Cervical pain and tightness in the throat: What link? (Explanation)

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Have you ever felt discomfort, like throat hug ? You would be surprised to discover that this sensation can be linked to cervical vertebrae.

More attention, behind this sometimes worrying experience there is often a reassuring explanation.

However, neck pain can sometimes signal deeper problems, requiring special attention.

In this article, written by a healthcare professional, we will dive into the details to answer all your questions and guide you in understanding this condition.

The 5 important points to remember

  1. La crucial connection between cervical spine and the throat supports vocal production, with the vocal cords controlled by the cervical nerves.
  2. Common causes of neck pain : muscular tensions, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, herniated disc, fibromyalgia, highlighting the diversity of factors.
  3. Cut throat : varied origins including stress, anxiety, thyroid problems, pharyngitis, acid reflux, and stopping smoking, which can cause difficulty swallowing and pain.
  4. Warning signs requiring urgent medical attention : facial numbness, visual disturbances, memory loss, highlighting the importance of immediate assessment.
  5. Pain management : hygienic and dietary measures, medications, osteopathy, physiotherapy, surgical treatment in the event of complications. Natural remedies (turmeric, ginger, etc.) can help relieve pain.

Short anatomical reminder

La cervical spine, composed of seven vertebrae from C1 to C7, has a slight inward curvature, providing crucial protection to the spinal cord.

This, although not terminating at T1, sends spinal nerves through small openings between the vertebrae, thereby controlling movement and sensation in different parts of the body.

Regarding la gorge, this muscular tube does not just connect the nose to the esophagus; it plays an essential role in digestion and sound production.

Measuring about 10 cm long and lined with mucous membranes, it houses glands that secrete saliva, facilitating the breakdown of food.

At the base of the throat is the voice box (larynx), where sound comes to life through the vibration of the vocal cords as air passes through.

What are the origins of neck pain?

One of the common causes of neck pain is the contraction of muscles (spasm and muscle tension).

When neck muscles are constantly tight, they can cause pain and stiffness.

Info point!
The prevalence and risk factors associated with neck pain were studied by DG Hoy et Al in December 2010.
- According to'survey, the prevalence ranges from 0,4% to 86,8%, with an average of 23,1%. Women, urban areas and high-income countries have higher rates.
- The risk factors include age, gender, pain history, self-rated health, and modifiable items such as occupation and headache.

Cervical osteoarthritis: Inflammation of the joints

Another common cause of neck pain is osteoarthritis.

The latter is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints and can lead to pain, stiffness and loss of function.

Cervical spondylosis

La cervical spondylosis is another common cause of neck pain.

Cervical spondylosis is a condition that causes degeneration of the discs in the spine and can lead to pain, stiffness and loss of function.

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Cervical disc protrusion and herniation

Cervical disc protrusion or herniation is another common cause of neck pain.

These conditions can cause pain, numbness and upper limb weakness.

Muscle and ligament injuries

Furthermore, muscle and ligament injuries are another common cause of neck pain.

The muscle and ligament injuries can cause pain, swelling and stiffness.

fibromyalgia

La fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness, and can also lead to fatigue and trouble sleeping.

Fibromyalgia is a very common cause of neck pain observed in young people and adults.

Bonus!
– Prolonged exposure to a screen increases the risk of developing neck pain.
– Prolonged exposure to a screen increases the risk of developing neck pain.
– Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, may be associated with neck pain.
– Sleep problems, particularly linked to the use of an unsuitable pillow, can be the cause of neck pain

What are the potential causes of a tight throat feeling?

Throat tightness can cause various origins depending on the individual. Some may attribute it to stress or toanxiety, while others may link it to thyroid problemss underlying.

Furthermore, conditions such as pharyngitis (throat inflammation) or acid reflux are also likely to cause symptoms of throat tightness.

In addition, thestop smoking can induce this feeling, as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.

Although the causes of throat tightness may differ from person to person, this uncomfortable feeling can lead to difficulty swallowing and even pain.

How is neck pain related to the feeling of a tight throat?

Referred pain

Every time we feel pain, our nervous system sends us a signal, indicating that there is something wrong.

This discomfort signal is triggered by specialized nerve cells called nociceptors, distributed throughout the body. When these nociceptors are stimulated, they send electrical signals to the brain, making us aware of potentially dangerous stimuli.

Sometimes, however, nociceptors can be activated in response to non-threatening stimuli, such as a light touch.

In other situations, they may respond slowly or not at all to a stimulus that would normally cause pain, which can lead to phenomena likehyperalgesia and l'allodynia.

When this activation of nociceptors becomes chronic, it results in a persistent pain which can last weeks, months, or even years.

Another important aspect is the radiation of pain, which occurs when nociceptors, activated by inflammation or injury in an area of ​​the body, send signals to other parts of the brain.

This spread of pain can also result from the stimulation of nociceptors by chemical substances released during inflammation.

Thus, pain can spread from its point of origin to other parts of the body, amplifying our perception of discomfort.

Anatomical correlation between the cervical vertebrae and the throat

Anatomically, the connection between the cervical spine and the throat plays an essential role in vocal production.

The vocal cords, attached to the neck muscles, are controlled by nerves coming from the cervical spine, thus forming a connection essential for speech.

The swallowing problems (act of swallowing) and neck pain can result from dysfunction of the muscles related tohyoid bone, a small horseshoe-shaped bone located in the neck.

These muscles, responsible for moving the hyoid bone, influence the tongue and other structures involved in swallowing. Malfunction can lead to difficulty swallowing, pain and muscle spasms in the neck.

Treatment for this condition usually involves physiotherapy (physiotherapy) orosteopathy to improve muscle function.

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In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to release muscles or remove tissue that may be causing an obstruction.

Important!
With proper treatment, most individuals can improve their symptoms and avoid further complications.

Neck pain and tight throat: When to worry? (Warning signs)

Although most neck pain is benign, some signs can indicate more serious problems. Pay attention to these indicators:

  • Facial numbness or generalized weakness
  • Vision problems or speech changes
  • Loss of balance or loss of consciousness

These symptoms could signal a CVA or an cerebral lesion - brain-damage. In addition, a neck pain associated with memory loss can indicate a possible meningitis.

In the presence of these signs, caution is required. See a doctor immediately.

Some symptoms require urgent medical attention, such as persistent pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or blood in the saliva, which may be signs of throat cancer.

Cervical pain and tightness in the throat: What to do?

There are many conventional and alternative treatment strategies for neck pain and tightness of the throat.

Conventional treatments include physiotherapy (physiotherapy), medication and surgery.

La physiotherapy can help improve muscle function and relieve pain.

Medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain, while surgery may be necessary to remove any obstructions or correct any anatomical problems.

Alternative treatments include chiropractic care, acupuncture, suction cups (cupping) and massage therapy.

Tools and accessories can also be used independently, although they are not as effective as an individualized approach by a healthcare professional:

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Last updated on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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Last updated on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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Neck Hammock with Foldable Stand, Portable Neck Hammock with Compact Assembly for Rest and Relaxation, Relieve Fatigue and Muscles
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If you have any of the previously mentioned symptoms, it's important to see a professional as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

What about natural remedies?

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat various body pains, especially for their anti-inflammatory power.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation:

  • Le turmeric, rich in curcumin and curcinoids, stands out for its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. This plant, full of essential oils, vitamins and trace elements, is widely used both in cooking and in therapy for its therapeutic benefits.
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  • Le Ginger, known for its unique flavor and its aphrodisiac properties, derives its anti-inflammatory effectiveness from gingerol. This active element is known to alleviate pain linked to chronic joint diseases. In addition, ginger offers nutritional benefits with its richness in potassium, trace elements and vitamins.
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  • The omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids, are essential for the proper functioning of the body, acting on the brain, the cardiovascular system, and reducing inflammation. Their ability to slow down cartilage destruction makes them effective against osteoarthritic pain.
  • THElemon eucalyptus : Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and neck pain in particular.
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  • La wintergreen, a shrub prized in aromatherapy, offers an essential oil with analgesic properties. Used in massage, it acts effectively to relieve neck pain by stimulating blood circulation, providing a beneficial warming effect.
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Last updated on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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