Tingling in the neck and shoulder. Tingling and Numbness in Neck and Shoulder: Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What are the common causes of tingling in the neck and shoulder. How can you diagnose neck numbness. What treatments are available for cervical nerve compression. How does a herniated disc affect the neck and shoulders. When should you seek medical attention for neck tingling. What lifestyle changes can help alleviate neck and shoulder numbness.
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Tingling: A Neurological Perspective
Tingling sensations in the neck and shoulder regions often signal underlying neurological issues. This peculiar feeling, often described as “pins and needles” or as if the area has “fallen asleep,” can be more than just a temporary inconvenience. It’s crucial to understand the intricate network of nerves that run through these areas to grasp the complexity of this symptom.
The cervical spine, which makes up the neck region, houses sensitive nerve roots that branch out to various parts of the upper body. When these nerves become compressed, irritated, or damaged, it can lead to a range of sensations, including tingling, numbness, and even pain.
The Anatomy Behind the Sensation
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) that protect the spinal cord and support the head’s weight. Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. Nerve roots exit the spinal cord through small openings called foramina, supplying sensation and motor control to specific areas of the upper body.
- C1-C2: Primarily responsible for head movement
- C3-C4: Provide sensation to the neck and back of the head
- C5: Controls deltoid muscle and provides sensation to the shoulder
- C6: Affects wrist extensors and provides sensation to the thumb
- C7: Controls triceps and provides sensation to the middle finger
When any part of this intricate system is disrupted, it can result in the tingling sensations experienced in the neck and shoulder areas.
Common Causes of Neck and Shoulder Tingling
Several conditions can lead to tingling sensations in the neck and shoulder regions. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Herniated Disc: A Cushion Out of Place
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc pushes through its tougher outer layer. This protrusion can irritate nearby nerves, leading to tingling sensations, pain, and weakness in the affected areas.
What causes a disc to herniate? While age-related degeneration is the most common factor, improper lifting techniques or sudden traumatic injuries can also lead to disc herniation. The symptoms often depend on which nerve roots are affected by the herniated material.
Cervical Stenosis: When Space Becomes Scarce
Cervical stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region. This condition can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, resulting in tingling, numbness, and sometimes pain that radiates into the arms and hands.
Several factors can contribute to cervical stenosis:
- Age-related degenerative changes
- Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal
- Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the spine
- Thickening of spinal ligaments
As the condition progresses, it may lead to more severe neurological symptoms and affect overall mobility.
Pinched Nerve: When Compression Leads to Sensation
A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. In the neck region, this can happen due to bone spurs, herniated discs, or inflamed tendons. The resulting compression can cause tingling, numbness, and sometimes a burning sensation that radiates along the path of the affected nerve.
Is a pinched nerve always serious? While many cases of pinched nerves resolve on their own with rest and conservative treatments, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to prevent long-term nerve damage.
Diagnosing the Root Cause of Neck and Shoulder Tingling
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of neck and shoulder tingling. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Physical Examination: The First Step
A thorough physical examination is often the starting point in diagnosing the cause of neck and shoulder tingling. During this exam, the healthcare provider will:
- Assess range of motion in the neck and shoulders
- Check for areas of tenderness or muscle spasms
- Perform neurological tests to evaluate reflexes and sensation
- Test muscle strength in the arms and hands
These initial assessments can provide valuable clues about the nature and location of the problem.
Imaging Studies: Looking Beneath the Surface
When physical examination results are inconclusive or suggest a more serious condition, imaging studies may be ordered. These can include:
- X-rays: To visualize bone structures and detect arthritis or fractures
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including nerves and discs
- CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Offers cross-sectional images of the spine
How do these imaging studies help in diagnosis? They allow healthcare providers to identify structural abnormalities, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, that may be causing the tingling sensations.
Electrodiagnostic Tests: Measuring Nerve Function
In some cases, electrodiagnostic tests may be necessary to assess nerve function and identify the precise location of nerve damage or compression. These tests include:
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Assess how well nerves transmit electrical signals
These tests can help differentiate between various neurological conditions and provide valuable information about the severity of nerve involvement.
Treatment Approaches for Neck and Shoulder Tingling
Once the underlying cause of neck and shoulder tingling has been identified, treatment can be tailored to address the specific condition. Treatment approaches range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and nature of the problem.
Conservative Treatments: The First Line of Defense
For many cases of neck and shoulder tingling, conservative treatments are the initial approach. These may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy exercises
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Ice or heat therapy
- Cervical traction
How effective are these conservative measures? Many patients experience significant relief with these approaches, especially when the tingling is caused by minor nerve irritation or muscle tension.
Medications: Managing Symptoms and Addressing Underlying Conditions
Depending on the cause and severity of symptoms, various medications may be prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
- Muscle relaxants for muscle spasms
- Gabapentin or pregabalin for neuropathic pain
- Corticosteroids for severe inflammation
It’s important to note that medication should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as some may have side effects or interactions with other medications.
Interventional Procedures: Targeted Relief
For more persistent or severe cases, interventional procedures may be recommended:
- Epidural steroid injections: Deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area
- Nerve blocks: Temporarily interrupt pain signals from specific nerves
- Radiofrequency ablation: Uses heat to disable pain-transmitting nerves
These procedures can provide significant relief for many patients, although their effects may be temporary in some cases.
Surgical Options: When Conservative Measures Fail
In cases where conservative treatments and interventional procedures do not provide adequate relief, or when there is significant neurological compromise, surgery may be considered. Surgical options can include:
- Discectomy: Removal of herniated disc material
- Laminectomy: Widening of the spinal canal in cases of stenosis
- Artificial disc replacement: Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one
- Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine
The decision to undergo surgery should be made carefully, considering the potential benefits and risks, as well as the individual patient’s overall health and lifestyle factors.
Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies
While some causes of neck and shoulder tingling may not be preventable, there are several lifestyle modifications and preventive strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing these symptoms or manage existing conditions more effectively.
Ergonomic Adjustments: Creating a Spine-Friendly Environment
Many cases of neck and shoulder tingling are exacerbated by poor posture and ergonomics, especially in today’s technology-driven world. Implementing ergonomic principles in daily life can make a significant difference:
- Adjust computer monitors to eye level to prevent neck strain
- Use ergonomic chairs with proper lumbar support
- Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting or screen time
- Use hands-free devices for long phone conversations
How can these adjustments help? By maintaining proper alignment of the spine and reducing unnecessary stress on the neck and shoulder muscles, these ergonomic practices can help prevent nerve compression and muscle tension that often lead to tingling sensations.
Exercise and Stretching: Strengthening the Support System
Regular exercise and stretching can play a crucial role in maintaining spine health and preventing neck and shoulder issues:
- Neck and shoulder stretches to improve flexibility
- Core strengthening exercises to support the spine
- Low-impact aerobic activities like swimming or walking
- Yoga or Pilates for overall body awareness and posture improvement
Incorporating these activities into daily routines can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve posture, and increase overall flexibility, potentially reducing the risk of nerve compression and related symptoms.
Stress Management: Addressing the Mind-Body Connection
Stress and anxiety can contribute to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, potentially exacerbating tingling sensations. Implementing stress management techniques can be beneficial:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Regular leisure activities or hobbies
By reducing overall stress levels, these techniques can help alleviate muscle tension and potentially reduce the frequency or intensity of tingling sensations.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Neck and Shoulder Tingling
While occasional tingling in the neck and shoulders may not be cause for immediate concern, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Understanding when to seek help can prevent potential complications and ensure timely treatment.
Red Flags: Signs of Serious Underlying Conditions
Certain symptoms accompanying neck and shoulder tingling may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical evaluation:
- Sudden onset of severe neck pain or headache
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Fever accompanied by neck stiffness
These symptoms could be signs of conditions such as spinal cord compression, meningitis, or other neurological emergencies that require immediate medical intervention.
Persistent or Worsening Symptoms
If tingling sensations persist for an extended period or worsen over time, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Chronic nerve compression can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. Additionally, if conservative measures fail to provide relief, it may be time to explore other treatment options under medical guidance.
Impact on Daily Activities
When neck and shoulder tingling begin to interfere with daily activities or quality of life, it’s advisable to seek medical evaluation. This might include:
- Difficulty performing job-related tasks
- Inability to engage in usual recreational activities
- Sleep disturbances due to tingling or associated pain
- Emotional distress or anxiety related to the symptoms
A healthcare provider can offer a comprehensive evaluation and develop a treatment plan tailored to individual needs and lifestyle factors.
Future Directions in Managing Neck and Shoulder Tingling
As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to diagnosing and treating neck and shoulder tingling are emerging. These developments offer hope for more effective and less invasive management of these common symptoms.
Advances in Imaging Technology
Ongoing improvements in imaging technology are enhancing our ability to visualize and understand the underlying causes of neck and shoulder tingling:
- High-resolution MRI techniques for better soft tissue visualization
- Functional MRI to assess nerve activity in real-time
- Advanced CT scanning with reduced radiation exposure
These advancements may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
The field of spine surgery is continuously evolving, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures that offer faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications:
- Endoscopic discectomy for herniated discs
- Robotic-assisted spine surgery for enhanced precision
- Laser spine procedures for select conditions
As these techniques continue to be refined, they may offer new options for patients who require surgical intervention for their neck and shoulder symptoms.
Regenerative Medicine Approaches
The field of regenerative medicine holds promise for treating various causes of neck and shoulder tingling:
- Stem cell therapy for disc regeneration
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for tissue healing
- Growth factor treatments to promote nerve regeneration
While many of these approaches are still in the experimental stages, they represent exciting potential avenues for future treatment of neck and shoulder tingling.
As research in these areas progresses, it’s likely that we will see more personalized and effective treatments for individuals experiencing neck and shoulder tingling. Staying informed about these developments and discussing them with healthcare providers can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments
Numbness in your neck might feel like your neck is tingling or like it’s “asleep.” It’s usually caused by an issue with the spinal cord or other nerves. In some cases, it may be caused by conditions like migraines or multiple sclerosis.
There are many potential causes of neck numbness, many of which also cause neck pain. Most are treatable, but may require a doctor’s visit.
Herniated disc
Discs are the cushions between vertebrae. They have a soft center and a harder outside layer. With herniated discs, also called slipped discs, some of the soft center comes out through the outside layer, which can irritate nearby nerves. This usually happens in the lower back or neck.
Normal aging is the most common cause, but heavy lifting with improper form can also herniate a disc. When the nerves in the neck are irritated by a disc, it can cause numbness around the neck and shoulders.
Other symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- weakness in the body parts served by affected nerves
- numbness or tingling in the body parts served by affected nerves
- arm or leg pain, depending on the location of the herniated disc
Pinched nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve in your neck gets compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. It may happen because of an injury, or from changes in your spine as you age.
Pinched nerves usually respond to over-the-counter pain medication and physical therapy, but may require surgery.
Other symptoms include:
- muscle weakness in your arm and hand
- numbness in your arm and hand
- pain that radiates into your shoulder
Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis is a condition in which your spinal canal is too narrow for the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. It may be caused by:
- degenerative arthritis
- having smaller than average bones that line the spinal canal
- rheumatoid arthritis
- having the ligament that runs down the spinal cord increase in size
Other symptoms include:
- neck pain
- numbness in your arms or hand
- pain on one or both arms
- electrical sensation in your spine when you move your head
Neck injury
Neck injuries, such as a sports injury or whiplash from a motor vehicle collision, can cause other symptoms, including:
- arm and shoulder pain
- headache
- facial pain
- dizziness
- stiffness
A neck injury can be serious. See a doctor as soon as possible if you injure your neck.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease that damages myelin, the substance that surrounds nerve fibers. This stops or disrupts messages in the central nervous system. The causes of MS are unknown.
Other symptoms of MS include:
- fatigue
- issues with walking or gait
- numbness and tingling throughout your body
- weakness
- dizziness
- pain
- vision problems
- spasticity
Infections
Infections like meningitis and the flu can cause neck numbness. Meningitis causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms come on suddenly and should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.
Other symptoms of infection that can cause neck numbness include:
- headaches
- body aches
- vomiting
- neck stiffness (severe in meningitis)
Nerve damage
Nerves in the neck can be damaged by disc issues, such as a herniated disc. They can also be damaged by a spinal cord injury or long-term side effects of certain medications. These are serious health issues that require immediate treatment from a healthcare professional.
Nerve damage may also cause issues with walking and moving.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the neck, also called cervical spondylosis, is a common, age-related condition. It often causes no noticeable symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they might include neck pain and stiffness than improves when resting or lying down.
Migraine
Migraines are recurring headaches that cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, especially on one side of the head. Researchers think they may have a genetic cause, but are often triggered by certain habits or environmental factors.
There are four phases of migraine, with different symptoms:
- Prodrome. This occurs about 24 hours before a migraine and includes early signs and symptoms like food cravings or mood changes.
- Aura. You might see flashing or bright lights and have muscle weakness. It happens right before or during a migraine.
- Headache. During the migraine itself, you might have nausea, pain on one side of your head, and increased sensitivity to light and noise.
- Postdrome. You might feel exhausted or weak for up to a day after your headache.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause the muscles in your neck and shoulders to tense. This can cause pain, numbness, and other neck issues. Moving your head may be painful.
Some causes of neck numbness also cause numbness in nearby areas of the body. Below are several symptoms related to neck numbness, and their potential causes.
Numbness in neck and shoulder
- stress and anxiety
- pinched nerve
- arthritis
Numbness in neck and jaw
- stroke
- tumor in jaw
Medical emergency
A stroke is a medical emergency. Call or have someone else call 911 and seek immediate help. If you think you have a lump in your jaw, you should see a doctor immediately.
Numbness in back of neck and head
- migraine
- pinched nerve
- MS
Neck pain with arm numbness or tingling
- pinched nerve
- cervical stenosis
- herniated disc
To diagnose the cause of your neck numbness, a doctor will ask about your general health, if you’ve had any recent injuries, and whether you have other symptoms. They’ll then do a physical exam, and see how well you can move your neck, head, and arms.
If a doctor suspects an infection, they might do a blood test. They might also order imaging tests, including:
- electromyography (EMG) or a nerve conduction study to see if your nerves are functioning normally
- MRI or CT scan to see if you have damage to soft tissues, such as a hernia, and to look at your bones
- X-ray to look at your spine
There are many treatments for neck numbness. Some can be done at home, and others require a doctor’s supervision or recommendation.
Home remedies
- Use good posture.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags on your shoulder.
- Adjust your desk and chair so your computer monitor is at eye level when sitting.
- Sleep in a position that aligns your head and neck with the rest of your body.
- Quit smoking (this can be difficult, but a doctor can help you come up with a plan that’s right for you).
- Relieve stress and anxiety.
- Apply ice and heat.
The following stretches can also help relieve pain and numbness in your neck and shoulders:
- Neck stretch. Place your hand on the top of your head and gently pull to the side of the hand holding your head. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
- Chin tuck. Put your fingers on your chin and gently press in so you have a “double chin.” Hold for three to five seconds, then relax. Repeat.
- Neck bend. Gently move your chin towards your chest. Pause and return to the starting position. Repeat five to 10 times.
Medical treatment
- over-the-counter pain medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- muscle relaxants
- physical therapy
- corticosteroid injections or oral corticosteroids
- nerve block
- surgery
Surgery can treat some conditions that cause neck numbness, such as cervical stenosis, a severe pinched nerve, or herniated disc. However, it should not be considered without first trying conservative treatment, like rest, heat and ice, and physical therapy.
Potential surgeries include spinal fusion and disc replacement.
Many causes of neck numbness are treatable with home treatments like rest and practicing good posture. However, others can be serious. If you have neck numbness that at-home remedies don’t help, see a doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
Tingling in Neck, Upper Body with Multiple Sclerosis
Q1. I have had MS for almost 20 years now. The past couple of weeks, my shoulder and the side of my neck up into my face and sometimes up to my hairline tingles. Is this common with MS or another cause?
Tingling of the shoulder, neck up to the face can occur for many reasons. This can occur with multiple sclerosis; however, it can also occur with irritation of nerves in the neck due to “a pinched nerve in the neck” either from arthritis or a disc problem in the neck. It would certainly be important to be sure there is not an anatomical problem irritating the nerve going to your neck, with an MRI of the neck to be certain that there is not a physical problem rather than just attributing it all to multiple sclerosis. Thus, MRI of the neck could be performed as well as an electrical test called an EMG, which checks the nerves and the muscles in the arm to see if there is a problem with the nerves and muscles, which would not be related to multiple sclerosis. If all these other studies are negative, then it could be possible that this could be related to multiple sclerosis.
Q2. I am a 44-year-old female. I’ve been having tingling and burning feelings in my arms and legs. I also get muscle twitches in my legs. I had a MRI of my lumbar spine, and it was okay. I am a diabetic. Could these problems caused by the diabetes or by my MS?
Tingling and burning feelings in the arms and legs as well as muscle twitches in the legs are nonspecific symptoms. By that, I mean they can have multiple causes. It could be related to multiple sclerosis if there was inflammation in the spine or brain. However, being diabetic, it can also be associated with problems in the peripheral nerves secondary to complications of diabetes which would be completely unrelated to multiple sclerosis. Although the MRI of the lumbar spine was okay, multiple sclerosis might cause lesions within the brain or the cervical spinal cord which could cause these symptoms. Also nerve conduction testing or “EMG” might be considered to determine if there is a problem caused by the diabetes in the peripheral nerves.
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Shoulder and neck pain: causes and treatment
To find out what the treatment of pain in the neck and shoulders will be, what are the causes of such an unpleasant symptom, any person may need. Pain syndrome sometimes appears in both a child and an adult, in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or are active and mobile. In some cases, the cause of pain is insignificant, and sometimes it requires timely intervention by a specialist and treatment, since it is fraught with extremely unpleasant consequences.
What you need to know
Often the symptom manifests itself on one side of the neck, after which the pain spreads to the shoulder area. This pain in the shoulders and neck is not limited, it begins to capture the joints, which significantly reduces the mobility of the upper limbs. If the pain in the upper limbs intensifies and does not allow normal hand movements, bending over, then the disease is progressing and requires immediate medical intervention. Often the disease begins to manifest itself as follows:
If you have pain in the neck and shoulders, the causes, treatment will sound neurologist who will determine what triggered such symptoms.
Causes
There are two types of situations in which pain in the shoulders and cervical spine can be observed. Namely:
- Anatomical changes.
- Pathological processes in the organs, due to which the pain radiates to the neck and shoulders.
In the first case, pain occurs because muscles, bones, blood vessels, ligaments and other parts of the musculoskeletal system are affected. Such pathologies can spread to neighboring organs and tissues, forming an overall clinical picture. In the second case, a disease of the heart or gallbladder could occur. Often among the symptoms of diseases of these organs, there is irradiation of pain in the shoulders and neck. Sometimes the situation is so serious that the person needs to be hospitalized immediately.
Shoulder and neck pathologies
The collar zone includes muscle tissues located in the neck, bone structures, a canal through which the spinal cord passes, and shoulder joints. The most important and largest muscle here is the trapezius, the branches of which are in the neck and reach nearby organs. In addition, there is a mass of nerve processes and vessels through which blood flows. A disease of any structure can provoke severe pain, and a person will have to think carefully about what it is when the shoulders and neck hurt.
Muscular divisions
Pain associated with muscles in such a situation usually occurs in people who have been in an uncomfortable position for a long time and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Often faced with such a problem:
If the neck and shoulder hurt on the right or left due to being in one position for a long time, then we are not talking about any serious methods of treatment. It is enough to warm up properly, take a walk, take a warm shower, and you can forget about the pain.
Intervertebral cartilage
If the fact is that the pain is associated with the cartilaginous tissue between the vertebrae, then most likely we are talking about osteochondrosis. This unpleasant disease leads to the fact that the neck and shoulder hurt on the right or left side, the pain spreads to the arms, back and sternum. The disease does not manifest itself for a long time, and acute symptoms occur already when the intervertebral discs began to collapse, thinned and the distance between the vertebrae decreased, which caused the nerve endings to be infringed. It is important to consult a doctor on time, even if the pain is insignificant.
Shoulder joint
It hurts the neck and shoulder on the right or left side, often due to the fact that the shoulder joint is affected. It is usually affected by arthritis or periarthritis (which is an inflammation of the joint that does not affect its capsule). Sometimes you may encounter rheumatoid arthritis when the disease affects the intervertebral joints. In this case, there is a strong reddening of the skin, an increase in its temperature, as well as a sharp limitation of the mobility of the affected area. Remember that when it comes to the spine, you should not hesitate to visit a doctor, as the disease can be serious. Some diseases in the later stages are not treated, a person loses the ability to even serve himself on his own and becomes a severely disabled person.
Spinal artery
Treatment of a condition when the shoulder and neck hurts can be complicated by the fact that for a long time it is not possible to determine the cause of discomfort. In addition, they are joined by symptoms that, it would seem, have nothing to do with shoulder pain:
In this situation, the doctor may suspect that you have vertebral artery syndrome. Often mistakenly diagnosed as “vegetovascular dystonia”, however, in this case, the treatment does not bring the long-awaited improvement in well-being.
Possible complications
When a person thinks about why his neck and shoulders hurt, he often decides that the problem is that he has a cold nerve or pulled a muscle. However, this symptom can hide very serious diseases that will manifest themselves later, but in a more serious form. For example, if this is a manifestation of osteochondrosis, later the disease will manifest itself with severe throbbing pain, lead to hypertension, worsen the performance of the cardiovascular system, negatively affect vision, lead to deafness and lack of coordination in space, as well as the inability of a person to control limb movements. Clamping of the artery will lead to cerebral ischemia, spinal stroke. Sciatica will provoke problems with blood vessels and the vertebral artery, can cause a hernia and even death. Each disease is fraught with a lot of complications, so you need to pay attention to the manifestations of diseases in time and contact the doctors.
Methods of treatment
What to do and how to be treated if your shoulders and neck are very sore? After the diagnosis is established, the person will be prescribed adequate treatment, which will include drug therapy, exercises for pain in the shoulders and neck, as well as physiotherapy.
Medicines
Everything will depend entirely on what disease led to pain in the neck and shoulders. You can be assigned:
In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy is prescribed.
Physiotherapy
Often, physiotherapy is also prescribed for pain in the shoulders and neck. These can be mud baths, acupuncture, magnetotherapy techniques, reflexology, and sometimes electrophoresis is also used. The type of procedure will depend entirely on what disease caused severe pain in the shoulders that radiate to the neck.
You can make an appointment with specialists online or call 8 (812) 901-03-03.
Neck pain – causes, what diseases it occurs in, diagnosis and treatment methods
Pain in the neck – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.
Almost two-thirds of people have experienced neck pain at least once in their lives – cervicalgia. Such pain does not always indicate a serious illness. But if relapses occur more and more often, this can be an alarming signal.
Types of pain
Conventionally, the causes of cervicalgia are divided into two groups:
- 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;
- 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 characterized by moderate intensity and short duration. In this case, there is often a limitation of the mobility of the head and a spasm of the neck muscles, in which seals and pain are felt when pressed.
As a rule, pain in myofascial syndrome disappears on its own within a few days.
Cervical osteochondrosis
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 the discs lead to overload of the intervertebral (facet) joints, arthrosis, pinched nerve roots and pain. With age, due to the drying 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.
The thinning of cartilage on the articular surfaces leads to the appearance of bone growths – osteophytes. They narrow the lumen of the intervertebral foramina and compress the nerve endings. As a rule, this causes dull pain (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 may 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, compression of the spinal cord occurs, leading to a violation of the sensitivity of the hands (numbness, burning, weakness) and pain. Shooting (irregular, one-sided) pain is aggravated by tilting, rotating, or throwing the head back, so that the person instinctively tilts the head forward and in the direction opposite to the location of the pain.
Cervical myelopathy
Prolonged compression of the hernia of the spinal cord leads to a violation of the spinal circulation.
Painful sensations occur not only in the neck, but also give between the shoulder blades, to the shoulders. They increase with movement and do not stop even after taking painkillers. Characteristic signs are the appearance of goosebumps, numbness of the limbs, problems with fine motor skills. Possible dizziness, memory impairment, changes in gait.
Whiplash
Whiplash injury of the cervical spine occurs in a person with a sharp bending of the neck forward or backward, followed by recoil in the opposite direction. This type of damage most often occurs in an accident. In this case, stretching and damage to the muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and vertebrae of the cervical region occur. In the most severe cases, dislocations and fractures of the cervical vertebrae occur.
The consequences of an injury can be pain in the cervical region and shoulders, migraines, spasms of the muscles of the neck, impaired mobility.
Associated symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches.
Neck pain due to muscular tonic syndromes
Muscle tonic syndrome is a condition that is 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, more 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 sharp, aggravated 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 from other causes
Constant and prolonged pain in the neck 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 worsens rather than improves at rest may be a sign of vertebral metastasis. These symptoms are accompanied by fever, general weakness, sweating. When pressing on the spinous processes, local pain occurs.
Damage to the spine is also possible with rheumatoid arthritis. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, pain occurs in the neck, neck and head. The pain may radiate to the forehead and eye sockets, aggravated by bending and turning the head. Loss of sensation in the neck and arms.
Diagnostics and examinations
First of all, the doctor pays attention to the clinical symptoms: the localization and spread of pain, impaired sensitivity in the neck, shoulders, arms, decreased reflexes, general condition, the nature of the pain (increased by movement or at rest).
The doctor may prescribe:
- complete blood count
Blood test. Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR) (Complete Blood Count, CBC)
Synonyms: UAC. CBC without differential.
Brief description of the study Complete blood count
Blood consists of a liquid part (plasma) and cellular, shaped elements…
Up to 1 business day
Available with home visit
390 RUB
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blood chemistry: minimal profile
Up to 1 business day
Available with home visit
3 990 rub
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general urinalysis (Urine analysis with sediment microscopy)
Method of determination
Determination of physical and chemical parameters is carried out on an automatic analyzer using the “dry chemistry” method.
Hardware microscope…
Up to 1 business day
Available with home visit
410 RUB
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C-reactive protein (CRP, CRP)
C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein, a sensitive indicator of tissue damage during inflammation, necrosis, trauma.
Synonyms: Blood test for CRP; C-jet …
Up to 1 business day
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665 RUB
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To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will need the results of computed and magnetic resonance imaging
Which doctors should I contact?
If you experience pain in the cervical region, first of all, you need to visit:
• therapist;
• neurologist;
• oncologist (at the conclusion of the therapist).
What should be done when pain occurs?
The Shants collar will help relieve pain and relieve tension in the cervical region.
It unloads and relaxes the muscles, reduces the pressure of the vertebrae on each other, helps restore normal blood circulation in the cervical spine.
Treatment
Conservative and surgical methods are used to treat patients with neck pain.
Conservative methods include drug and non-drug therapies.
Non-drug treatment, in particular, therapeutic exercises, ensures the restoration of the correct muscle balance, relaxation of overstrained muscles. Favorable influence is provided by methods of orthopedic treatment, manual and physiotherapy.
Only specialists can perform traction and massage.
Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating pain. For example, blockades with local anesthetics reduce the intensity of pain. Most of the drugs used to treat neck pain are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac. Also, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, the doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants – drugs whose action is aimed at relieving muscle spasms and reducing the tone of skeletal muscles.
With symptoms of compression of the nerve endings and spinal cord (sensory and motor disorders, paralysis), surgical treatment is indicated. The doctor assesses the benefits and risks of such operations individually. An alternative to surgical interventions on the spine in some cases are percutaneous high-frequency denervation of the facet joints and percutaneous laser vaporization of a herniated disc, which are minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
Sources:
- Clinical guidelines “Rheumatoid arthritis”. Developed by: Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, LLC “Russian Rheumatological Association “Nadezhda””. – 2021.
- Clinical guidelines “Neuromuscular scoliosis”. Developed by: Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia, Russian Association of Spine Surgeons.