Cervicalgia vertebogenic - Causes, symptoms and treatment. MF.

Vertebogenic cervicalgia is a pain in the cervical spine and neck muscles.

Causes of cervicalgia

One of the causes of such pain in the neck is a muscle reaction to stress, hypothermia, physical stress, a long uncomfortable pose( for example, sitting at the computer, driving, or in a dream with an excessive pillow, awkward pillow and pose. ..)any pathology of the spine.

Pains can be different in character - aching, pulling, sharp, shooting, but all vertebrogenic pains are associated with movement. Head inclinations forward and / or back, turns to the side cause and / or intensify the pain. The patient spares the neck from the movements that cause him pain, and keeps his head in an antalgic pose - tilting to the side, turning slightly to the side, afraid to sneeze and coughed. The pains can be irradiated in the hand - then they talk about cervicobrachialgia .The pain can go along the nerve root and if the corresponding tendon reflexes and sensitivity decrease or the muscle sensitivity decreases, the radiculopathy is said to reduce muscle strength.

Examination for cervicalgia

For pain in the cervical spine and neck muscles, you need to consult a neurologist.
When the doctor sees and palps the tension of the neck muscles - hypertonus, painful spinous processes of the vertebrae, paravertebral points, muscles of the shoulder-blades on one side or with two, restriction of movements in the spine - anteflexia - forward tilt, retroflection - tilt back, lateraflexia - turn aside. At the same time, there should be no signs of a non-ectogenous cause of the pain syndrome.

Pain in the neck can be with any pathology of the neck: upper respiratory tract disease - angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, submandibular lymphadenitis;pulpit of the tooth of the lower jaw;otitis. Pain in the neck can be reflected pain in acute myocardial infarction. So do not be surprised if the doctor directs you to a blood test, an electrocardiogram, to an otolaryngologist. If you suspect a thyroid disorder, an endocrinologist should be examined. In the presence of a traumatic, oncological anamnesis, with a suspicion of osteoporosis, with a prolonged pain syndrome, an x-ray examination of the cervical spine is shown - radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging - individually according to indications.

Treatment of vertebrogenic cervicalgia:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B group vitamins, gabapentins, local procedures - ointments, gels. Depending on the severity of the pain syndrome and the presence of neurological symptoms, combinations of drugs and methods for their administration may vary. It is possible to use physiotherapeutic procedures - diadynamic currents, darsonvalization, electrophoresis. Massage is used in the subacute stage, when there is no severe pain syndrome. Manual therapy is prescribed by indications, individually and after radiographic examination.

Independently it is possible to use externally ointments and gels - dipryliph, dip insect, fastum gel, voltaren, diklak gel, apizarthron, lively. ..

Prevention of cervicalgia

Prophylactic measures - regular physical exercises, swimming, massage - that is good mobility of spine and feasible loadon the muscles. It is necessary to avoid hypothermia - conditioners and fans, open windows in transport, drafts, inappropriate clothing for the season;and injuries. To work in a sitting position, take a comfortable pose, take breaks. Sleep on a low soft cushion - "roll" under the neck.

Doctor neurologist Kobzeva S.V.