The neck is the part of the spine that connects the head to the trunk and plays an important role in maintaining our balance by supporting the weight of the head. It is the most heavily loaded and most mobile section of the spine. For this reason, it is also one of the areas most exposed to trauma.

What is Neck Pain?

Although less common than lower back pain, neck pain is a health problem encountered in approximately one-third of the general population. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae and five discs. The neck’s function to carry the weight of the head, its high mobility, heavy load bearing, and susceptibility to trauma make it more sensitive to external factors.

Neck pain is a very common problem and occurs equally in both genders. It is frequently seen in people with poor posture, especially office workers and those who use computers intensively. Neck pain tends to increase with age, being more common in the 40-60 age group. Daily life stress and work-related tension are also among the factors that can cause neck pain.

What Causes Neck Pain?
Degeneration in the cervical spine that increases with age, muscle strains (due to excessive computer and mobile phone use, reading in poor posture, teeth grinding, etc.), and muscle spasms can cause neck pain. Joint and cartilage wear, nerve compressions, and general injuries related to aging are other causes of neck pain.

Chronic trauma, degeneration, and calcification in the cervical spine and surrounding tissues can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. Muscle spasms and strains in the neck muscles can also cause neck pain. The most common areas causing neck pain are generally between the C4 and C6 vertebrae (the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae).

Whiplash syndrome, commonly seen after car accidents, initially causes mild neck pain in the injured person. However, the pain intensifies a few hours later and is accompanied by neck stiffness. This condition reaches its peak within a few days and usually resolves spontaneously within about a month.

Approximately 95% of neck pain cases are of mechanical origin. A definitive cause of neck pain is often not found. Other causes include:

• Bone-related causes such as congenital torticollis, trauma, fractures, dislocations, calcifications, spinal stenosis
• Rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Tumors and infections
• Soft tissue causes such as posture disorders and fibromyalgia
• Nerve and vascular problems

What Are the Common Symptoms of Neck Pain?
The most common symptom is neck pain that worsens with physical activity and improves with rest and warm compresses. The pain is usually dull but can sometimes be sharp and stabbing. Morning stiffness is rare and usually short-lasting.

Pain can radiate to the shoulder and back areas. It may also spread to the back of the head, shoulder region, arm, and front of the chest. Symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and numbness in the hands may accompany the pain. Over time, patients may develop difficulties in gripping and lifting objects.

How Should Neck Pain Be Treated?
Patients benefit greatly from physical therapy, but before treatment, posture correction measures should be explained. In the acute phase, treatment may include:

• Short rest for 1-2 days
• Muscle relaxants and painkillers
• Various physical therapy applications such as TENS, heat therapy, interferential current, ultrasound, laser, Hilterapia, traction, massage, and taping
• Trigger point injections and neural therapy
• Manipulation techniques

Immobilization with a soft cervical collar can be applied in the acute phase. The use of the collar should be limited to short periods, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours per day, and the total duration should not exceed one and a half months.