Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck (whiplash, torticollis)
The neck pain, or cervicalgies, can have multiple origins. They may be attributable to a cervical sprains, has a torticollis or osteoarthritis, for example. Very often, they are accompanied by a stiffness which limits neck movements.
Pain is sometimes felt throughout the upper body, especially in the upper part of the body. Both of you and shoulders. Symptoms vary depending on the location: the vertebrae, tendons, ligaments, muscles or nerves.
Most of the time, neck pain dissipate within a few days to a few weeks (eight to twelve weeks at most). However, they may last longer if the neck vertebrae are affected by osteoarthritis or another chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Le cou is formed of seven vertebrae, whose name goes from C1 to C7 (see diagram above). Between the vertebrae are the intervertebral discs. These discs contain a gel which gives the neck its mobility and which allows it to better absorb shocks. Without the intervertebral discs, we would feel the vertebrae rubbing against each other. The whole is surrounded by muscles, tendons and ligaments, whose role is to ensure the stability, support and mobility of the delicate joints of the spine. |
Prevalence
Although it is less common than back pain, neck pain still affects 10% to 20% of population adult1,2.
The musculoskeletal disorders of the neck causing pain affects an increasing number of people. This phenomenon could be explained above all by the aging of the population and the fact that more and more workers are spending long hours in front of thecomputer3. The link between computer use and neck pain is likely, but scientifically uncertain26.
Types
Here are the most common causes of sharp pains neck (pain that lasts for a short time, regardless of the intensity of the pain).
- The tensions and muscle stiffness. Maintaining a posture for several hours or doing repetitive movements while having poor posture causes prolonged muscle contractions in the shoulders and neck, which can become painful.
- THEcervical sprains. It is commonly called whiplash or whiplash. It can occur at the time of a car accident (in case of movement of the head forwards, then backwards) or of a strong impact during the practice of a sport. Recovery usually takes four to six weeks. Pain that does not go away is most often caused by lack of movement. This is because people with neck pain tend to keep their necks still, which increases the strain on the muscles.
- Le torticollis. Torticollis results from an involuntary muscle contraction, a spasm, which occurs on the side or back of the neck. The head gets stuck in a certain position. Any movement of the neck becomes almost impossible. Most often, torticollis occurs suddenly, sometimes in a time of high stress. More rarely, it can result from a sprained or herniated disc.
Important. Meningitis sometimes causes severe stiffness in the neck which can be confused with stiff neck. In case of fever, vomiting, severe headache, and hypersensitivity to light, seek medical attention promptly. |
Here are the most common causes of chronic neck pain, that is to say which last for several weeks or months (note, the word “chronic” does not mean that these pains cannot be cured).
- THEosteoarthritis of the neck vertebrae. Cervical osteoarthritis is more common in women. They usually suffer from it after the age of 35. In men, osteoarthritis occurs later, around their XNUMXs. Small bumps form on the vertebrae. These sometimes hinder the transmission of nerve impulses. All kinds of disorders can result from it: headaches, dizziness at the time of changes in the position of the head, ringing ears, minor vision problems, etc.
From the age of fifty, signs ofcervical spondylosis slight in almost everyone. But most of the time, osteoarthritis in the neck caused by aging does not cause pain.
- A chronic systemic disease. About 10% of neck pain cases are thought to be caused by some form of arthritis1.