Every person has encountered this discomfort at least once. It is a common problem that can have many different causes - sometimes due to poor posture, sometimes poor sleep, and many other factors. Although neck pain usually does not indicate a more serious health problem, it should not be ignored, and it is important to take timely action to address the underlying causes that have led to this pain, especially when neck pain is associated with other accompanying symptoms.
How to alleviate neck pain - treatments at Fizionova
At Fizionova Centre, you have access to expert therapists with whom you first need to schedule an initial examination and consultation. It is often necessary to bring an MRI scan, and we will conduct additional examinations and tests to determine the problem and provide an accurate diagnosis. With a detailed examination and additional analysis, our therapists will propose approaches that are best for your individual case. Some of these approaches include:
- Decompression of the cervical spine using the Chattanooga Triton DTS device
- Combined therapy for cervicocephalic or shoulder-scapular neuropathy
- Hans Stim treatment is based on a gentle current to relax the neck muscles
- Salus Talent: electromagnetic stimulator
- RSQ1 treatment: 21 minutes on this device equals 90 minutes of standard therapy
- Irradia cold laser
- Vacuumc therapy through cups in the case of spasm of the paravertebral musculature and trapezius
- The application of targeted FSWT therapy
These approaches may include all or only certain special treatments and protocols for neck pain specifically tailored to your individual case.
In addition, our therapists will guide you through preventive exercises, as well as the best ways and lifestyle changes that will help prevent neck pain from recurring.
Call us, schedule an examination, and take the first step toward resolving your neck pain. Call: 011/21-00-588
Symptoms of neck pain
If your neck hurts, you may notice other symptoms that include:
Neck and back pain
Pain that worsens when you hold your head in a certain way. For example, while working at a computer, driving, or performing other tasks.
Neck and occiput (the back part of the head) pain
Often includes muscle tension or spasms in the neck area. Neck and occiput pain in some cases improves when there is a problem with the muscles, ligaments, and other tissues in the neck. The cause of the pain can also be a narrowed space between the cervical vertebrae and sensitive nerves.
Shoulder and neck pain
It may also involve problems with neck or head movement. Neck pain that extends down to the shoulders and causes tingling in the arms is also a common symptom.
Right-sided neck and shoulder pain
It is common for neck and shoulder pain to be more pronounced on the right side. The reason for this may be improper sleeping position, but also the fact that most patients are right-handed - they perform most tasks with their right hand, carrying heavier loads, which results in more pressure and pain on that side.
Neck pain and headache
In addition to these symptoms, patients often experience visual disturbances. It often happens that patients confuse these symptoms with high blood pressure.
Causes of neck pain
There are numerous factors that can cause pain in the neck. These factors include::
- Poor posture
- Poor sleep
- Sports or other injuries
- Repeatedly performing the same movements. For example, in athletes or certain professions
- Bruxism
- Prolonged carrying of heavy, non-ergonomic bags
- Pinched nerves
- Osteoporosis
- Cervical disc herniation
- Fibromyalgia
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis
- Infection
- Tumors
Neck pain can arise from numerous disorders or diseases that affect any tissue in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles.
Neck pain can be caused by arthritis, disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain, or injury. In rare cases, neck pain can be a sign of cancer or meningitis.
Age, injury, poor posture, or conditions such as arthritis can lead to bone or joint degeneration in the cervical spine, resulting in the development of disc herniation or bone spurs.
A sudden, severe neck injury can also contribute to disc herniation, neck injuries, damage to blood vessels, spinal cord injury, and in extreme cases, can result in permanent paralysis. Disc herniation or bone spurs can cause narrowing of the spinal canal or small openings through which spinal nerve roots exit, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical region can be a serious problem because almost all nerves to the rest of the body must pass through the neck to reach their final destination (arms, chest, abdomen, legs). This can potentially compromise the function of many important organs. Nerve pressure can result in numbness, pain, or weakness in the area of the arm supplied by that nerve.
Get rid of the pain and relax the stiff neck with the right advice
Almost everyone has encountered the condition of neck pain and stiffness that limits movement and affects normal functioning. The neck is subject to a heavy load. It forms an important link in the entire musculoskeletal system, and it also provides support for the head, which is quite heavy, weighing between 5 and 6 kg, so it is clear that it has a significant role, which is disturbed by the occurrence of pain or the inability to achieve a full range of motion.
Why does a stiff neck occur?
The cervical spine contains a bony part, many muscles, and ligaments, but also nerve endings, so the feeling of pain is intense, and a stiff neck hinders normal movements of the spine, shoulders, and head. One of the most common causes of a stiff neck can be found in improper posture and neck position during sleep, causing the muscles to stretch and ache. Morning stiffness and limited movements accompany it, causing headaches, and sometimes dizziness.
The problem can also arise due to problems with the cervical spine, ossification, nerve entrapment, disc herniation of the vertebrae, etc. In this case, a stiff neck is accompanied by pain when moving, which can have different intensity. Depending on the cause, it may also lead to the appearance of a dull pain in the back of the head, so if you experience neck pain, it means that the whole spine is compromised.
How to help with a stiff neck?
A stiff neck itself is usually not a sign of a more serious illness, but if the condition recurs, affects the functioning of the arms, and speech, and causes severe pain, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Also, if the condition persists you should consult a physiatrist who will start the examinations and find a specific remedy. In addition to exercises for proper posture, changes in pillows and mattresses will be important, as well as treatment with analgesics, but also treatment of the underlying cause, which will bring good results in the long run and adequate treatment.
Who are the at-risk groups and when is it necessary to seek professional help?
Although these symptoms usually affect older people and should not occur in people under the age of 40, modern times have shifted this boundary, and it is becoming increasingly common for younger people to have problems with neck pain due to the nature of their job or lifestyle, spending a lot of time sitting in front of a computer.
Experience has shown that patients with this problem usually try to solve the problem themselves - with various gels and medications, and seek professional help only when the condition progresses and becomes chronic. In this phase, neuropathy of the arm occurs, and patients are aware that they need help. However, for the best results and complete recovery, it is best to start therapy while the condition is still in the acute phase.
For additional advice and prevention, call us at 011/21 00 588
If your job requires a lot of at-desk work, you need to adjust your chair or work surface so that your computer monitor is at eye level.
Don't forget to take frequent breaks.
Exercise regularly.
Move enough and pay attention to your posture.
If you spend a lot of time on the phone due to your job or lifestyle, a good solution is to use a speakerphone or headphones with a microphone.
Regarding sleep, it is important to avoid sleeping on your stomach and sleep either on your back or on your side because this way, neck muscles and ligaments can rest and relax during the night. You may need to change your pillow as well.
For all these and any other doubts you may have about prevention after and during therapy, we recommend that you consult our therapists because they will provide you with the best solutions for your individual case.
SCHEDULE A PHYSIATRIST'S EXAMINATION
Dr Jelena Kluz-Đurđević, a specialist in physical medicine
After a conversation with the patient, Dr. Jelena will conduct an examination to obtain a more comprehensive view of your health status, helping to determine whether it's an injury or a diagnosis.
The examination lasts for 30 minutes and includes:
Schedule a specialist examination by calling 011 2100 588 for the cost of 4,000 RSD.