The neck region of the spine, cervical spine consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae), which are
separated from each other by intervertebral discs. These discs allow the spine to move freely and
act as shock absorbers during activity. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support
your head and allow movement. Between the cervical vertebrae are cushions called discs. The
task of the discs is to transmit the amount of load falling on them to the lower levels in a
balanced manner and to prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Through the
cervical vertebrae, the spinal cord passes. In addition, the nerve roots leading to the arms come
out between the cervical vertebrae. For these reasons, diseases affecting the neck can lead to
pain, numbness, loss of strength and feeling in the arms.
WHAT IS NECKPAIN?
Neck pain is pain that begins in the neck and can be associated with spreading pain in one or
both arms. Neck pain can be caused by a series of disorders or diseases involving any of the
tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles. Any abnormality, inflammation,
or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN?
Neck pain is a common complaint in our society. Neck pain can occur due to many different
causes. 
Neck pain is a very common health problem and can be seen in people of all sexes and ages.
One out of every 3 people around us remembers that they have suffered from neck pain at
least once in their life.
CAUSES OF NECK PAIN:
– Abnormalities in the Bone and Eya Joints
– Bad Posture
– Degenerative Diseases
– Tumor
– Muscle Tension
– Muscle and ligament enhancements
– Traumas
– Osteoarthritis (Calcification)
– Cervical Hernia (Disc Hernia)
– Rheumatic Diseases
– Narrowing of the Spinal Canal
– Psychological Factors

TYPES OF NECK PAIN
According to the duration of neck pain, it can be examined in 3 classes:
– Acute: lasts less than 4 weeks
– Subacute: Lasts 4-12 weeks
– Chronic: lasts 3 or more months
– Since the pain in acute neck pain passes by itself, patients do not wonder about the
cause of their pain and do not seek help. As a result, the pain may be repeated because
the habits are not changed.

SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN
– Pain that often worsens by keeping the head in one place for long periods of time, such
as when driving or working at a computer
– Muscle tightness and spasms
– Reduced ability to move the head
– Neck Tucking: Pain and difficulty are felt, especially when trying to turn the head from
side to side or when moving the neck.
-Sharp A: This symptom can be felt as localized pain in a single point. This type of pain
most often occurs in the lower parts of the neck.
– General A: The pain is mostly in one place or area of the neck. It is defined as a non-
sharp, constant and mild pain.
– Radiating A: The pain can spread along the nerve from the neck to the shoulders and
arms. The intensity may vary and be felt in the form of burning. 
– Tingling, numbness, or weakness: These sensations can extend beyond the neck and
spread to the shoulders, arms, or fingers. Pain is defined as prickling. It is typically felt
only in one arm.
– Problems grasping or lifting objects: This can occur if there is tingling, numbness, or
weakness in the fingers.
– Head A: Sometimes the strain in the neck can also affect the muscles and nerves
connected to the head. In such cases, tension-type headache or occipital neuralgia may
occur.
METHODS THAT CAN BE USED IN NECK PAIN
– Rest: In most neck tensions and sprains, resting for a few days gives the muscles and
tendons the time needed to heal on their own. It is important to be careful to avoid
strenuous activities or movements that cause more pain.
– Ice and/or Heat: Applying ice can be used as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling
and pain. Initially, it is better to use a cold compress for neck pain. This is because cold
applications can temporarily close small blood vessels and prevent swelling. After a few

days, ice or heat can be applied alternately. Constantly applying heat can lead to
increased swelling. (It should be organized according to the person.)
– Manual Applications: It should be preferred mostly after applying ice or heat. An in-
depth massage soothes spasms with muscle tension and reduces pain. Mobilization and
manipulations applied to the joints are used to change joint positions, relax the
surrounding tissue, restore the mobility of the joint and reduce pain.
– Improving posture: If poor posture is causing neck pain, simple changes can be a
solution to the pain. Using correctly positioned chairs, monitors, and keyboards while
working, taking the correct sleeping position while sleeping (on the back), and using
pillows that support the neck can reduce pain.
– Lifestyle Changes: If certain activities are found to trigger neck pain, these activities may
need to be limited or prevented. For example, if the neck hurts after spending time on
the smartphone, this activity should be reduced. In addition, the phone should be kept
close to eye level to keep the neck more upright when looking at the phone.
– Massage: In people who experience neck pain, it increases circulation especially in that
area and muscle spasms can be prevented.
– Exercise Therapy: When performing exercises in individuals with neck pain, care should
be taken that the exercise is personalized. Programs can be created that include
stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, breathing and stabilization exercises. Stay
active. If you don’t move too much, increase your activity level. Regular exercise should
be done. Strengthening the muscles reduces the severity and frequency of pain due to
muscle fatigue.
– Traction: Traction is a method applied by increasing the distance between the joints.
Reduces pressure on the nerve root. It relaxes the connective tissues and muscles
around the spine.