Pain in the neck when turning the head

Neck, according to statistics, is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, as it performs a large number of important functions to ensure normal human life. Its most important component is the spinal canal, formed by the vertebrae - in this place the spinal cord is located. There are a lot of veins, arteries, muscles and other elements in the junction of the head and trunk. Therefore, to cause pain in the neck when turning the head can be a lot of ailments, each of which affects certain parts.

The main causes of pain in the neck when turning the head

There are many reasons that affect the appearance of unpleasant sensations in this area of ​​the body.

1. Stretching and overstrain of the muscles that can appear due to a sedentary lifestyle (constant and long trips behind the wheel, working at the computer) or vice versa - heavy loads (playing sports).
2. Diseases of muscles. A prolonged neck or back strain threatens the development of myofascial syndrome, in which small seals can form. In addition, discomforts appear due to fibromyalgia - a chronic illness that is characterized by increased sensitivity of muscles or joints.
3. Diseases of the vertebrae. A sharp pain in the neck when turning the head most often indicates an osteochondrosis or osteoarthritis, in which the joints or cartilages between them are erased. In addition, a herniated intervertebral disc and congenital pathology of the spine also contribute to the appearance of unpleasant sensations.
4. Disorders of the immune system that affect the structure of bone tissue: arthritis and polymyalgia.
5. Stenosis of the spinal canal is an ailment in which the cartilage and bones are pressed against the spinal cord.
6. In some cases, severe pain in the neck when turning the head appears because of the ailments that result from the ingress of infections into the body. Such diseases can be thyroiditis , lymphadenitis, poliomyelitis, shingles, meningitis.
7. Problems with internal organs. In this case, unpleasant sensations are a reflection of the ailments that develop in the brain, heart, lungs and some other parts of the body.
8. Physical damage to the neck or spine.
9. Tumors with metastases, whether they are malignant or even benign.
10. Often, acute pain in the neck with the turn of the head is an echo of a previous operation on the spine.

When should I see a doctor?

Many people are used to not taking into account the pain, which from time to time worries them. But nevertheless it is not necessary to postpone a campaign to the neuropathologist, if:

• there were uncomfortable sensations in the neck, which do not last more than seven days;
• excruciates a strong headache;
• Unusual tingling and weakness appeared in the limbs;
• a person has sustained a trauma to the neck or pelvis, which manifests itself for a long time, or manifested itself after a long time;
• headache and muscle pain in the neck when turning, elevated temperature - this all indicates meningitis;
• unpleasant sensations in the chest, giving up in the hand, sweating, nausea before vomiting - symptoms of a heart attack.

Treatment of a condition

There are several basic techniques, adhering to which you can get rid of the pain:

1. Drug therapy - to combat pain in the neck when turning the head, prescribe ointments, patches and bandages.
2. Therapeutic physical training, the course of which is developed by a specialist.
3. Exposure to the laser.
4. Ultrasonic therapy.
5. Healing massages.
6. Operations. They are prescribed only in rare cases, when the pain in the neck muscles becomes intolerant when the head turns. Usually, surgical intervention is necessary for intervertebral hernia, myelopathy and radiculopathy.