What are the common symptoms of neck tendonitis. How is neck tendonitis diagnosed. What are effective treatments for neck tendonitis. Can neck tendonitis cause shoulder pain. When should you see a doctor for neck pain. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of neck tendonitis.

Understanding Neck Tendonitis: Causes and Risk Factors

Neck tendonitis, while not a common diagnosis, can significantly impact one’s quality of life. This condition involves inflammation of tendons running through the neck, typically occurring near the tendon’s insertion point at the bone. Tendons, composed of fibrous tissue, connect muscles to bones and can develop inflammation due to injury or repetitive strain.

Several factors contribute to the development of neck tendonitis:

• Poor posture, especially during prolonged computer use
• Repetitive neck movements
• Trauma or sudden impact
• Improper sleeping positions
• Whiplash injuries

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for both prevention and effective management of neck tendonitis.

Recognizing Neck Tendonitis Symptoms

Identifying neck tendonitis early can lead to more effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Localized neck pain or pain radiating to the shoulder blade
• Stiffness limiting head and neck movement
• Swelling around the affected area
• Tenderness to touch
• Creaking or grating sensations during movement

How does neck tendonitis affect daily activities? This condition can significantly impair one’s ability to perform routine tasks such as driving, dressing, sleeping, and participating in sports or work-related activities. The pain and limited range of motion can be particularly challenging when trying to turn the head or look up and down.

Anatomy of Neck Tendons: Front and Back

To better understand neck tendonitis, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with the anatomy of neck tendons. The neck houses several important tendons, both in the front and back:

Tendons in the Back of the Neck:

• Trapezius tendon
• Levator scapulae tendon
• Splenius capitis and cervicis tendons

Tendons in the Front of the Neck:

• Sternocleidomastoid tendon
• Scalene tendons
• Longus colli and capitis tendons

Each of these tendons plays a crucial role in neck movement and stability. When inflamed, they can cause significant discomfort and functional limitations.

The Connection Between Neck Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain

Can neck tendonitis cause shoulder pain? The answer is yes. The neck and shoulder are intricately connected, with nerves controlling the shoulder and arm originating from the neck. This anatomical relationship means that irritation in neck structures can lead to pain radiating to the shoulder and arm.

How can you differentiate between neck-related shoulder pain and primary shoulder issues? Consider these questions:

1. Does neck movement cause shoulder pain?
2. Does shoulder movement trigger neck pain?

Neck-related pain often radiates from the mid to lower neck, extending to the shoulder blade and down the arm. As the condition improves, pain typically localizes more to the neck area. In contrast, primary shoulder problems or shoulder tendonitis often present as sharp or pinching pain when lifting the arm to the side.

Diagnosing Neck Tendonitis: When to Seek Medical Attention

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of neck tendonitis. While mild cases may resolve with self-care, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Pain persisting beyond 3 days
• Numbness or weakness in the arms
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Neck pain resulting from trauma (e.g., car accident or fall)

How do healthcare professionals diagnose neck tendonitis? Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and medical history review. In cases of trauma or persistent symptoms, doctors may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of tendon inflammation.

Treatment Approaches for Neck Tendonitis

Effective management of neck tendonitis often involves a multifaceted approach. Initial treatment strategies include:

1. Rest and activity modification
2. Ice therapy for the first 2-3 days
3. Gentle neck movements after the initial rest period
4. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications

If symptoms persist, professional medical intervention may be necessary. Physical therapy is often the first line of defense against neck tendonitis. A qualified physical therapist addresses various aspects of the condition, including:

• Swelling reduction
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint stiffness alleviation
• Muscle strengthening
• Pain management

What specific interventions might a physical therapist employ? Treatment modalities may include:

• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy
• Moist heat application
• Cryotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Manual therapy techniques
• Targeted stretching exercises

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Management

Preventing neck tendonitis and managing it long-term involves adopting healthy habits and making ergonomic adjustments. Consider the following strategies:

• Maintain proper posture, especially during prolonged sitting
• Set up an ergonomic workstation
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move
• Strengthen neck and upper back muscles through targeted exercises
• Use a supportive pillow while sleeping
• Practice stress-reduction techniques to alleviate muscle tension

How can you incorporate neck-friendly habits into your daily routine? Start by setting reminders to check your posture throughout the day. Implement a series of gentle neck stretches during work breaks. Gradually introduce neck-strengthening exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or fitness professional.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions

As medical research advances, new treatments for neck tendonitis continue to emerge. Some promising approaches include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Stem cell therapies
• Advanced imaging-guided interventions
• Novel pharmacological treatments

While these treatments show potential, it’s important to note that their efficacy is still being studied. Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering experimental or emerging treatments.

What does the future hold for neck tendonitis treatment? Researchers are exploring personalized medicine approaches, aiming to tailor treatments based on individual patient characteristics and the specific nature of their tendon inflammation. This could lead to more effective and targeted therapies in the coming years.

In conclusion, neck tendonitis, while challenging, is a manageable condition with proper care and treatment. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, and adopting appropriate preventive measures, individuals can minimize its impact on their daily lives. For those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, seeking professional medical advice is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and ensuring optimal recovery.

Neck Tendonitis

What is Neck Tendonitis?

Neck Tendonitis is not a common diagnosis but it can happen. Neck Tendonitis is inflammation that occurs within a tendon that runs through the neck. 

 It usually happens near the insertion of the tendon at the bone. Tendons are fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendonitis can develop inflammation from an injury strain or from repetitive strain. 

What Causes Tendinitis of In the Neck?

• Poor posture
• Repetitive strain from sitting at a computer
• Trauma
• Bad Sleeping Position
• Whiplash

Neck Tendinitis

Symptoms of Tendonitis of The Neck

Neck tendonitis can become very painful and limit your ability to perform daily activities. It can limit the ability to move your neck in various direction. This can affect your ability to drive, dress, sleep, and perform homework or sports activities. Some symptoms can include:

• Pain within your neck or pain that radiates down to your scapula (shoulder blade)
• Stiffness limiting the ability to move your head/neck
• Swelling around the area
• Tenderness to touch
• Creaking or grating with motion.

Which Tendons are Neck Tendons?

Tendons in the back of the neck include:

Tendons in the Back of the Neck

Tendons in the front the neck include:

Tendons in the Front of the Neck

Can Neck Tendonitis Symptoms Cause Shoulder Pain?

The quick answer is yes. The neck and the shoulder are connected in many ways. The nerves that control the shoulder and arm come from the neck.  Any irritation in the structures of the neck can cause pain to radiate to the shoulder and arm.

You can have a shoulder problem and a neck problem at the same time. Here are some simple ways to help determine the source of your symptoms.

• Does movement of the neck cause the shoulder to hurt?
• Does movement of the shoulder cause the neck to hurt?

Common patterns of neck pain include pain radiating from the mid to lower neck, to the shoulder blade, and down the arm.  As the problem improves, the pain is often more local to the neck.  

Common patterns of shoulder problems or shoulder tendonitis pain are sharp or pinching pain with lifting the arm to the side. Some people can also develop stiffness or inability to full raise the arm.  This can be frozen shoulder or Adhesive capsulitis.

Neck Tendonitis Treatments

1. Stop doing things that hurt. Pushing through pain only makes the inflammation worse. 
2. Try rest and ice for 2 to 3 days.
3. Try gentle movement after a few days of rest.
4. See a doctor if pain persists.

Neck Tendonitis

A doctor may order x-rays or MRI films if there was trauma involved with the neck tendonitis.  

Learn how to stretch your neck while you’re at work by clicking HERE.

When to See a Doctor for Neck Tendonitis

• Pain does not improve within 3 days
• numbness or weakness in the arms
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• Neck Pain came from trauma (car accident or a fall)

Physical Therapy For Neck Tendonitis

Physical therapy is usually the first line of defense with neck pain or neck tendonitis. A physical therapist will address:

• swelling
• soft tissue limitations
• joint stiffness
• weakness
• pain

Physical Therapy tendonitis treatment interventions may consist of modalities for pain and inflammation:

• electrical stimulation
• ultrasound
• moist heat
• ice
• laser therapy 
• manual therapy  
• stretches 

Click to learn more about cervical tendonitis and The JOI Foundation

Neck Doctors in Jacksonville

If you have neck pain or think you may have neck tendonitis, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. Our doctors and therapists know how to treat tendonitis of the neck and get you back to your life!

To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.

To Schedule an appointment with a JOI Neck Specialist, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. 

Ehren Allen – Content writer

Cervical Tendonitis

What is Cervical Tendonitis?

By: Ehren Allen, PT, Certified Manual Therapist

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, which is the thick, strong structure that attaches the muscle itself to the bone.  This can take place in any tendon of the body, becoming particularly painful when occurring in the neck. 

Image of the cervical area  

Cervical tendonitis neck pain can be extremely problematic because you are unable to enjoy a full range of movement, and the limited movement you do have will be painful. 

This pain and limitation in motion may effect your ability to perform daily activities such as driving, dressing, sleeping, sports participation, and performing computer work or desk work.

Cervical tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive strain/pull on a tendon.  This can be due to a specific repetitive motion throughout the day. Another contributing factor may be poor posture, which places undue strain on the muscle and tendon. 

Irritation of the tendon may also take place if a sudden pull is placed on the tendon where it attaches to the bone, such as with a quick, “jerking” motion.  If you do have tendonitis of the neck, you will likely be limited in ability to turn your head one or more directions and  may feel warmth or swelling in area of inflammation.  

What can I do if I have cervical tendonitis?

The key to treating cervical tendonitis is to decrease the inflammation and eliminate the source of the irritation to prevent recurrence.  If you are able to determine the particular movement which is causing the pain, stop this motion immediately.  To read more about tendonitis, please go to What is Tendonitis?

This should help to prevent the inflammatory process from continuing and allow the tendon to begin healing.  Treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, use of ice, physical therapy, and massage.  

Especially with neck tendonitis, posture and postural awareness play a large role.  Commonly when in a seated position, individuals fall into a slouched posture.  This forward position of the shoulders brings the head forward as well.  In order to maintain the upright position of the head, the individual with hyperextend, or backward-bend, the neck.  

Proper Posture for Sitting

This places the muscles in the front and back of the neck at altered muscle lengths.  The muscles become “out of balance”, whereas, the muscles in the back of the neck become short and tight while the musculature in the front of the neck becomes excessively elongated and weak. 

This scenario leads to the muscles and tendons having altered tensions placed upon them. This could ultimately lead to inflammation of the tendon insertion and therefore tendonitis.  The ability to correct this posture and recognize when varied is critical to decreasing undue strain on the tendon.  

Treatment of Cervical Tendonitis

If your physician refers you to physical therapy, a variety of techniques may be used to improve range of motion and decrease pain.  Stretches may be incorporated to improve extensibility of the specific muscles involved.

Pec Stretch in Doorway 

If the tendon is being over-worked due to dysfunction of surrounding musculature, specific strengthening exercises will be taught in order to improve muscle balance.  One of our 12 JOI Rehab physical therapy centers can develop a program specifically for you. Please call JOI Rehab at 904-858-7045.

Massage is another method of decreasing muscle and tendon restrictions to improve proper extensibility of the muscle.  These techniques facilitate proper function of the muscle-tendon complex and reduce the excessive strain on the tendon itself. 

If you need an appointment for your neck, go to this article on the fast track spine program.

Related Articles: Tennis Elbow, Cervical Myelopathy and Tendonitis in the Thumb.

To schedule an appointment with a JOI Neck or Cervical Doctor, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.

Inflammation of the tendon of the hand: symptoms, treatment, prevention

We often talk about the condition of bones, muscles, joints. But thinking about the health of the tendons is somehow not accepted. And anyway – do you know what tendons are and what happens if they get damaged?

Meanwhile, without these muscle connections, we would not be able to perform almost any movement. If the tendons become inflamed, it seriously changes our way of life.

Tendons are connective tissue structures that attach striated muscles to bones. Tendons are composed of collagen fibers, they have high strength and elasticity. These musculoskeletal “connectors” in the hand are represented by the tendons of the fingers and wrist. How does finger flexion happen? A signal is sent from the brain to the muscles, they contract, as a result of which the tendon pulls the corresponding phalangeal bone along with it and the finger bends. It turns out, in fact, that bones and muscles would not perform their functions if there were no “intermediaries” between them.

The tendons of the hand are very close to the skin and can be easily damaged. Any wound or strain on the tendons can lead to inflammation – tendonitis (tendinosis, tendinopathy). Also, the cause of tendonitis is old age – when the tendons lose their elasticity.

1. Symptoms of tendinitis

2. How to treat inflammation of the tendons of the hand

3. Prevention of inflammation of the tendons

Symptoms of tendinitis

Signs of inflammation of the tendons of the hand are similar to the symptoms of a fracture, dislocation , stretching. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor, after he probes the sore spot, finds out the anamnesis, and receives an x-ray. In some cases, a biopsy may be required.

The following symptoms are alarming and require immediate medical attention:

• pain in the area of ​​the wrist and phalanges of the fingers;
• swelling in the joint area;
• reddening of the skin over the joint;
• numbness of the hand;
• inability to move fingers or bend wrist;
• crunching and other atypical sounds when moving the brush.

If you have been diagnosed with inflammation of the tendon of the hand – fingers or wrist – you need to start rehabilitation therapy as soon as possible.

Where is your Achilles’ heel?
The Achilles tendon (located above the heel) is the strongest and most powerful tendon in the human body, capable of withstanding pull to break up to 350 kilograms, and in some cases more. And at the same time, it is the most vulnerable tendon. Its damage can deprive a person of the opportunity to move normally – literally “kill on the spot”, like an arrow that hit the heel of Achilles.

How to treat inflammation of the tendons of the hand

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment: medication, physiotherapy or surgery. It may be prescribed to wear a splint, plaster splint, or any other device that has the effect of a bandage – that is, a device that reduces the mobility of the device.

Drug therapy inflammation of the tendons of the hand involves the use of antibacterial, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or general tonic, as well as the use of gels, ointments, patches.

Physiotherapy is particularly successful in combating inflammation of the tendons of the hand. The following methods are used: microwave therapy, ultrasound, shock wave therapy (SWT), ultraviolet rays, physiotherapy exercises. SWT is particularly effective in combating this disease. Focused waves reach the lesion of the tendon, normalize its tone and reduce pain. After a course of UVT, patients return to their previous lifestyle and can endure the same loads as before.

Surgery is performed when a tendon has ruptured. The surgeon makes a small incision (about 10 cm), which opens access to the tendon, processes the ends of the latter and sews them together with a special strong thread. This type of treatment is carried out no later than 24 hours after the violation of the integrity of the tendon. Otherwise, an irreversible process begins, leading to improper tissue fusion.

Interesting
In the 20s of the XX century, the Russian athlete, circus performer Alexander Zass invented a special course of exercises aimed at training the tendons. He said this: “Muscles on their own will not hold horses pulling in different directions, but tendons will hold them, but they need to be trained, developed, and there is a way to strengthen them. ” He himself was a man of remarkable strength, for which he received the nickname Iron Samson.

To avoid such unpleasant procedures, you should take care of your health in advance and take preventive measures to prevent inflammation of the tendons.

Prevention of inflammation of the tendons

We will list some of the simplest ways to prevent inflammation of the tendons of the hand, and you will understand that since childhood you have known all these simple rules. But did you take them seriously?

1. “We were writing, we were writing, our fingers were tired.” Do you remember this nursery rhyme, which is said in elementary school at physical minutes? The activity of many modern people is associated with a long stay in the office, typing on the keyboard, while the wrist and fingers are in the same position for a long time, stagnant processes begin, salt deposits. To prevent this from happening, you should make active rotational and flexion movements with your fingers and wrist several times a day.
2. Warm up before the fight . Consider any sport. No coach will allow you to start active classes without a previous warm-up. The muscles need to be “warmed up”, the bones “kneaded”, and only then take on heavy loads. The same applies to everyday life. You can not make sudden movements, overstrain when the body is not ready for this. Do exercises at least 2-3 times a week, and your body will always be ready for active movements!
3. The healing power of massage. If “bones ache”, “body aches”, “legs cramp”, etc., but you can’t immediately start squatting and bending over, then rub the sore part of the body. Stroking, pressing, pinching – all this will “disperse the blood” and stagnant salts, tone the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

For both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, experts recommend turning to the method of shock wave therapy.

In the medical center “Zdorovye” experienced specialists will conduct a course of UVT at a convenient time for you. The center treats inflammation of the tendons and joints, arthritis, arthrosis, relieves pain in the spine. SWT specialists — doctors of the highest qualification category — have an impressive work experience (36 years!), among them: a full member of the association of experts in shock wave therapy and a regular participant in SWT symposiums and congresses, a member of the Society for Radial Shock Wave Therapy and others. You can always contact the Zdorovye medical center, which is closest to you – the clinics are located in the Krasnopresnenskaya, Varshavskaya, Slavyansky Boulevard and Annino metro areas.

Why does my neck hurt in front under my chin and what should I do about it?

A patient complaining that his neck hurts in front under his chin is not such a rare case in the practice of modern doctors. The patients themselves, faced with unpleasant or painful sensations in the throat area, often begin to panic and draw terrible pictures of possible ailments for themselves. The difficulty lies in the fact that not every person is familiar with the structure of the neck in detail, has no idea which systems located inside this part of the body can fail and lead to pain.

What is located in the front of the neck?

First of all, it is, of course, the muscles. They are a kind of framework, thanks to which the organs located inside are held. Muscle fibers are followed by the thyroid gland – the most important system that produces vital hormones. In addition, in the front of the neck there are several groups of lymph nodes and a part of the respiratory system called the trachea.

Causes of neck muscle pain

There are several types of pathological conditions at once, which, among other unpleasant symptoms, can lead to pain in the front of the neck under the chin.

Diseases of the spine

This includes, first of all, osteochondrosis – one of the most common disease states affecting a huge number of the population. At risk are office workers, older people, women during and after menopause. Other common pathologies are a herniated disc or protrusion. They are the result of a rupture of the fibrous ring surrounding each individual vertebra. These diseases cause a person severe persistent pain (sometimes not even relieved by anti-inflammatory drugs), and if left untreated, they progress rapidly and lead to disability.

Inflammatory diseases of the neck

Inflammation that occurs in the organs located under the muscular frame of the neck is one of the most common causes due to which a person has a neck pain in front under the chin. Usually, malaise is the result of viral diseases that affect the trachea and other organs of the upper respiratory tract, but sometimes the disease develops due to the pathogenic activity of infectious microorganisms.

Impaired blood supply to the muscles of the neck

The reasons for this condition can be very diverse: sometimes it is only a temporary violation (as the people say, the neck is “numb” when in the same position). In other situations, normal blood circulation becomes impossible due to the appearance of plaques on the inner surface of the vessels (atherosclerosis), and in some cases, pain in the neck under the chin is the result of pinched nerve endings.

Hereditary diseases of the muscular apparatus

Hereditary diseases often appear already in early childhood and, in the absence of therapy, can “grow” with new symptoms. For example, muscular torticollis, a congenital disease, is diagnosed in infants already at the age of a few weeks, characterized by asymmetry of the face and head, and skeletal deformity. Often, due to torticollis, the neck under the chin hurts.

Relief of pain in the neck muscles from the front

Since this condition belongs to the category of pathological, it requires the most prompt treatment possible. The best option is to see a doctor, since this specialist has all the necessary knowledge regarding the fight against inflammatory and other diseases that occur in the cervical region. If your neck hurts in front under your chin, call and make an appointment with highly qualified experienced doctors of the Energo clinic. The phone number for communication is indicated on the website in the “Contacts” section, the appointment is carried out on any day and time of the day that is convenient for you.

Medical treatment

After collecting an anamnesis, conducting an examination and finding out why your neck hurts in front under your chin, our neurologist will write out the most detailed treatment plan for the disease and instruct what needs to be done so that the disease does not worsen again. The most important point will be taking medications – painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs, the action of which is aimed at maintaining the optimal state of the muscular frame and the skeletal system.

Massage and exercise therapy

They are carried out strictly in the presence of chiropractor , masseur or doctor of the exercise therapy room. The neck is a rather delicate organ, it cannot be crushed, and often heated intensely, as this can provoke a deterioration in the condition. At the same time, a soft, relaxing massage will help relieve muscle tension and normalize blood flow.

Surgical treatment

It is necessary in situations where the condition threatens the normal course of human life. For example, with an enlarged thyroid gland and no effect from drugs, the affected organ is removed in a surgical hospital. After the operation, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations of the attending physician, regularly undergo an examination by an endocrinologist, and take hormones.

Traditional medicine

It is effective in inflammatory diseases, but should only be used as an additional treatment measure. A proven folk remedy is a decoction of chamomile or calendula – it is used for colds, to relieve throat spasm. In situations where a person has a sore neck under the chin as a result of thyroid pathologies, herbal medicine brings a good result: certain medicinal plants contain components that positively affect the state of the hormonal system.