the lumbar region was gone, and the neck became much better.Now I will undergo treatment courses and not run my back like that anymore.

Arthropant is really an effective chondroprotector. The effect was after a week of use. The pain was gone, the swelling began to disappear. Arthrosis was diagnosed. Where to buy amber propolis cream for joints reviews? I work in the office and constantly sit at the computer for 6-8 hours a day. The back, of course, does not withstand such a load, and although I try to give physical activity to the back, but often pains occur in the lumbar region and neck and are very strong.I pinched my neck very much and went to the doctor, in addition to massages and pills to relieve inflammation, the doctor recommended buying Artropant. After a week and a half of constant use of the cream, the pain in the lumbar region was gone, and the neck became much better. Now I will undergo treatment courses and not run my back like that anymore.

Greetings to everyone who looked at my review! I’ve heard about amber oil. Blown out your neck? No problem! Amber ointment will help! ☆☆ Amber oil: benefits. What, it turns out, is a multifunctional amber AND creams and balms from it.Reply Cancel. Show answers. Ratings and reviews from customers who ordered Amberica Amber Joint Cream with Propolis in the OZON online store will help you do it. It really helps. The first time we bought such a cream was in Kaliningrad. On trial. I liked it very much. We were pleasantly surprised to find it on ozone. I bought propolis ointment, judging by the reviews, it is called a practical panacea for. Try with caution! I bought it after reading good reviews and did not regret it a bit. … An excellent tool! Used for pain in the joints of the fingers and toes.Almost the next day, the pain and mobility decreased. Amber oil with propolis helps to relieve and relieve joint pain, is a good prevention of their initial and repeated manifestations. … Product code: AMBERIC JOINT CREAM. Availability: In stock. The advantage of using the bee bond in the fight against joint diseases is its wide range of effects. It is worth noting good compatibility with other medicinal products. Amber ointment for joints with a full description and comments from.On this page we have tried to fully disclose the topic and are waiting for your feedback. … Chondroitin Joint Cream is used in the following cases Listen to audio reviews of customers who have already used HEALTHY Joint Cream. Lotion with propolis is a real find not only for the care of young skin prone to breakouts, but also for the already mature skin. face cream “Intensive moisturizing” for normal to oily skin. … Description: Crimean natural soap on coconut cream with succinic acid is excellent.Honey and propolis tone, help restore and maintain the natural moisture level in the skin, oat oil softens and. You viewed the products: Amber oil (for joints, for colds, RAS treatment). … Amber oil oil activates blood circulation and cell metabolism, has the ability to restore damaged tissues and. Propolis cream. Sale, search, suppliers and shops, prices in Kaliningrad. … In stock. Protective cream with propolis for hooves, 500 ml. Delivery from Kaliningrad. contact Moisturizing ophthalmological products Cosmetics Decorative cosmetics Cosmetics for depilation Medical and cosmetic products Cosmetic oil Soap Cosmetic kits Bath salts.The effect of using amber joint cream with propolis reviews. Due to a past sports career, my joints started. In order to place an order for amber joint cream with propolis reviews, you must leave your contact information on the site. The operator will contact you within 15 minutes. The effect of using amber joint cream with propolis reviews. … In order to place an order for amber joint cream with propolis reviews, you must leave your contact information on the site.

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This cream was advised to me by a friend. His father was saving them from arthritis. A very good product! I felt relief after 2-3 applications.
amber cream with propolis for joints reviews

I have suffered from osteochondrosis for a long time (that’s right, in the plural – in all departments). When the good old Nise no longer helped, we simply had to be sick in silence – we still get used to the pain slowly, especially if it is not unbearable. And just recently I came to my parents’ home, and they told me about the wonderful cream “Artropant”, which helps quickly with pain in the joints. To be honest, I was rather skeptical, and I also read the reviews here, where they write about the scam.Yes, and all these show-off antlers … not seriously … But … I decided to try it just in case. At first I did not feel any visible effect (as, for example, from “Nise” or “Bengey”), but then a little later, after 2-3 hours, I began to notice that there was no pain. I checked my back with my “diagnostic” method (when the back bends back, pain occurs) – there is no pain. In the morning I woke up and already adjusted myself to the pain when getting out of bed, but it was not there. This effect has not happened with any drug. I had to admit that this drug has an effect.And the effect is more than remarkable.

Treatment of arthritis of the fingers with folk remedies. Traditional methods of treatment have proven effective in the treatment of arthritis of the joints of the fingers. … Folk remedies for severe pain in the joints of the fingers. Treatment with folk remedies. Folk remedies for the treatment of arthritis of the fingers have proven themselves excellently, they are quite effective and will help to cope with the disease at home. Causes of arthrosis of the joints of the hand and fingers. Finger arthrosis is more common in older and elderly people…. Lumps on the fingers, treatment with folk remedies which can be quite effective, look very unaesthetic. They can be formed for various reasons, but. External remedies. External treatment of joints with folk remedies is good with. What to do if the joints of the hands hurt, and how to treat developed folk remedies. If the joints of the hands and toes hurt, exercise therapy can be supplemented with massage manipulations, which also have. The joints of the fingers hurt: will folk remedies help? …The original causes of joint pains of this localization can be found directly in diseases of the joints of the fingers, pathologies of the excretory system, etc. If the small joints of the legs or arms hurt, then you can use baths with birch leaves and sea salt. … Treatment of arthritis of the fingers with folk remedies. Traditional methods of treatment have proven effective in the treatment of arthritis of the joints of the fingers. Treatment with folk methods. Folk remedies for severe pain in the joints of the fingers. These recipes will help you quickly relieve acute joint pain at home without.For pain in the joints of the fingers, treatment with folk remedies gives good results. However, you first need to consult a doctor and conduct. Why do the joints on the hands hurt? Doctors-rheumatologists divide all joint pain into 2 large categories: mechanical and. Treatment with folk remedies. Arthritis of the joints of the fingers, can be successfully treated.