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Neck pain is usually not a sign of a serious problem, being more common in cases of excess tension, caused by situations such as emotional stress, high blood pressure or anxiety, for example. Usually, in these cases it is also possible to feel the neck more rigid and a pain on both sides of the nape.
It is recommended to see a doctor when the pain in the neck is disabling, takes more than 48 hours to pass, there is chest pain or palpitations or is accompanied by vomiting or fever above 38ºC, because it can be indicative of meningitis or aneurysm, which are more serious situations that must be dealt with immediately.
In these cases, a general practitioner should be consulted so that he / she can order exams, indicate the possible cause of neck pain and start the appropriate treatment. The doctor can also guide the patient to a cardiologist, in case of high blood pressure or an orthopedist when pain is caused by diseases in the spine or muscle problems, for example.
1. Bad posture
Poor posture is one of the main causes of neck pain being more frequent in people who work seated and at the computer, because when the person sits in the wrong way or when the height of the screen is not adequate, it is possible that there is muscle tension and the spinal nerves become compressed, which can result in pain in the back of the neck.
How to treat: In this case it is important to pay attention to the posture when sitting, having to lean fully on the back of the chair and resting your feet on the floor, avoiding crossing your legs. In addition, it is recommended that the computer screen is 50 - 60 cm away and at eye level, and a support can be placed to make this possible. Check out more tips to improve posture.
2. Stress and anxiety
Like poor posture, stress and anxiety can also cause muscle tension and result in neck pain, in addition to frequent headache and body pain.
How to treat: To relieve stress and anxiety, it is important to practice activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, physical activity, watching a movie or resting. This way it is possible not only to relieve neck pain but also to promote well-being. See other tips to relieve stress.
3. Contracture or torticollis
Another very common cause of neck pain is the presence of muscle problems such as contractures or torticollis, in the neck or upper back. Generally, this type of pain arises after intense training for the back or shoulders, but it can also happen due to poor posture during the day or when sleeping, and is usually felt when turning the neck, for example.
How to treat: It is recommended to put hot compresses on the back and neck and rest. If the pain does not improve, you should go to the family doctor, as it may be necessary to start using anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride. Check out some stretches that help decrease neck pain.
4. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus mucosa characterized by the accumulation of secretions, which leads to increased pressure and pain in the face, especially between the nose and eyes, in addition to the feeling of heaviness in the head and pain in the neck, in some cases. Know how to recognize the symptoms of sinusitis.
How to treat: It is important to consult the general practitioner so that the cause of sinusitis is identified and the most appropriate treatment is initiated. The use of nasal decongestants or the use of antibiotics may be indicated, in case the sinusitis is caused by bacteria, in addition to use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms is indicated.
See in the video below more tips to end sinusitis:
5. High blood pressure
The situations that cause an exaggerated increase in blood pressure, such as stress, are the main causes of pain behind the head, which then radiates to the forehead, associated with a feeling of heaviness in the head and also leading to the appearance of other symptoms, such as blurred vision or blurry. Learn other symptoms of high blood pressure.
How to treat: The best way to relieve this type of pain is to relax to try to lower blood pressure and take care of your diet, avoiding eating foods rich in salt, and drinking more fluids, such as water. In addition, regular physical activity, accompanied by a health professional, is also indicated to improve blood circulation, and consequently help regulate pressure.
However, if the pressure is uncontrolled or if pain in the neck appears more frequently, it is recommended to go to the cardiologist to assess the changes in pressure and advise on the medications that can be used.
6. Arthrosis
As it causes degeneration in the joints, osteoarthritis can also be one of the causes of neck pain. This is because, in the neck region, there are several joints between the vertebrae of the spine. Thus, if there is any degeneration in these places, the pain can radiate to the back of the neck. Usually, this type of pain worsens with the movement of the neck, worsening throughout the day and relieving with rest.
How to treat it: To alleviate pain attacks, it is necessary to consult an orthopedist to start the use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs or glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. However, to prevent the pain from reoccurring, you should do activities that help to relieve the weight on the joints and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck, such as water aerobics, Pilates or yoga, for example.
7. Meningitis
Meningitis is one of the most serious causes of neck pain and, although it is rare, it can occur at any age, especially if there is an outbreak of the disease. In these cases, the pain in the back of the neck or in the whole head is very severe and appears together with other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting and excessive tiredness. The pain in the back of the neck worsens when trying to lower the head, touching the chin to the chest, a maneuver performed by the doctor and which indicates a sign of inflammation of the meninges. Check out the symptoms of meningitis.
How to treat: Meningitis needs to be identified and treated as soon as possible, so whenever there is a suspicion of the disease it is important to go to the emergency room to make the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics.
8. Aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is an enlargement of a blood vessel in the brain that can eventually rupture with time and cause a hemorrhagic stroke. Usually, this type of change does not cause any symptoms before it breaks, but there are few cases where a constant headache on the back of the neck may appear. When it breaks, the pain is very strong and sudden and can continue to get worse over time.
How to treat it: If there is a suspected rupture of an aneurysm, it is very important to immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance, calling 192. The rupture of the aneurysm causes the same type of sequelae as a stroke and, therefore, you can place the life-threatening. See which are the first symptoms to identify an aneurysm.