Neck pain is one of the most common ailments and is caused by the activities we do on a daily basis, such as sleeping in a bad position, sudden neck movements, bending over, etc. In most cases, cervical contracture is not related to serious diseases, although degenerative or inflammatory diseases can result. Severe cervical pathologies are considered, those where neurological pain is present. At FastlyHeal we explain what are the causes and treatments for cervical contracture.
Table of Contents
Muscle strain
In periods of stress, an involuntary contraction of the muscle can be made, which hardens and its function is limited. It mainly attacks the back, shoulders and neck. The pains can diminish in a period between three and six days. Anxiety and depression can also be factors for this tension, as well as poor posture.
In the case of torticollis, it can be hereditary or acquired by some damage to the neck area, preventing it from moving to the sides, it can also cause headaches and swelling in the muscles.
Whiplash is another muscle strain injury, and is caused by car accidents, in this case the head flexes and immediately extends beyond its normal range, affecting tendons, muscles, joints and ligaments. It is not normal for the discomfort to last for more than six months, unless there was a previous degenerative disease.
Cervical osteoarthritis
It is a degenerative disease due to the wear of the cervical vertebrae which makes the pain in the neck persistent, in more serious cases the spinal cord can be quite affected. This ailment is common in people over 40 years of age. Some of the symptoms are: cracking, stiffness and pain in the neck that worsens in the morning and with changes in the weather.
Meningitis
It is the inflammation of the meninges or the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is generally caused by infections and is common in children and adolescents, if you have had a combination of these symptoms: sudden fever, severe headache and stiff neck, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to be able to treat it immediately. it advances very soon and its consequences can be deadly .
Treatment
Treatments for these ailments will depend on the causes. For muscle strains, the discomfort usually goes away on its own, if the pain is very strong, anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, prescribed by your doctor, can help. On the other hand, physiotherapy and application of heat are also an option.
In the case of infections, prevention will be the key , and vaccines will be of great help. If you are in the infectious picture, antibiotics should be administered immediately by medical personnel, corticosteroids can also be given to treat brain edema caused by the infection, as well as dehydration and seizures.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Cervical contracture: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.