Do you know what is cervical pain? Cervical pain is a common complaint among adults and can occur for various reasons. It is a discomfort or pain in the neck region that can range from mild to severe. The neck, also known as the cervical spine, consists of seven vertebrae and supports the head's weight and enables movement. In this article, we will discuss the seven most common causes of cervical pain, their symptoms, and treatment options.
7 Most Cervical Pain Causes
Cervical pain symptoms are pain in the neck area and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is a common cause of cervical pain, often resulting from poor posture or overuse of neck muscles. Symptoms of muscle strain include stiffness, tenderness, and soreness in the neck. Treatment options include rest, applying heat or ice, pain relievers, and physical therapy.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury when the head is suddenly jolted backwards or forward. It is commonly associated with car accidents but can also occur during sports or other physical activities. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Treatment options include rest, pain relievers, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting the cervical spine, causing neck pain and stiffness. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Treatment options include pain relievers, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the exterior casing, putting pressure on the spinal nerves. It can cause cervical pain, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or hands. Treatment options include rest, pain relievers, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can cause cervical pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms, hands, and legs. Treatment options include pain relievers, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is a common cause of cervical pain, often resulting from prolonged sitting or standing in a hunched position. It can cause muscle strain and tension in the neck and shoulders. Treatment options include practising good posture, stretching exercises, physical therapy, and massage therapy.
Trauma
Car accidents falls, and other types of trauma can cause whiplash, in which the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backwards, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Any persistent or severe cervical pain can indicate a more serious underlying condition. In addition to the above causes, other factors contributing to cervical pain include stress, anxiety, and depression. These psychological factors can lead to tension and tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles, causing pain and discomfort.
Cervical Pain Treatment
Treatment for cervical pain depends on the underlying cause. In mild cases, cervical pain can be treated with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and home remedies such as applying heat or ice to the affected area. In more severe cases, treatment options may include physical therapy, massage therapy, and surgery.
Physical therapy can help improve cervical pain by strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles and improving flexibility and range of motion. Massage therapy can also help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Cervical Pain Exercises
Cervical pain exercises are physical therapy exercises designed to help alleviate neck pain and stiffness. These exercises are typically performed under the guidance of a physical therapist, but some can be done at home.
Here are some cervical pain exercises that may be helpful:
- Chin Tucks: Sit with your shoulders relaxed and your back straight. Slowly tuck your chin towards your chest, as if making a double chin, and hold for a few seconds. Relax and repeat.
- Neck Stretches: Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed. Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for a few seconds. Relax and repeat.
- Rotations: Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed. Turn your head to one side as far as comfortable, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Forward and Backward Head Movements: Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed. Slowly move your head forward as if trying to touch your chin to your chest, and hold for a few seconds. Slowly move your head back as far as comfortable, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat.
These exercises can help increase the range of motion, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve posture. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or injury.
Types of Cervical Pain
Cervical pain is felt in the neck area, which is the region between the base of the skull and the shoulders. Various factors, including injury, poor posture, muscle strain, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine, can cause it. Here are some types of cervical pain:
- Acute Cervical Pain: This type of pain is sudden and severe and usually lasts less than six weeks. It may be caused by a muscle strain, injury, or accident.
- Chronic Cervical Pain: This persistent pain lasts longer than three months. It may be caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine, such as arthritis or a herniated disc.
- Radicular Pain: This type of pain occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, causing pain that radiates down the arm or into the fingers.
- Myofascial Pain: This type of pain is caused by trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles. These trigger points can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Whiplash-associated Disorders: This type of pain is caused by a sudden force that causes the neck to snap back and forth, such as in a car accident. It can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck.
- Cervicalgia: This is a general term for pain in the neck area that is not caused by a specific injury or condition.
It's important to seek medical attention if you experience cervical pain, especially severe or persistent, as it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Conclusion
Cervical pain can be a debilitating condition that affects many individuals, and it is important to take proactive steps to prevent and treat it. Several effective strategies for preventing and managing cervical pain include maintaining good posture, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms arise. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can also help manage cervical pain.
As a health insurance company, we recognize the importance of providing coverage and resources for individuals struggling with all health conditions. At Care Health Insurance, we are committed to providing our members comprehensive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services. Buy your health insurance plan today to get the care you need to live a healthy, active life.
>> Also Read: How Dangerous is Cervical Cancer?
Disclaimer - The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
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