Do you also have frequent neck pain? (Cervicalgia) - Let's talk about this!

Have you ever felt a pain or stiffness in your neck that makes it so painful that you can't even move it when you wake up in the morning? Or a sharp pain in the back of your neck after staring at the computer for too long? Neck pain is actually very common among us. But it's not good to just assume that it's common. Because this pain can be a big obstacle to your daily activities. So let's talk about it all in simple terms today.

What exactly is neck pain (Cervicalgia)?

Simply put, neck pain is any type of pain that occurs in the cervical spine, the area below your head. It can come in many different forms.

• Axial neck pain: In this case, the pain is only in the neck.
• Radicular neck pain: This is when the pain starts in the neck and travels down the shoulders and arms, like an electric shock.

This pain can be short-term (acute) , which subsides in a few days or weeks, or it can be long-term (chronic), which lasts for more than three months.

What other symptoms accompany neck pain?

In addition to a sore neck, you may experience several other symptoms. It is important to recognize these.

Why do we get neck pain? Some of the main reasons

There can be many causes of neck pain. Let's look at the main ones.

1. Aging and wear and tear

As we age, the spine, like the rest of our bodies, gradually wears down. This can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis , spinal stenosis, and pain. Also, over time, stress can lead to conditions like herniated discs or pinched nerves .

2. Physical exertion and bad posture

This is the main reason why many people suffer from neck pain today.

Sitting in the wrong posture, weak abdominal muscles, and weight gain can cause imbalance in the spine and cause neck pain.

3. Stress

You might be surprised to hear this. When we are stressed, we unconsciously tighten the muscles in our neck and shoulders. When this becomes a habit, those muscles lose their rest and start to hurt.

4. Injury

Whiplash injuries are very common, as in a car accident, when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and backward. A fall or sports accident can also damage the muscles, ligaments, discs, or nerves in the neck.

5. Other medical conditions

While the cause is often simple, neck pain can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as meningitis , rheumatoid arthritis , or cancer. That's why it's important to seek medical attention if the pain persists.

How can the doctor find the cause of this?

When you go to see a doctor, the first thing he or she will do is try to determine whether it is something serious or not.

• Asking you questions: First, they will ask you a few questions. They will ask you questions about your medical history, such as whether you have had any previous neck injuries, what your job is, how the pain is, and when it gets worse.
• Physical examination: Next, your neck will be examined. How far you can bend and turn your neck, whether there are any pain points, and whether the muscles are tight.
• Tests: Most of the time, these tests are not necessary. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or if there is a suspicion of a serious injury, your doctor may order tests such as:
• X-ray: Can check for bone problems, herniated discs, and disc problems.
• MRI Scan: The condition of the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues can be seen very clearly.
• CT Scan: This helps to see the fine details of the bones.
• Blood tests: These are done if there is suspicion of infection or other medical conditions.

What are the treatments for neck pain?

The best part is that most neck pain can be cured with simple treatments and things you can do at home.

What can we do to prevent pain?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So these things will help you prevent neck pain.

• Maintain proper posture: When using a computer or phone, practice keeping your neck at eye level without bending. When sitting, keep your back straight and your shoulders back.
• Adjust your sleeping position: Sleep on your back or side. Use a pillow that fits your neck and spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and with your neck turned to one side.
• Stay active: If you have a job that requires you to stay in one place for a long time, get up at least once an hour and stretch your body, bend your neck, and turn your head from side to side for a little exercise.
• Stop carrying heavy loads on your shoulders: Avoid carrying heavy bags and laptop bags on one shoulder. If possible, use a bag with wheels.

When should we definitely see a doctor?

Normal neck pain will subside in a week or two. However, if you have any of the red flag signs below, see a doctor or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• If the pain occurs after an accident (e.g., a fall, a car accident).
• If the pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss .
• If you cannot control your bowels and urine.
• If you feel numbness or weakness in your arms, shoulders, or legs.
• If the pain is accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting .
• If the pain is so severe that you can't do any work or if it lasts for more than a week .

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