Neck or Nape Pain
The neck, made up of 7 vertebrae that carry the head, is a very mobile region and therefore prone to injury. Along with the spinal cord that passes through the canal inside the spine and the nerves that exit to both sides, it also provides the neural connection between the brain, the arms, and the rest of the body.
Characteristics of Neck Pain
Neck or nape pain is generally more of a dull ache than a sharp, stabbing pain. Nape pain is often accompanied by sensations such as numbness, tingling, and electric shock–like feelings. In some cases, pain may worsen with neck movements. Neck or nape pain can also be accompanied by dizziness.
Causes of Neck or Nape Pain
Pain in the neck can develop due to disorders in the bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments. Cervical disc herniation, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, cervical spinal stenosis, and injuries are common causes of neck or nape pain. Tumors are a rare cause of pain in the neck region.
Long-lasting throat infections can also cause nape pain together with swollen lymph nodes.
Certain conditions such as heart or lung disease can cause referred pain to the neck, and conversely, neck or nape pain can radiate to the head, face, back, chest, and shoulder regions.
Neck Injuries
In situations such as sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or falls, the bones and soft tissues in the neck can be injured. Contusions and strains are relatively mild injuries.
They usually improve with medical treatment. Subluxations, non-displaced fractures, and nerve contusions are moderate injuries and can be treated with conservative methods and cervical collars.
More rarely, surgical treatment may be required. Fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord injuries are severe injuries and are generally treated with surgical methods.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis refers to a reduction in the space available for the nerves passing between the cervical vertebrae. Due to certain structural characteristics present from birth, a person’s cervical canal may be relatively narrow. Disc herniations and bony overgrowths due to osteoarthritis also contribute to this narrowing.
Depending on the level at which the canal is narrowed, findings called myelopathy or radiculopathy may occur. Cervical myelopathy is a condition that develops as a result of compression of the spinal cord in the neck region and affects both the arms and legs, accompanied by loss of fine motor skills and balance problems.
Cervical radiculopathy is a loss of function occurring in a specific region of the arm as a result of irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root in the neck.
Cervical Disc Herniation (Neck Hernia)
Between the vertebrae of the neck are discs that act as cushions and absorb shock. Degenerative changes in the disc due to strain, trauma, or aging can cause the gel-like inner material to protrude outward and compress the spinal cord and nerves; this clinical picture is called a cervical disc herniation.
Treatment of cervical disc herniation is carried out with medication, exercise, injections, or surgery, depending on examination findings, whether there is nerve compression, and imaging results.
Cervical Osteoarthritis (Neck Degeneration)
This is a term that encompasses all the changes that begin with tears and wear-and-tear in the discs of the neck and, over time, lead to the formation of bony projections called spurs and structural deformities in the joints.
Approximately 90% of people over the age of 65 have some degree of cervical degeneration. It is also referred to as cervical arthritis or spondylosis. It may present with stiffness and reduced mobility in the neck, as well as pain and numbness radiating to the head and arms.
Treatment Methods
Preventing Neck or Nape Pain:
Postural disorders are one of the most important causes of neck (nape) pain. Correcting posture with proper sitting, lying, and walking positions is one of the key rules in preventing neck pain.
Pillow height also affects the neck muscles. A pillow of appropriate height should be used.
When using devices such as televisions, computers, and tablets, it is important for the screen to be at head level. In this way, excessive forward bending of the neck is prevented.
Regular exercise should be performed. Strengthening the muscles reduces the frequency and severity of pain caused by muscle fatigue.