Cervical Pain: Understanding Its Meaning, Causes, and Relief Options

QI Spine Clinic, 4 hours ago

The cervical spine provides support and mobility to the head. It includes the neck and upper part of the spine. Pain in the cervical region can be debilitating and disturb the normal functioning of the other parts of the body. Cervical pain not only makes you physically inactive but also disturbs your routine activities. This article will focus on cervical pain meaning, its causes, and relief options.

What is Cervical Pain?

What is cervical pain? Cervical pain is a debilitating pain experienced by many in their neck. Innumerable people throughout the world are affected by this pain. The pain may be mild to severe. It can interfere with a person’s everyday activities. Therefore, it is important to consult with an orthopedist as soon as possible if you experience cervical pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Pain

A person suffering from cervical pain may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• Headache: Some people experience headaches along with cervical pain. It may happen due to muscle strain or tension in the neck.
• Stiffness: Cervical pain also causes reduced flexibility and tightness in the muscles and it becomes difficult to turn around the neck or move head with ease.
• Radiating Pain: Sometimes, the cervical pain may extend sideways to the shoulders or arms.
• Difficult Sleep: Some people are unable to sleep comfortably due to cervical pain.
• Vertigo: Cervical pain also causes vertigo. Some people experience imbalance while walking due to cervical pain.
• Numbness and tingling: Many people feel numbness and tingling in their arms, fingers, and hands.
• Reduced strength: The strength of arms and hands is also reduced due to cervical pain and it becomes difficult to hold things.

Causes of Cervical Pain

Cervical pain may occur due to a variety of reasons. It is important to identify the root cause to get the best possible treatment. You must consult with an orthopaedist who can diagnose the root cause of your pain and suggest the best possible treatment. Important causes are:

• Herniated discs : The intervertebral discs in the cervical region may rupture, pressing on the nerves and causing pain.
• Muscular strain: Improper use of neck muscles due to bad posture and prolonged sitting can cause pain in the cervical region.
• Poor posture: Some people sit in the wrong posture while working on a computer which can put a strain on the neck muscles and result in pain.
• Injury: Whiplash injuries can put a strain on the neck bones and muscles due to sudden and forceful jerks. This can cause severe pain in the cervical region.
• Spinal stenosis : It is a condition in which the spinal column becomes narrow and this compresses the nerves which may cause pain and stiffness in the cervical region.
• Inflammatory diseases: Some Inflammatory ailments like arthritis, meningitis, and osteomyelitis can affect the muscles of the neck and spine and can cause cervical pain.
• Sports injuries: Sports injuries can cause damage to the neck structures which can cause cervical pain. Athletes experience cervical pain due to sprain in the neck while doing a variety of exercises.
• Stress: Stress also contributes to muscle stiffness and neck pain.
• Improper sleeping position: Some people do not sleep properly, and improper sleeping positions and the use of extra pillows can cause muscular strain in the neck.

Diagnosis of Cervical Pain

The doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination to diagnose the cervical pain. The orthopaedic doctor can also advise other tests to make a final diagnosis of cervical pain in severe cases.

• X-ray: An X-ray is recommended when pain occurs due to bone or soft tissue injury. Thus, an X-ray helps to diagnose the problems with the soft tissues and bones that may be causing cervical pain.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is recommended to diagnose the problems associated with the nerves, soft tissues, bone marrow, and spinal cord. MRI can help to see slipped discs, a cyst, or a tumour that may be responsible for the neck pain.
• Computed tomography (CT Scan): A CT Scan is used to see bone spurs and bone degeneration.

Treatment Options for Cervical Pain

Treatment options for cervical pain include different strategies that help identify the root cause, relieve the discomforting symptoms, and help prevent recurrences. Effective treatment options for cervical pain are:

• Hot and cold therapy: You can apply hot and cold packs alternately to the neck region. Heat and cold therapy help reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles. A cold pack is sufficient for mild cases, and a hot pack is recommended for chronic neck pain.
• Pain medicines: An orthopaedic doctor may prescribe pain medicines to reduce pain and inflammation in the neck muscles.
• Rest: Rest is advised for quick relief and pain management. Getting enough rest can also reduce muscle strain and stiffness.
• Lifestyle modifications: The doctor may also advise lifestyle modifications. They may advise neck exercises if you work on a computer and sit for a long time. You can perform neck exercises regularly to prevent strain on the neck muscles.
• Correct posture: Maintaining good posture can also prevent strain on the neck muscles. You must have a proper chair and desk set up at home or in the office to reduce neck pain.
• Neck collar: Your doctor may advise you to wear a soft neck collar for a short time to prevent neck motion and support the neck structures.
• Stress management: Stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation are useful in reducing tension in the spine.
• Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can also help some people relieve their cervical pain.
• Cervical traction: Your doctor may recommend cervical tension for severe neck pain to stretch and decompress the spinal column.
• Surgical treatment: If conservative therapies do not offer relief to the patients, then doctors may use surgical treatment, which includes cervical fusion, discectomy, or artificial disc replacement.
• Weight management: Obese people can also manage neck pain by maintaining a healthy body weight. Reducing body weight helps reduce stress on the neck structures.

Home Therapies for Managing Cervical Pain

Many home remedies can also help reduce neck pain and discomfort. These therapies can help people with mild cervical pain. If you have chronic cervical pain, you must consult with an orthopaedic doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Important home therapies are:

• Using essential oils: Essential oils can be used to massage the cervical region. Essential oils offer a soothing and calming effect to the muscles and help in reducing muscular stress.
• Epsom salt bath: Taking an Epsom salt bath can relax the neck muscles and reduce pain. Use lukewarm water and immerse for 15 minutes to get relief.
• Neck stretches: Neck stretches and exercise can improve muscular strength and flexibility and relieve muscular stress. You can gently move your neck forward and backward, tilt your head sideways, and rotate your neck.
• Topical application: Your doctor may recommend topical ointment containing capsaicin or menthol to relieve neck pain.
• Acupressure: To relieve neck pain, you can apply gentle pressure to different acupressure points. You must consult with a professional to learn the right acupressure points.
• Turmeric milk: Curcumin is the main ingredient found in turmeric which it is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Add a small pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk and drink daily for a few days to get relief from neck stiffness and pain.
• Ginger tea: Ginger is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea can relieve pain and stiffness.
• Avoid excessive screen watching: Too much time watching can also cause neck pain. Therefore, avoid too much screen time and take breaks regularly.

Tips for Preventing Cervical Pain

Here are a few tips that can help prevent cervical pain. You can adopt these strategies to stay healthy and manage cervical pain effectively:

• Maintain proper posture while sitting for a long time. Keep your spine aligned, and use the appropriate desk and chair to prevent cervical pain.
• Exercise and stretches can also help prevent cervical pain. With advice from your doctor, you can incorporate neck exercises and stretches to enhance the strength and flexibility of neck muscles.
• Using proper pillows while sleeping is an important strategy for preventing neck pain. Ensure that pillows provide proper support to your neck structures.
• Stay hydrated because drinking adequate water can also help maintain the excellent health of intervertebral discs.
• Avoid smoking because excessive smoking can produce degenerative changes in your spine.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects, as this can sprain your neck. Use proper techniques and instruments for lifting heavy objects.

Thus, the above preventive measures can reduce the risk of cervical pain and improve the strength and flexibility of neck muscles.

You should not ignore cervical pain as it may be debilitating if early treatment is not sought. It is important to understand the symptoms and causes of cervical pain to get the most appropriate treatment. Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the severity of the cervical pain. An orthopaedic doctor may recommend conservative treatment in mild cases, while surgical intervention may be required in chronic cases. You can also adopt preventive measures and make lifestyle medications for preventing cervical pain.