What is Cervical Pain?
Cervical pain is characterized by neck and shoulder pain that may radiate like a shock from the neck to the arm. It can vary in intensity and primarily affects the joints and discs of the cervical spine, which is composed of seven small vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs.
Causes of Cervical Pain
Common causes of cervical pain include:
- Poor posture
- Prolonged desk work
- Abrupt neck movements
- Injury or accidents
- Stress
- Cervical spondylosis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Smoking
- Osteoarthritis
- Herniation
- Degeneration
Symptoms of Cervical Pain
Signs and symptoms of cervical pain may include:
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, and neck
- Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness in arms
- Sore and stiff neck
- Clicking and popping sound with neck movement
- Muscle spasm
- Headache
- Dizziness
Self-Care Tips for Cervical Pain
To avoid or reduce cervical pain, consider these self-care tips:
- Avoid exercising during severe pain or weakness
- Consult a physiotherapist for stretching exercises
- Consult a doctor for pain medication
- Use a soft neck collar
- Apply ice and heating pad
- Perform slow stretching exercises for the neck daily
- Maintain good posture
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Use a firm mattress and pillow
- Strengthen neck muscles with proper exercise
Physiotherapy for Cervical Pain
Physiotherapy exercises for cervical pain include:
- Neck tilt (side to side)
- Neck turn
- Isometric Neck Exercise
- Chin Tuck
- Shoulder Elevation and Circumduction Movement
- Gentle massage of the neck
Fastest Ways to Treat Cervical Pain
Treatment methods for cervical pain include:
- Ultrasonic therapy
- TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Traction
- Ice Pack
- Hot Pack application
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3812556/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/567175/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899718/
Dr. Garima Singh
Physiotherapist
BPT and DPTR.