What is cervicalgia?
Cervicalgia is commonly known as neck pain. This discomfort can be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injuries or other underlying medical conditions. If you're living with cervicalgia, you will typically experience aching, stiffness and limited mobility in your neck.
Managing cervicalgia typically includes a combination of rest, physical therapy, pain relievers and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, surgery may be required. While neck pain is generally temporary, it's crucial to consult a doctor for evaluation. This ensures treatment of underlying issues and tailored care plans to find relief.
Watch a brief video by expert Dr. Mark Burnett on managing neck pain
Cervicalgia symptoms
Cervicalgia, or neck pain, encompasses a range of symptoms that can affect your daily life and well-being:
- Neck pain
- Tension
- Muscle stiffness
- Headaches
When to see a doctor
- An injury
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking
- Feelings of weakness
- Numbness and tingling in your neck or hands
- Pain that radiates down your arms
- Severe or persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- A history of cancer or immune system issues
Neck pain causes
Neck pain can disrupt your daily life and impact your mobility. Understanding the underlying causes of your discomfort is essential for effective treatment and relief. Neck pain can come from various sources, ranging from muscle tension and strain to injury.
Muscle tension and strain
Long periods of poor posture, often due to desk work or extended phone use, can strain your neck muscles. Sedentary lifestyles, excessive use of electronic devices and poor ergonomics can also contribute to neck pain. Slouching while using a computer, frequently looking down at a smartphone or sitting for prolonged periods can put stress on your neck. Additionally, emotional stress can cause muscle tension and neck pain.
Injury
Accidents and sports-related injuries are frequent causes of neck pain. Whiplash results from an abrupt forward and backward movement of the neck and is commonly experienced after a car accident. Impact injuries, such as falling while playing sports, can lead to strains or fractures in the neck. Proper diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for recovery in these cases.
Degenerative conditions
As we age, our necks may experience degenerative changes. Conditions like osteoarthritis and cervical spondylosis lead to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the neck's joints. This wear and tear can result in neck pain and reduced mobility. Treating these conditions involves a combination of pain management, lifestyle adjustments and physical therapy.
Herniated discs
A herniated or bulging disc in the cervical spine can compress nearby nerves, leading to neck pain and radiating symptoms down the arms. This condition often requires medical intervention. Treatment can include physical therapy, pain management, and, in severe cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Pinched nerves
Structural issues like bone spurs, herniated discs or spinal stenosis can lead to pinched nerves in the neck, causing radiating pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms. Treatments often involve addressing the underlying structural issues and physical therapy to restore nerve function.
Referred pain
Referred pain occurs when you sense discomfort in a location other than where the problem occurs. For example, individuals might feel neck pain due to issues in neighboring areas like the shoulders, upper back or jaw. Conditions such as shoulder bursitis or temporomandibular joint disorders can cause referred neck pain.
Conditions related to cervicalgia
Neck pain, or cervicalgia, can stem from a variety of underlying conditions, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. Understanding these related conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Some of the conditions often associated with cervicalgia include:
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine that primarily affects older adults. It involves the wear and tear of spinal discs and bones, leading to neck pain and stiffness.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, often compressing nearby nerves and causing neck pain.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Neck pain can be a symptom of this serious condition and is usually accompanied by other concerning signs like fever and headaches.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can result in neck pain and radiating symptoms into the arms or legs.
Arthritis
Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can impact the cervical spine and cause neck pain. Understanding the connection between arthritis and cervicalgia is essential for those affected.
Cancer
Head and neck cancer can be associated with neck pain, along with other symptoms. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in managing cancer-related cervicalgia.
Neck pain diagnosis
When diagnosing the cause of neck pain, your doctor will define the underlying causes and create a tailored treatment plan for you. The diagnostic process may include:
Neck pain treatment
Ice and heat therapy
Ice and heat therapy can be a simple yet effective way to manage neck pain. Applying ice reduces inflammation and provides relief, while heat helps relax tense muscles. The choice between ice and heat depends on your pain; your doctor can guide you on the best approach.
Medications
Medications to treat neck pain typically include:
- Neuromodulatory medications: These may be recommended by your healthcare provider for radicular pain.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Steroid injections: For more severe pain, steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide targeted relief.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in rehabilitating neck pain. You’ll get the support you need from skilled physical therapists who design personalized exercise programs to strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles for improved motion and posture.
Integrative medicine
Integrative medicine approaches neck pain holistically and combines conventional medical care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and mindfulness techniques.
Surgery
In cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective or when the underlying issues require more invasive intervention, surgical procedures may be considered. These may include:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): ACDF removes the damaged disc in the neck and fuses adjacent vertebrae to offer support and pain relief.
- Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR): ADR is a surgical option for replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one.
- Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: This surgery helps with spinal cord issues in the neck. It includes taking out part of the bone (a procedure known as a laminectomy) to make more room. Sometimes, your surgeon may also perform a fusion to add stability and protect the spinal cord, ensuring the neck spine stays aligned.
- Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: This procedure removes part of the vertebral bone to relieve nerve pressure.
- Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty: In some instances, the spinal cord can be relieved by lifting the roof (lamina) of the spine. Unlike a fusion, this method preserves movement of the spinal cord.
Frequently asked questions
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