Pain in the cervical spine

Diseases painful conditions of the spine

Modern lifestyle and advances in technology have brought an epidemic of degenerative diseases of the spine that previously occurred in people older than 50-60 years, and today we already encounter them in people over 30 years.

Risk factors for the occurrence of degenerative diseases of the spine are: genetics, hard physical work, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, insufficient physical activity, lifting and carrying loads, prolonged driving.

The cervical spine has a multiple role:

• supports the skull,
• conveys the weight of the head,
• protects the spinal cord, blood vessels and nerves,
• serves as a grip on muscles and ligaments that provide mobility and stabilization.

The cervical spine is under increased load on a daily basis due to the repeated number of unadjusted movements during work, maintaining a forced position of the head and body, and non-compliance with ergonomic principles in the workplace. If neuromuscular control is impaired, degeneration of structures occurs, which increases the risk of injury.

Pain in the cervical spine is the second most common reason for going to the doctor after back pain . If left untreated, pain in the cervical spine can become chronic and lead to a range of psychosomatic disorders, impair quality of life and cause prolonged absence from work. Symptoms manifest in the area of ​​the cervical spine, and can spread to the arms or head area.

The most common symptoms are:

• local pain in the cervical spine,
• muscle tension,
• restriction of cervical spine movement.

Headaches, dizziness , symptoms related to vision, hearing (tinnitus), spreading pain in the shoulders and arms may occur. In case of intense pain it is necessary to take an analgesic because strong, acute pain depletes the immune and nervous system.

Recent research does not recommend strict rest but moderate physical activity with periods of rest, without carrying loads, heavy physical work and driving cars for longer distances. Prolonged rest will lead to muscle weakness and consequent instability of the neck region. Early activation of the musculoskeletal system in the form of therapeutic exercises and soft tissue mobilization will have a positive effect on the final outcome of treatment. Of the recreational activities, for problems associated with the cervical spine, back swimming (head level with the body), walking and targeted exercise are recommended .