Pinched Nerves: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is a compressed nerve. Surrounding tissues that press on nerve roots can cause pain, numbness and tingling in different areas of your body. In many cases, the cause is a herniated disk slipping out between vertebrae in the spinal cord and pressing on the spinal nerve that goes down the leg.

Most pinched nerves originate in the neck (cervical radiculopathy), upper middle back (thoracic radiculopathy) or lower back (lumbar radiculopathy). You can also experience pinched nerves in your hand, elbow and wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome for the wrist).

Pinched nerves can affect several areas of your body:

• A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can give you a stiff neck, and the pain and numbness can affect the shoulder and arm.
• A pinched lumbar nerve in the lower back can cause pain in your back, hips, buttocks and legs.
• Thoracic radiculopathy causes pain in your chest area. If you have severe chest pain, play it safe and call your healthcare provider.

A pinched nerve can be painful, but it’s usually treatable with rest, over-the-counter medication and physical therapy. Most people recover fully from a pinched nerve.

How common is a pinched nerve?

Pinched nerves are common; every year about 85 out of 100,000 adults in the United States are affected by pinched nerves. People of any age can experience pinched nerves, but those aged 50 and older are most likely to have them, due to arthritis and degeneration in the spine and other parts of the body.

Where do pinched nerves occur in my body?

Pinched nerves can happen throughout your body based on the location of the nerves being affected. The most common areas where you’ll feel the effects of a pinched nerve are the:

• Neck and shoulder (compressed cervical nerves).
• Back and upper chest (compressed thoracic and lumbar nerves).
• Arm and elbow (caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve; for example, pain in this nerve is felt when you hit your elbow’s “funny bone”).
• Wrist and hand (often caused by carpal tunnel syndrome).

Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take?

Yes, most will with time (normally four to six weeks). You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If home treatment doesn’t provide you relief after several days, call your provider, who’ll give you more guidance. You may be asked to come to the office for evaluation and tests.

Can a pinched nerve lead to more serious problems?

A pinched nerve can become serious, causing chronic pain, or even lead to permanent nerve damage. Fluid and swelling can do irreversible damage to the nerves, so be sure to contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after several days.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes a pinched nerve?

Some conditions can cause tissue or bone to compress a nerve and cause symptoms. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints that may pressure nearby nerves.
• Aging leads to “wear and tear” on the spine and its discs. Over time spinal discs can lose water content and flatten. The vertebrae (bones in the spinal cord) move closer together, and in response the body forms growths of bone. These bone growths, or spurs, can compress nerves.
• Sudden injury from sports or an accident can result in a pinched nerve. Awkward lifting, pulling, or twisting movements can cause a herniated disc.
• Repetitive motion tasks, like extended periods of typing on a keyboard, can cause stress in your wrist and hand. This may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (tendon inflammation pressuring the median nerve in your arm).
• Obesity: Excess weight can swell your nerve pathway, putting pressure on nerves.
• Pregnancy: The extra weight can result in compressed nerves.
• Diabetes: High glucose (sugar) levels in the blood damage your nerves.

What are symptoms of a pinched nerve?

• Pain (sharp or a dull ache).
• Numbness.
• Muscle weakness.
• Tingling (“pins and needles” sensation).
• Sensation that your hand or foot has fallen asleep.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

You’ll want to visit a healthcare provider about your pinched nerve if it’s not responding to conservative treatment at home. To find the source of the pinched nerve, providers physically examine your neck, arms, shoulders, and wrist and hands. They’ll look for muscle weakness, test change in reflexes and ask about the different sensations you’re feeling.

Imaging tests

If necessary, you may be asked to undergo one or more of these procedures to track the source of the problem:

• X-ray: An X-ray can show narrowing and changing alignment of the spinal cord, and fractures.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT shows 3D images and more detail of the spine than an X-ray.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can show if damage to soft tissues are causing the nerve compression, or if there is damage to the spinal cord.
• Electromyography (EMG): Electrical impulses of muscles measured by an EMG, along with nerve conduction studies, can help determine if a nerve is working normally. This helps your provider see if symptoms are caused by pressure on spinal nerve roots, or if nerve damage is caused by another condition like diabetes.

Management and Treatment

How is a pinched nerve treated?

Medical management (non-surgical) is the first line of treatment for pinched nerves. This includes:

• Time and rest: For many people, time takes care of a pinched nerve and it doesn’t need treatment. The pain should go away in a few days or weeks.
• Ice and heat: Apply ice and heat as you would with any swollen area for temporary relief.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help your symptoms. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Splints and cervical collars (for wrist and hand or neck): Your provider may advise you to wear a soft hand splint or neck collar for a short time to limit motion as you heal.
• Corticosteroids: Your provider may prescribe strong anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone to relieve pain. These can be taken orally (through the mouth) or injected directly into the affected area.
• Physical therapy: Stretches and light exercise can help ease pressure on your nerves and relieve minor pain. Talk to your provider or physical therapist about what types of exercises are best for the type of pinched nerve you’re experiencing.

Surgery

Surgery is the last resort in treating a pinched nerve when non-surgical treatment hasn’t relieved pressure on nerves. Examples of surgeries that fix spinal nerve compression include:

• Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF): Surgeons remove disk or bone spurs that have compressed nerves from the spine, then stabilize the spine through fusion. In fusion, the vertebrae are joined, eventually forming a single, solid bone.
• Artificial disk replacement (ADR): The injured disckis removed from the spine and replaced with an artificial part, much like a knee or hip replacement. This allows more flexibility in the spine.
• Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy: The lamina is the arching bone backside of the spinal canal. The surgeon thins down the lamina for better access to the damaged area and removes the bone spurs and any tissues that are compressing the nerve.

After these surgeries, a full recovery of strength and motion may take several months. Most people can return to a desk job within a few days to a few weeks after surgery. Depending on your surgery, a return to full activities may take three to four months. Your surgeon will give you a general idea of your recovery time, and some people may take longer.

• Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome: To relieve nerve compression in your hand’s carpal tunnel, there are two surgical options: open (one 2-inch cut) and endoscopic (minimally invasive, with one or two ½- inch cuts). Both are done to cut the ligament around the carpal tunnel to take pressure off the median nerve. In the open surgery, the surgeon makes a 2-inch incision into your wrist and directly cuts the ligament. In the endoscopic, the surgeon makes one or two small cuts and a tiny camera guides the surgery. This should relieve your symptoms and the ligament will grow back together with more space for the nerve to pass through. Full recovery can take 10 to 12 weeks but you will be able to do limited activities (such as driving) very soon after the surgery.

Prevention

How do I prevent a pinched nerve? Not all pinched nerves can be prevented, but you can lower your risk if you:

• Maintain a healthy weight and good posture.
• Do stretching exercises to keep muscles strong and flexible.
• Don’t sit or lie in one position too long, or cross your legs for an extended period. This can lead to a compressed nerve in your leg.
• Try to limit and take breaks from repetitive motions (such as typing). Use wrist rests while working with a keyboard.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for a pinched nerve?

Many people recover fully from a pinched nerve with home treatment. When medical or surgical treatment is needed, the outlook for full recovery is excellent.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider about a pinched nerve?

If the pain and other symptoms of your pinched nerve hasn’t shown signs of easing up after several days, call your provider.

Neck Pain – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most causes of neck pain are not life threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Determining a treatment strategy depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain. Although neck pain can be quite debilitating and painful, nonsurgical management can alleviate many symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur. Reducing physical activities or wearing a cervical collar may help provide support for the spine, reduce mobility and decrease pain and irritation. Trigger point injection, including corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain. Occasionally, epidural steroids may be recommended. Conservative treatment options may continue for six to eight weeks.

If the patient is experiencing any weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately. If the patient has had any trauma and is now experiencing neck pain with weakness or numbness, urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended.

Surgery

When conservative treatment for neck pain does not provide relief, surgery may be needed. Patients may be a candidate for surgery if:

• Conservative therapy is not helping
• The patient experiences a decrease in function due to persistent pain
• The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the arms and legs
• The patient experiences difficulty with balance or walking
• The patient is in otherwise good health

There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice is influenced by the specifics of each case. Also, there are options for approaches from the front of the neck or the back of the neck. In many cases, spinal fusion is performed, though in some cases, simple decompression or artificial disc replacement may be employed. Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. Various devices (like screws or plates) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain. Factors that help determine the type of surgical treatment include the specifics of the disc disease and the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Other factors include age, how long the patient has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

If the patient smokes, he or she should try to quit. Smoking damages the structures and architecture of the spine and slows down the healing process. If overweight, the patient should try to lose weight. Both smoking and obesity have been shown to have a negative impact on spinal fusion surgery outcome.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of neck pain patients report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help every individual.

Tingling in Your Arms: Is It Cervical Radiculopathy?: The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas: Orthopedic Surgeons

Wear and tear or injury to the neck (cervical spine) can cause problems that irritate or compress the surrounding nerves. This is known as a cervical radiculopathy and is often due to a herniated disc or bony growth known as a bone spur.

At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jones II diagnoses and treats a full range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including cervical radiculopathy. Our team is dedicated to finding solutions to reduce pain and tingling and restore functionality so that you can reclaim your quality of life.

Understanding the anatomy of the neck

The first seven vertebrae of the spine make up the cervical spine — the neck. The cervical spine has a backward C-shaped curve and is more flexible than other parts of the spine. While flexibility enables you to move your head in different ways, the benefit also makes the cervical spine more susceptible to wear and tear.

A hollow space called the spinal canal runs the length of the spine. This space houses the spinal cord and nerves. Ligaments and muscles attached to each vertebra support the spinal canal and nerves.

Cervical radiculopathy overview

Commonly called a pinched nerve, radiculopathy is compression, injury, or irritation to nerve roots in the area where they leave the spine. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when this happens in the cervical spine.

Nerve roots that leave the cervical spine travel into the arm, supplying sensation and transmitting electrical signals that enable you to move your arm and hand. When a nerve is compressed or irritated, it prevents the nerve from functioning properly. Tingling in your arms may indeed be caused by cervical radiculopathy.

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy

A cervical radiculopathy can cause various symptoms in the neck, arms, and shoulders. The most common symptoms are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness

You may feel symptoms in one area only, such as your arm or shoulder, and your pain may worsen with certain activities. Headaches caused by cervical radiculopathy are often felt in the back of the head.

Some patients go through a period of flare-ups where symptoms worsen. 

Causes of cervical radiculopathy

Changes to the tissues surrounding the nerve roots in the cervical spine is the most common cause of a cervical radiculopathy. Degenerative changes to the vertebrae, tendons, or intervertebral discs can cause compression or irritation of the nerve roots. 

When these tissues shift or they change in size, they can cause the limited space of the spinal canal to narrow. In many cases the narrowing is gradual and occurs with age.

A herniated disc is an example of such changes. A herniation occurs when an intervertebral disc that provides cushion between two vertebra shifts out of place or the jelly-like center bulges out. 

Bone spurs are another common cause of cervical radiculopathy. These bony growths can form due to ongoing inflammation from degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. The growths can press against nerves in the spinal canal, causing irritation.

Seeking solutions for cervical radiculopathy

When nonsurgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical options are available to relieve the pressure on the nerves and resolve symptoms. To have your back or neck pain evaluated, call us at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas to schedule a visit with Dr. Jones. 

We have offices in Pearland, Houston, and Lake Jackson, Texas. Phone the nearest office, or book your appointment here on the website.

Radiculopathy (Arm Pain) – USC Spine Center

Overview

Cervical radiculopathy is the term used to describe radiating nerve pain that begins in the neck region and runs down the shoulder, arm, forearm, and into the hand, and is associated with a neurologic deficit such as numbness or weakness. The term radiculitis indicates that there is only pain, without associated numbness or weakness, shooting down the arm into the hand and fingers. Although radiculopathy and radiculitis can be used to describe the above-mentioned signs and symptoms in the arms or legs, many people often used the term sciatica when referring to lower extremity and back problems.

Causes

There are numerous conditions that can cause cervical radiculopathy, but the most common is a herniated disc (herniated nucleus pulposus). When an intervertebral disc is injured and protrudes into the spinal canal, it can impinge on the spinal cord and nerves and cause pain. The pain may be in the neck or arms(s), or both. If the pain radiates into the arms(s), it is called radiculopathy. Other conditions may also cause radiculopathy, such as a bone spur (osteophyte) pinching a spinal nerve, or more rarely a tumor or infection. Conditions affecting the brachial plexus and nerves in the shoulder or the median, ulnar, and radial nerves in the arm and wrist can also cause neurologic dysfunction similar to cervical radiculopathy.

Symptoms

Radiculopathy is typically present in one arm only, but occasionally occurs in both arms. The arm and hand symptoms may manifest as a shooting electricity pain down the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, and into specific fingers. The radicular pain may also have a component of numbness, tingling (parasthesia), and/or weakness. Patients may have difficulty turning their head because of the pain. Shoulder pain that arises from within the shoulder joint, particularly with abduction and raising the arm and shoulder generally indicates a shoulder problem such as bursitis or a rotator cuff injury. This type of pain is called referred pain, when the pain of a nearby joint causes the entire region or extremity to be painful.

Physical Findings

Since the majority of patients with cervical radiculopathy have the underlying diagnosis of a herniated disc, the physical findings are usually the same. Patients with cervical radiculopathy may have decrease cervical (neck) range-of-motion, especially rotation (looking from side to side). There may be significant weakness in one or more muscle groups and numbness in a specific dermatomal distribution. Patients with longstanding nerve compression and muscle weakness may demonstrate atrophy (decreased size) of the affected muscle(s), and this may be quite noticeable when comparing it with the opposite arm. Deep tendon reflexes may be diminished or absent for the particular spinal nerve that is affected.

Imaging Studies

An MRI of the spine is most useful to evaluate a patient with cervical radiculopathy. An MRI utilizes a powerful magnet and computer system to generate images in three dimensions of all structures, including the intervertebral disc, spinal cord and nerves, muscles, bone, and other soft tissues. Regular x-rays are most useful to evaluate fractures, instability, or arthritis changes of the spine. However, x-rays do not allow one to visualize the soft tissues of the spine such as disc, nerves, or muscles, and usually will not identify the cause of sciatica symptoms.

Laboratory Tests

There are no laboratory tests used to diagnose a herniated disc or radiculopathy. Occasionally, specific tests are ordered to rule out infection or other causes or neck pain and/or arm pain, numbness, and weakness.

Special Tests

Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity (EMG/NCV) tests are useful to determine which nerve is affected, and how severely it is damaged or irritated. The test will often clarify where a nerve is actually being compressed – whether it is a spinal nerve in the neck or a peripheral nerve in the shoulder, elbow, forearm, or wrist.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of radiculopathy is typically made by taking a detailed patient history alone. Physical examination can further clarify the diagnosis. However, an MRI of the cervical spine will often be required to confirm the actual cause of the radicular pain. It is important for the clinician to conduct a thorough history and clinical examination prior to formulating the final diagnosis so as not to misdiagnose this condition.

Treatment Options

The natural history of a cervical herniated disc and radiculopathy is favorable, meaning that the majority of patients improve with conservative treatments and do not require surgery. Quite often, patients with cervical radiculopathy will quickly improve with a few days of rest, use of a soft cervical collar, and oral anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications. Muscle relaxant medications can also be used for severe pain and muscle spasms. Cervical epidural steroid injections and/or nerve root blocks may also be utilized for severe pain or moderate pain that is no longer responding to other conservative measures. Surgical options, such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or microscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy may be recommended for patients who fail conservative treatments. These surgical treatments, when indicated, demonstrate a high rate of success in relieving pain and restoring function, and often a rapid return to normal activities.

Selected Bibliography

Ahlgren BD, Garfin SR. Cervical radiculopathy. Orthop Clin North Am 1996;27:253.

Bohlman HH, Emery SE, Goodfellow DB, et al. Anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis for cervical radiculopathy: long term follow-up of 122 patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1993;75:1298.

Bush K, Hillier S. Outcome of cervical radiculopathy treated with periradicular/epidural corticosteroid injections: a prospective study with independent clinical review. Eur Spine J 1996;5:319.

Chesnut RM, Abitbol JJ, Garfin SR. Surgical management of cervical radiculopathy. indication, techniques, and results. Orthop Clin North Am 1992;23:461.

Cloward RB. The anterior approach for removal of ruptured cervical disks. J Neurosurg 1958;15:602.

Davis RA. A long-term outcome study of 170 surgically treated patients with compressive cervical radiculopathy. Surg Neurol 1996;46:523-30; discussion 530.

BBL Surgery Guidelines – Safety of Fat Transfer, Techniques, Fat Grafting Techniques

Dillin W, Booth R, Cuckler J, Balderston R, Simeone F, Rothman R. Cervical radiculopathy (review). Spine 1986;11:988.

Gore DR, Sepic SB. Anterior cervical fusion for degenerated or protruded discs: a review of 146 patients. Spine 1984;9:667.

Henderson CM, Hennessy RG, Shuey HM, Shackelford EG. Posterior-lateral foraminotomy as an exclusive operative technique for cervical radiculopathy: a review of 846 consecutively operated cases. Neurosurgery 1983;13:504.

Murphey F, Simmons JC, Brunson B. Surgical treatment of laterally ruptured cervical disc. review of 648 cases, 1939 to 1972. J Neurosurg 1973;38:679.

Nagata K, Kiyonaga K, Ohashi T, Sagara M, Miyazaki S, Inoue A. Clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging for cervical myelopathy. Spine 1990;15:1088.

Odom GL, Finney W, Woodhall B. Cervical disk lesions. JAMA 1958;166:23.

Robinson RA, Smith GW. Anterolateral cervical disc removal and interbody fusion for the cervical disc syndrome. Bull John Hopkins Hosp 1955;96:223.

Saal JS, Saal JA, Yurth EF. Nonoperative management of herniated cervical intervertebral disc with radiculopathy. Spine 1996;21:1877.

Southwick WO, Robinson RA. Surgical approaches to the vertebral bodies in the cervical and lumbar regions. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1957;39:631.

White AA, Panjabi MM. Biomechanical considerations in the surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Spine 1988;13:856.

Wilson DW, Pezzuti RT, Place JN. Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation of cervical radiculopathy. Neurosurgery 1991;28:175.

Zeidman SM, Ducker TB. Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy for radiculopathy: review of 172 cases. Neurosurgery 1993;33:356.-

Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Cervical Radiculopathy

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for cervical radiculopathy. In many cases, physical therapy completely resolves symptoms. Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan specific to your condition. It will be based on the findings of your initial evaluation. Your treatment plan may include:

Posture education. Posture education is an important part of helping you get better. Your physical therapist may suggest adjustments to your workstation and work habits. The goal of any change is to promote good posture and protect your neck. In the early stages of recovery this may mean sitting only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. They also will instruct you on how to safely bend, reach, and lift throughout the day. Proper posture will ensure that you place the least amount of pressure on your spinal discs.

Pain management. The first goal is to reduce the pain and inflammation in the area. Ice applied to the neck and shoulder blade area during the first 24 to 48 hours after pain begins can help reduce inflammation. Moist heat can be used after 48 hours to help the surrounding muscles relax. Your physical therapist may advise you to wear a soft cervical collar for short periods throughout the day. This will allow your neck muscles to relax. They also may recommend you use a contoured pillow to support your neck for more comfortable sleeping.

Manual therapy. Your physical therapist may use hands-on therapy, such as manual cervical traction. This will relieve pressure in the neck area. Traction can help provide immediate relief from pain and arm numbness. Your physical therapist also may gently massage the muscles of your cervical spine and shoulder blade area. This helps your muscles relax and improves circulation to promote healing and pain relief.

Range-of-motion exercises. Your physical therapist will teach you gentle neck mobility exercises. These will help to relieve your symptoms and allow you to return to normal movement. As you begin recovery, it is important that none of these exercises increase your arm pain. If they cause pain, describe your symptoms accurately to your physical therapist. If you spend many hours sitting at a desk during your workday, your neck may become stiff. Your physical therapist also will teach you gentle neck stretches. These stretches will reduce pressure on your neck from too much sitting, to help improve movement.

Strengthening exercises. Your physical therapist will help you determine which muscle groups need to be strengthened. Exercises will be based on which spinal nerves are involved in your case. When pain no longer extends down your arm, you may begin more aggressive strengthening exercises. Neck stability (strengthening) exercises also will be performed. You also will receive a home-exercise program. This will help you continue to strengthen your neck, shoulder, arm, and upper back long after formal physical therapy has ended.

Functional training. As your symptoms improve, your physical therapist will work on functional exercises. These exercises will help you return to your job, sport, or other daily activities. If your job requires certain tasks, your physical therapist will teach you ways to do them to reduce undue stress on your neck. This may include instructions for:

• Overhead reaching.
• Pushing.
• Pulling.
• Managing long periods of sitting.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A PINCHED NERVE IN NECK

If you have numbness, tingling and weakness in your arm or hand, there is a pretty good chance that you have a pinched nerve in neck.  Oftentimes, people don’t realize several important factors that help doctors come up with the correct diagnosis of whether or not a person is having a pinched or “compressed” nerve or not.  I am going to share with you some very interesting facts about how to determine what you, a family member or a friend may be having; whether it be pain, stiffness, weakness or abnormal sensations that are running down into your shoulders, arms or hands.

First, and very importantly, let me point out that there are literally hundreds of reasons that neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness and tingling, weakness and other neurological signs may appear.  So please be aware of this and consult your medical doctor and/or chiropractic physician for more information regarding your condition.   But generally,  the most common signs of that I have seen in my practice for almost 30 years as a spine specialist  is that a true pinched nerve in neck creates pain that radiates (transfers) into the arm,  shoulder and/or hand,  weakness in that extremely and paresthesia (abnormal sensations such as numbness, or tingling).  Ironically, albeit unusual, there are times when a  pinched nerve in neck will not produce much if any pain in the neck (cervical spine) itself; only neurological signs into the shoulder or arm.  The nerves that control muscles and sensation into the arms and shoulders start in the lower neck (C5-T1) and travel into the shoulder, arm and hand via what is known as the  “brachial plexus”.

The actual pinching of a nerve comes from various conditions but in people 20 to 55 years of age, the compression usually comes from a herniated or severely protruding disc.  To visualize this, think of a main pipe line (spinal cord) that travels down within the spine itself (the spinal canal) and consider that at each vertebral level, there is a pair of small existing nerves (right and the other on the left) that transmit and receive neurological impulses corresponding to each vertebral level. Most commonly, a pinched nerve in neck will be what is called unilateral, meaning that the nerve root impingement is effecting only one side of your body, effecting one of the two nerves that exists that particular level.   There certainly are conditions that effect both upper extremities simultaneously but these are less common, can be more severe in nature and usually involve the collapsing of almost the entire disc at that level vs. the more common “focal” herniation that extrudes into a quarter or perhaps one-half of the disc’s circumference.

I noted above the at disc lesions commonly effect people 20-55 years of age and the reason is that the discs are more hydrated, have more protein and are more “plump” if you will, and thus are more sucesseptable to tearing and bulging because of those properties.  On the other hand,  a person 55 and older generally have discs that are slightly thinner, have less hydration and have less protein content, in their discs, properties that ironically reduce their chances of tearing but lead to more joint and bone changes associated with degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD).    These boney changes and decreased disc height can literally decrease the dimensions of the windows (foramen) that the nerves exit each level also lending a possibility of a pinched nerve in neck.

However, in contrast, is it important to understand that there are also some very common conditions that mimic a pinched nerve from a disc protrusion or herniation.  So many people are over diagnosed or improperly diagnosed with a “pinched nerve” but in actuality, have an issue with muscle strain, a subluxation, ligamentous injury, trigger points, joint or cartilage inflammation, and other types of strains and inflammatory conditions that produce similar if not identical radiating pain into the shoulder blades, shoulder girdle, arms and hands.

One of the main defining differences between a true compression of a nerve, what in this article I am referring to as a “pinched nerve in neck”, and other causes of pain and tingling into an extremity is MUSCLE WEAKNESS. This is a sign to me that I will need to order an MRI to better ascertain the exact level and degree of pathology as generally, these cases are more serious and oftentimes need surgical intervention.   With that said, it is also possible to have minor compression or chemical irritation to a nerve root that is a precursor or create very minor weakness that can be treated conservatively and be very successful.  However, if a nerve is severely compromised, it will generally not respond to gentle conservative care such as mobilization and traction and may indeed need surgical intervention to relieve the prevailing cause.

One of the primary causes of pinched or compressed nerves is sleeping poorly, lack of adequate support and sleeping on ordinary (bad) pillows that push your head into an abnormal  and flexed position.  Please look into the pillow that I invented which has helped thousands of people around the world and has helped prevent and treat many neck and upper back conditions.   Please share this blog with friends and family by clicking on your favorite social media icon to the right of this page.  Thanks!!

About PILLO1:
Made in America, PILLO1 cervical pillow is a premium, hand-crafted pillow to prevent wrinkles, reduce stiff neck pain and restore spinal alignment.  Created for back and side sleepers, PILLO1 cervical pillow is the perfect eco-friendly pillow , made of hypoallergenic non-toxic latex foam.
Learn more: www.PILLO1.com

Could my arm pain be from my neck?

*This article originally appeared on Dr. Kristen Mitteness’ website. Dr. Mitteness is part of the Lifemark family. We are republishing the article here with permission.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a surge in patients with arm pain, tingling or numbness in their fingers or weakness in their hand. While some suspect carpal tunnel, others have associated the pain with their shoulder or neck. What’s really going on here?

The brachial plexus

There is a network of nerves that starts at your spinal cord within your cervical spine (your neck), go through muscles near your neck and shoulder and make their way down your arm and into your fingertips. As a whole, this network is called the brachial plexus.

5 main nerves (musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median and ulnar) are considered the “terminal branches” of the brachial plexus. Depending on where the nerve is being irritated, you can experience different symptoms or signs.

When a tight muscle, a poorly moving joint, bad posture or other factors irritate a nerve in your body, it is likely to cause pain, tingling, numbness or a burning sensation. That being said, did you know that only 10% of your nervous system actually feels pain? Chances are, your nerve has been irritated for much longer than your pain has been present.

Getting started with recovery

So, how is something like this treated? My first action item is to check posture. Is one shoulder sitting higher than the other? Is the head tilted to one side? Are the shoulders rounded forward? Then, I check the range of motion. Can the patient move his or her neck through all ranges of motion without pain or pulling? Remember, pain is not normal! It’s a sign of dysfunction.

The next step is to palpate, or check the area through light touch, to find any muscles, joints or ligaments that aren’t moving properly, feel tender or aren’t in alignment. Think about your vehicle. If your tire alignment is off just slightly, will your car wear out faster? Will you notice right away?

Lucky for us, the human body is extremely resilient and adaptable…. until it isn’t. Chances are, the problem that is causing your finger numbness, tingling or pain has been there for a while, it just wasn’t sending you pain signals.

Adjusting the joints

After mobilizing the joints that I suspect are involved in the dysfunction, I’ll adjust any joints that are subluxated (not dislocated) or not in alignment or moving well, starting with the back, neck and shoulders. Then, I’ll use a myofascial release technique to mobilize the muscles in a way to release or remove irritation to the nerve.

More often than not, patients feel a bit of relief right after the treatment. Is it completely fixed after a single treatment? Probably not, but, we’re on our way!

Of course, we have to identify what caused the problem in the first place and implement necessary changes. Is there underlying inflammation? Is it your posture the culprit? If so, it needs to be addressed or else you’ll be in pain again in the future.

What we do in my office is one piece of the puzzle. To truly heal, we need to address all underlying causes. Pain and dysfunction are most often not from just one thing, but the result of a perfect storm. Through chiropractic, nutrition and self-care, we can work together to not only help you feel better, but function better.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist, check out our Locations page to find a Lifemark clinic near you.

90,000 Pain radiating to the shoulder or shoulder blade

When neck pain begins to spread to the scapula, shoulder, we tend to worry about it much more than because of the usual neck pain. And this is absolutely correct. The spread of pain to other areas of the body shows that we are not dealing with an incoming pain syndrome, but with a more serious painful condition. Such pain signals that it is necessary to diagnose and treat the disease in a timely manner to exclude possible complications.

Pain radiating to the shoulder and scapula can be a complication of a disease that causes pain in the neck, in the thoracic spine – osteochondrosis, herniated disc, spondylosis, etc. In such cases, the spread of pain can be a symptom of the involvement of the roots of the spinal nerves in the process, sometimes accompanied by a violation of sensitivity in the hands, in the area of ​​the scapula. The pressure on the roots of the spinal nerves can also be caused by a tumor process, which requires more serious attention to such pain.

The appearance of pain in the scapula and shoulder can also be a manifestation of diseases of the internal organs. So, for example, pain in the scapula, shoulder on the left requires the exclusion of acute myocardial infarction, they can also manifest themselves with angina pectoris. Left pain can also be a reflection of stomach ailments such as ulcers. The spread of pain to the right shoulder, scapula can be a symptom of liver disease, gallbladder, pancreas. Kidney diseases, intercostal neuralgia are also often manifested by pain in the area of ​​the scapula.Timely detection of diseases directly affects the effectiveness of treatment and recovery of working capacity.

The Eleos Clinic offers the services of highly qualified doctors for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases of the spine and internal organs. The opportunity to receive consultations from a neurologist, therapist, cardiologist, traumatologist in the clinic, to carry out the necessary examination promptly is an important advantage for the appointment of adequate and effective treatment, for full rehabilitation.

Definition

A disease in which the nucleus pulposus of the medial spinal disc is displaced with rupture of the annulus fibrosus. The hernia puts pressure on the spinal nerve endings, resulting in pain.

The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae. There are elastic discs between the vertebrae. The nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes and presses on the nerve roots of the spinal cord.In the cervical spine, the space between the vertebra and the spinal cord is narrower in comparison with the lumbar spine, therefore, when pathology occurs, in most cases, the symptoms are serious. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential.

Symptoms

Burning pain in neck, shoulder and arms

• 1. Alternating heaviness in the neck.
• 2. Tingling, pain in the shoulder, pulling pain in the arm.
• 3.Numbness in the hands and fingers.
• 4. With strong compression of the nerve: paralysis of the limbs, dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

Reasons

Degenerative deformation

• Sleep on a high pillow
• Incorrect posture (bent back)
• Position with extended head and neck for a long time
• Prolonged sitting at a computer and a smartphone

Injury

• Injury in crash, fall or collision
• Abrupt posture change, neck tilt, neck rotation

Treatment

Diagnostics: X-ray, CT, MRI

Non-surgical treatment

• Rest
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy exercises
• Drug treatment
• Injection therapy
• Neuroplasty

Surgical treatment

• Endoscopic discectomy.

Neck Pain

There are several possible causes of non-injury neck pain.

• A slight sprain of the ligaments or muscles may occur as a result of sudden movement. Sleep in an uncomfortable position may also be the cause.

• Some people experience emotional stress by straining the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Chronic spasm of these muscles can cause neck pain and sometimes headache.

• The gradual “wear and tear” of the joints of the spine can lead to “degenerative arthritis”. This can cause neck pain, both chronic and occasional pain.

• As a result of aging or as a result of repeated minor neck injuries, the intervertebral discs (which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae) can bulge and press on the spinal nerve. It causes a tingling sensation, pain, or numbness that spreads from the neck to the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Acute neck pain usually improves in 1 to 2 weeks. Neck pain associated with disc disease, arthritis of the vertebral joints, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can become chronic and last for months or years.

Unless the neck pain is associated with any significant physical injury (such as a car accident or a fall), an X-ray is usually not done on the initial examination. If the pain persists and does not respond to treatment, then X-rays and other types of examination may be prescribed in the future.

Home Care

1. Relax and relax your muscles. Use a comfortable pillow to support your head and keep your back in a neutral position. The head should not be tilted forward or backward. A rolled up towel can help you get into the most comfortable position.

2. To relieve pain, you can use heat (hot shower, bath or heating pad) and massage or, conversely, cold compresses (plastic bag wrapped in a towel with crushed ice or ice cubes).Try both and use the one that works best for you for 20 minutes several times a day.

3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can be taken to relieve pain if no other medication has been prescribed. [ NOTE . If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, consult your doctor before taking these drugs.]

Observe Observation

with your doctor or healthcare facility if there is no improvement after a week. Physiotherapy or further testing may be needed.

[NOTE. The results of an X-ray or CT scan will be checked by a radiologist. We will notify you if we discover new information that may affect treatment.]

Immediately Seek Medical Assistance

for any of the following:

• pain worsening or spreading to one or both hands;

• weakness or numbness in one or both arms;

• worsening headache;

• swelling of the neck, difficulty or pain when swallowing;

• At 100.4єF (38єC) or higher, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Causes, symptoms, treatment of neck pain | Neurology TN Clinic

Neck pain is a common symptom that often leads patients to see a doctor. Even a slight discomfort in the neck area can significantly complicate the performance of familiar activities, and severe pain becomes the cause of complete disability. Often, a person who is faced with this health problem has a difficulty – which doctor to go to? Among the many causes of neck pain, osteochondrosis most often appears, so it is better to immediately consult a neurologist.

Osteochondrosis and vascular disorders as the main causes of neck pain

With osteochondrosis, pain arises from several “fronts” at once: as a result of deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs, the vessels and nerve endings are compressed, and prolonged muscle overstrain provokes their spasm. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, severe pains appear both in the neck and in the shoulders, shoulder blades, and upper chest. By the nature of the neck pains can be tearing, pressing, burning, often accompanied by a violation of the sensitivity of the skin in the neck.

Due to the compression of the neck vessels in osteochondrosis, there may be dizziness and tinnitus, flashing “flies” before the eyes. Certain types of vascular neck pain have their own names, for example, “cervical migraine” refers to severe pain in the neck and occipital region, arising from the compression of a large vessel – the vertebral artery.

Neck pain is also common with tension headache, which itself is associated with muscle spasm, in which case the headaches and neck pains intensify each other.At the same time, a person experiences the most pronounced discomfort: pains seem to flow from one area to another, pass from the back of the head to the neck.

Neck and headaches develop in people who constantly work in a static sitting or standing position – in programmers, accountants and other office workers, librarians and archival workers, as well as surgeons and dentists.

Given the fact that most modern professions today are unthinkable without the use of computers, and many people spend their leisure time in front of a screen or with a tablet in their hands, during the day and in the late afternoon, not only eye tension increases (an independent cause of neck pain), but also muscle spasm.Thus, almost everyone is under the gun of headaches and neck pains.

Neuralgias as a cause of neck pain

Another common cause of neck pain is neuralgia. Sharp, “dagger” pain in the neck – the result of irritation or damage to the upper laryngeal, occipital, trigeminal nerves. The triggering factors for neuralgia and associated pain are varied: viral agents (herpes viruses), external influences (hypothermia), mechanical factors (intense chewing load), etc.With similar symptoms, it is also necessary to consult a neurologist.

In addition to these causes of cervical pain, persistent changes in posture can be persistent, leading to deformities in the cervical and thoracic spine, trauma, severe stress effects, inflammation, as well as dental problems and diseases of the middle ear. In each of these cases, neck pain is almost always combined with other symptoms – pain when swallowing, shooting pains in the ears, fever, etc.

Neck pain treatment at TN-Clinic

Since the treatment regimens for neck pain can be radically different, you need to consult a doctor already at the stage when pain disrupts the usual rhythm of life, taking commonly available medications does not bring relief, pain intensifies and changes, supplemented by other symptoms. Self-medication in the form of the use of analgesics and some physical methods of exposure (warming up in a hot bath, rubbing in the neck) may at best not bring relief, at worst – aggravate the pathological process and the course of the disease.

With a timely visit to a neurologist, a diagnosis and an adequate treatment condition, it is possible to eliminate the pain syndrome and influence the cause of neck pain. In TN-Clinic, if necessary, additional consultation with other specialists is carried out, which allows avoiding mistakes in making an accurate diagnosis and in prescribing treatment.

Treatment regimens for neck pain can include both medications (for oral and external use) and physiotherapy techniques, as well as the use of medical devices – plasters, orthoses.Moreover, drugs can be recommended only at the stage of exacerbation, and further treatment is carried out using other methods.

Recommendations for physical activity and remedial gymnastics are different depending on the diagnosis: for example, with osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to strictly and for a long time limit physical activity, but with tension headaches, migraines, neuralgia, on the contrary, no physical exercises are required until the pain in the neck is completely relieved not allowed.

Methods such as reflexology, some types of therapeutic massage, electrophoresis, electroanalgesia, magnetic and laser therapy have proven themselves to be excellent in the treatment of cervical pain.

In combination with the use of drugs, such therapy quickly improves the patient’s condition, returning him to his usual life, allowing him to forget about pain for a long time.

Questions still

You can always make an appointment and get detailed information from the specialists of our advisory department by phones:

+7 (495) 210-02-48 +7 (495) 799-02-06

Make an appointment
90,000 Neck Pain – Sobe Innovative Rehabilitation

Don’t let your neck pain ruin your day – find relief with physical therapy

Get back to your life with physical therapy

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year.If left untreated, the condition can worsen, and in severe cases, surgery may even be required.

Your neck is an integral part of daily movement and severe pain can interfere with your ability to function properly in your daily life.

Neck pain can be debilitating and extremely unpleasant, especially if the pain extends from the neck to the shoulders.

Whether your neck pain causes pain when you try to sit upright in a chair at work or tilt your head to tie your shoes, physical therapy can help you.Many people can relieve neck pain annually with physical therapy.

Our Hallandale Beach Physical Therapy Practice is dedicated to the neck pain relief you need.

What will the neck pain treatment plan look like?

Physiotherapy is one of the best treatments for neck pain. At Sobe Innovative Rehabilitation, our physiotherapists perform an initial physical assessment to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you may have due to pain.

They will then make a diagnosis that will guide your treatment plan. You will work together to understand the goals and expectations of each stage of treatment, with a focus on overcoming neck pain and recovering as quickly as possible.

Treatment for neck pain is likely to involve manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of specific techniques designed to reduce neck stiffness and improve its range of motion. Our physiotherapists in Hallandale Beach will also offer you targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve your neck muscles and tissues.

We will focus on improving your posture to help rebuild your neck muscles and avoid future injury. Additional treatment services may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound or electrical stimulation at the discretion of our physiotherapist.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is most often caused by trauma to the tissues or bone structures of the neck; however, some degenerative conditions can also cause neck pain.Some common conditions for which your neck hurts include:

Joint degeneration

Like any other joint in your body, neck joints can deteriorate as you age, causing pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also shrink the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, which also leads to neck pain.

Muscle tension

The muscles in the neck can become tense due to overuse. Even something as simple as sitting at a desk all day with your neck extended towards your computer screen can strain your neck muscles.

Nerve compression

If you have a herniated disc in your neck or a narrowing of the opening (the space where the nerves exit from the spine), the nerves extending from the spinal cord may compress. In some cases, nerve pain can even spread from the neck to the hands and fingers, a condition known as radiculopathy.

Diseases

Certain medical conditions and ailments can cause neck pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer.

Injury

A whip, usually caused by a heavy impact car or sports collision, is one of the most common injuries resulting in neck pain. This is known as “strain” injury, in which the head swings back and forth rapidly, affecting the soft tissue at the back of the neck.

What else do I need to know about neck pain?

Neck pain can occur for a number of reasons.When you experience neck pain, it can usually travel from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades, eventually settling in the back of the neck.

Pain can vary in severity: from constant dull to sharp and stabbing. Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Inability to stand completely or sit up straight.
• Lack of sleep due to pain and discomfort.
• Weakness in the hand.
• Discomfort and pain during prolonged stay in the same position.
• Headaches.
• Numbness or tingling in the upper limbs.
• Upper body stiffness and tension.

Get Rid of Neck Pain Today!

Don’t let your neck pain cause more discomfort. Contact Sobe Innovative Rehabilitation to speak with one of our licensed Hallandale Beach Physical Therapists today and schedule an appointment!

We can help you get started on the journey to lasting pain relief.

90,000 From hand numbness to disability. What can osteochondrosis lead to? HEALTH: Healthy Living | HEALTH

According to statistics, 70% of people after forty years have cervical osteochondrosis, which, with a certain development, can lead to disability. What causes this disease, how it is treated and what complications it can lead to, “AiF-Voronezh” told the head of the neurological department of the Voronezh Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1, doctor of the highest category Vera Sevostyanova.

No sudden movements

Anastasia Khodykina, AiF-Voronezh: Vera Viktorovna, when you have a pain in your neck, you can often hear the diagnosis of osteochondrosis. What is it, and why can it arise?

Vera Sevostyanova: The motor segment consists of two vertebrae and a disc between them, which acts as a shock absorber so that the vertebrae are not erased or destroyed. It allows the neck to turn and bend. With osteochondrosis, this disc changes and collapses.

Osteochondrosis can occur as a result of injury. The cervical region is one of the most mobile and prone to trauma. Moreover, injury can occur not only as a result of a blow, but also with a sharp movement. For example, when a car suddenly brakes.

Muscles around the disc tense, an acute pain syndrome occurs. In this acute period of the disease, it is necessary to reduce mobility; for this, an orthopedic collar is worn.

The second, more common cause is degenerative changes.They arise due to the fact that the metabolism in the disc is disturbed. This may be due to a general metabolic disorder such as diabetes or thyroid or kidney disease. But more often changes occur due to chronic hypodynamia – lack of movement. After all, to feed the disc, you need a “muscle pump” that pumps nutrients into it, that is, the muscles must work. If a person arrives in one position for a long time, this does not happen.

Due to prolonged immobility of the cervical spine, muscles are overstrained, pain occurs, blood circulation and normal metabolism in the motor segments deteriorate, this leads to the development of chronic degenerative changes.Since the cartilaginous corset does not have a good strong structure, it can be easily injured. For example, lifting your head suddenly or sneezing.

Goosebumps, numbness, disability

– How can a person understand that he has osteochondrosis?

– There is a sharp or chronic pain syndrome, there is a tension in the muscles of the neck. It may not always be painful, it may be expressed in the form of restriction of movement in the spine.

If the process affects neurological structures, then the disease can manifest itself as numbness of the hands and fingertips.If the cartilaginous base of the vertebra is torn, even a slight pressure on this area manifests itself in pain, tingling and goosebumps, and in a more severe form, weakness in the arm.

– Does the disease affect the functioning of the brain?

– Many people mistakenly believe that due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, hypertension can develop, memory changes can occur. But this is not the case.

It happens that a headache occurs due to muscle strain. This is due to the fact that a person has been in a limited position for a long time, for example, sitting behind the wheel.When he stopped this activity, he felt a headache. This is not due to vascular damage, but to muscle overstrain. In this case, massage of this area helps.

– What are the complications of osteochondrosis?

– Osteochondrosis impairs the function of the spine itself and the upper limbs. This is a problem of vertebrae, discs, ligaments, small joints. In rare cases, it affects the upper cervical regions – there, the brain goes into the spinal cord. One of the manifestations is the depression of the spinal cord by a hernial protrusion.It can manifest itself as weakness in the arms and legs, impaired urination, and, depending on the magnitude of the protrusion, lead to immobility of a person. This is not a life-threatening situation, but you can become a deeply disabled person. But it should be noted that neurological complications of osteochondrosis are rare. Moreover, according to statistics, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in 70% of the population over 40 years old. Often a person lives and does not know about his disease.

Osteochondrosis cannot be cured

– How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?

– Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out when there are symptoms in the form of pain, numbness, weakness.Then medications, physiotherapy are prescribed, acupuncture helps to some extent. The massage is carried out only in the periods between acute attacks – it improves blood circulation. Osteochondrosis itself is not cured, only pain is relieved. Yes, there are drugs that improve the metabolism in the cartilage tissue – chondroprotectors, but their use does not always help and is not always necessary. Whether to prescribe them, the doctor decides.

After the removal of acute pain, it is necessary to strengthen the muscle corset so that the disease does not progress.Surgery is performed only when there are serious complications, such as a hernia.

– Is a special orthopedic pillow required?

– Someone has pain symptoms after a night’s sleep due to the fact that the pillow is incorrectly selected. Orthopedic pillows are not suitable for everyone. Sometimes it is enough to modernize your pillow by slightly bending the edges in the form of a roller under the neck to make it comfortable. The pillow should raise your head a little, should not be high, too soft or hard.It is also not recommended to sleep without a pillow, as the venous outflow is disturbed.

Move More

– What prophylaxis of osteochondrosis would you recommend?

– To prevent exacerbations and the development of the disease, it is important to perform certain physical exercises and fight physical inactivity.

If a person sat for 20-30 minutes in one position, he should walk, stretch, to bring the muscles that were tense to a normal state.For example, you can take documents to another office.

The workplace must be properly equipped. Pay attention to the height of the chair: if the head is too low, this is already wrong. It is more correct to do this: a person, sitting at the workplace, must close his eyes, physiologically choose a place, as it would be convenient for his head, open his eyes. This is exactly where your work monitor should be. It is harmful to sit half-turned at the workplace – this provokes muscle overstrain and pain syndrome.The computer should be in front of the person who sits behind it, and not on the side.

– What exercises would you recommend for those with a sedentary job?

– Exercise for the neck should be done smoothly and slowly and not in a circular motion. Tilt your head to the side, then the other, then slightly forward. Muscles tense, relax, and tense again. Then add a series of stretching exercises: slowly turn your head and stretch the neck muscles, then repeat on the other side.Stand against a wall with your heels, shoulder blades, and the back of your head close to it, and stand that way for five minutes. This is an unloading maneuver for the spine.

90,000 blew, or is your neck pain another cause? Neck pain treatment

Neck pain: what is it like?

Neck hurts

Neck pain is a common symptom. According to medical statistics, one in three adults has ever experienced neck pain.Right now, the neck hurts every tenth.

As a rule, neck pains are constant, aching in nature. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and tinnitus. In some cases, the pain radiates (spreads) to the hands. Along with the pain in the neck, pain in the region of the heart may also be felt, especially with an uncomfortable posture. Even with pain in the neck, complaints of limited neck mobility or a crunch in the neck when turning the head may occur.

Why does the neck hurt?

The reasons why the neck may hurt are quite varied.The most common cause of neck pain is one of the following:

• Prolonged stay in the wrong position, for example, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or work in which you have to maintain the same head position for a long time. In office workers, the incorrect position of the monitor on the desktop is quite often the cause of neck pain;
• long-term physical activity;
• stress, depression, anxiety;

90,027 injuries and sprains;

• Incorrect posture
• hypothermia of the cervical muscles.People still say in this case: “the neck blew.” Draft – a steady stream of cold air – causes localized deterioration of blood supply, resulting in aching pain in the neck.
• The most common cause of neck pain is osteochondrosis. This is a group of diseases characterized by a deterioration in the properties of the cartilaginous tissue of the spine, mainly due to age-related changes in the body or traumatic consequences. Cervical osteochondrosis often causes not only neck pain, but also headaches.A formidable complication of cervical osteochondrosis is the appearance of intervertebral hernias. A herniated disc is a protrusion of a portion of an intervertebral disc. In this case, compression of the nerve fibers occurs, which causes increased pain during exercise or in a static position. With an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine, the pain radiates to the hands. Fingertips may go numb.

Neck pain can also be caused by other causes, including some serious medical conditions that require urgent treatment.For example, neck pain and limitation of head movements are observed in meningitis, vascular, infectious and oncological diseases, injuries of the cervical spine, in immune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis in inflammatory bowel diseases), as well as various diseases of internal organs.

Neck hurts: what to do?

Neck pain caused by any mechanical cause can go away in a few days. If you are sure that the pain in your case is due to the fact that your neck was simply blown or you turned it abruptly, try to keep your neck in soft warmth.It is also recommended to ensure that the static load on the neck muscles is reduced and that the head is in a comfortable position during sleep. However, for prolonged or severe pain, you should see a doctor. Self-medication will be ineffective, because a diagnosis must be made before starting treatment. In case of neck pain, it is very important to undergo instrumental research methods, in particular, X-ray or, even better, computed tomography of the cervical spine.