Burning in the neck - what's behind it?

introduction

A burning sensation in the neck is a form of pain and a discomfort in the body caused by structures such as muscles, bones, tendons, and fasciae.

The term “burning” means a qualitative description of the pain that can be located superficially or more deeply. Mostly it is a question of large-scale paresthesia, behind which various underlying diseases can be. The burning sensation can spread to neighboring anatomical regions such as the head and shoulders, as well as causing numerous other symptoms.

causes

The underlying causes of a burning sensation in the neck can be varied. From the skin to the nerves and fasciae to the muscles and bones, many structures can be involved in the painful discomfort. In the vast majority of cases, there is harmless tension, hardening and dislocation of the muscles.
The muscles of the neck are very flexible and allow many different movements. At the same time, it is correspondingly susceptible to incorrect, jerky or excessive movements. Tension, pain when moving, headaches and numerous other symptoms can result. In particular, when there is a general lack of exercise and rigid office work, the susceptibility to neck and neck tension is increased. Cool air, unfamiliar positions in bed and a permanently bent neck when doing computer work also promote neck problems.
More rarely, more serious injuries and trauma are behind the burning sensation in the neck. Whiplash injuries, for example, can lead to permanent tension and dislocations. Vertebral body blockages or fractures are also conceivable in the event of strong violence.

Do you feel the burning in your back too? - Then read more about this under: Burning in the upper back

Long-term bad posture and tension can lead to secondary symptoms such as a herniated disc, degeneration of the spine or scoliosis. Rheumatic diseases can also build up over the years and only lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation in the neck at a late stage.

More rarely, the cause of neck pain is not in the neck area itself, but in various internal organs, the pain of which radiates into the cervical spine. This can be due to heart problems, for example, but also psychological causes.

If the burning sensation is very superficial, skin changes such as rashes, inflammation or diseases such as shingles should of course not be overlooked.
For more information, also read our article Rash on the neck!

Through the cervical spine

Symptoms of the cervical spine are less common than pain in the thoracic or lumbar region. There is little body weight on the cervical spine, which is why degenerative changes and intervertebral disc problems are less common.

Nevertheless, the cervical spine can suffer from scoliosis, herniated discs, rheumatic diseases such as the ankylosing spondylitis or facet joint blockages. All of them can cause burning pain in the neck, which may also radiate into neighboring regions. If the nerves that pull out of the spinal cord are involved, this can lead to the so-called "Radicular" symptoms come. The burning sensation can radiate into the fingers.

Do you suffer from pain in the cervical spine? Then read our article too Cervical spine syndrome.

Does the sting extend into the back? - Then you can find help under Burning in the upper back

Through tension

Tension is probably the most common cause of burning in the neck. This is a malfunction of the muscles that does not allow complete relaxation, but rather maintains a rigid basic tone. This can be due to excessive strain, bad posture, cold wind, rigid, motionless activities and many other muscular causes. The pain causes the head to adopt relieving postures, which provokes further incorrect postures and an intensification of the symptoms. This creates a vicious circle that can be broken with targeted treatments.

In the case of very severe symptoms, a mild pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac be taken. Furthermore, the tension can be relieved by light movements, warmth and massages. In the long term, adapted pillows, occasional neck exercises and avoiding relieving postures can help prevent burning in the neck.

For details, see Tension in the neck.

Concomitant symptoms

The main symptom with a burning sensation in the neck is local pain. With many superficial complaints such as skin, muscle or fascia diseases, the pain can be aggravated by external pressure. Movements such as rotations and straightening the neck, but also breathing movements and activities such as driving a car or bicycle can be painful due to slight involuntary movements. This can be accompanied by swelling, hardening, redness and overheating of the skin. If the nerves emerging from the spinal canal are involved, the pain can radiate into the arms and shoulders. Under certain circumstances, there may even be sensory disorders, tingling, pins and needles, muscle weakness and paralysis in the arms.

The common so-called "Cervical spine syndrome" is also often associated with headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and visual disturbances.

For more information, see Symptoms of cervical spine syndrome.

a headache

Neck pain is very often associated with headaches. The frequent tension in the muscles of the cervical spine often extends to the back of the head. A tension headache can also be triggered by or accompanied by frequent tension and pain in the neck. Mental stress can also cause a burning sensation in the neck as well as headaches.

In the case of severe discomfort, the discomfort should first be alleviated with light pain medication in order to enable movements in the neck and not to increase the tension by relieving postures. Furthermore, massages can alleviate and even remedy the discomfort in the neck and head.

Read about this too

• Headache in diseases of the cervical spine!
• Neck pain with headache

Back pain

If the burning sensation moves from the neck to the lower back, the spine should be considered as the cause. Bones and muscles can be bruised and easily injured by falls and blunt acts of violence. If the symptoms are severe, a fracture of the vertebrae can also be excluded.
Furthermore, degenerative changes in the spine can be behind it. This can also include protruding discs or herniated discs. Muscular complaints can also be behind pain in the back. The muscles of the chest, in particular, can cause breathing-dependent pain in the chest area.
If the cause of the pain is not in the musculoskeletal area, diseases of the heart and lungs should also be excluded, especially in the case of back pain. These can also project pain onto the back in various diseases and are often accompanied by shortness of breath.

For details, see Back pain in the upper back.

Tension in the shoulder area

The shoulder area is strongly muscular and involved in many movements of the upper body and arms. Tension is extremely common here as well as in the neck. The most tense muscles are in this transition area between the neck and shoulder. This is the "Scapula lifter" and the "Trapezius“.
Tension can easily arise through poor posture, cold and rigid body positions and can be further intensified by relieving postures. The hardening of the muscles can often be felt with light movements and the symptoms can be relieved and remedied with massages.

For more information, see Shoulder and neck pain.

diagnosis

The diagnosis is first made through an anamnesis followed by a physical examination. Tension in the muscles can often be recognized by inspecting the relieving posture and feeling the tense and hardened muscles.
Acute complaints of the vertebral bodies or the intervertebral discs must also be confirmed by radiological imaging. In the event of potential fractures or bony changes in the vertebrae, the X-ray or CT image are suitable for diagnosing the disease.
If nerves or other soft tissue are involved, an MRI examination should be carried out, as non-osseous tissue can be displayed very well with this.
Potential diseases of the internal organs can first be visualized with the help of an ultrasound device. If the suspicion is confirmed, further specific diagnostic procedures may have to be carried out.

For details, see MRI of the cervical spine.

treatment

As a rule, a burning sensation in the neck is harmless and does not require specific causal therapy.
Since it is often a question of muscular complaints, symptomatic treatments are sufficient to alleviate the symptoms, to avoid relieving postures and to enable healing. Primarily, pain medication from the NSAID group can be used for this purpose. These are among others Ibuprofen or Diclofenac.
We also recommend light physiotherapeutic measures, as well as constant movement and sporting activity to strengthen the neck muscles and avoid tension.
In addition, heat therapy, massage, acupuncture and progressive muscle relaxation are often used. Movement therapies, muscle building, ergonomic armchairs and suitable mattresses can also preventively prevent burning in the neck. Even with diseases of the intervertebral discs, pain relieving and muscle building treatments are primarily used. Only in rare cases, especially when nerves are involved, may surgical interventions be necessary.

Exercises for the neck can help strengthen muscles and relieve tension. You can find an overview of helpful topics in our article Neck school.

Duration

The length of time it burns depends on the cause and severity of the underlying problem. In most cases, however, the burning sensation subsides within a few days. Tension often dissolves by itself if you take care of yourself. However, the exact duration can vary from days to weeks depending on the severity of the hardening and tension.

Chronic complaints in the cervical spine are rare, but increase due to the increasing lack of exercise and office work. The symptoms can persist for months and be resistant to drugs. The best way to prevent spinal problems over the long term is a balanced exercise with light muscle building.