Cervical pain refers to acute or chronic pain in the neck, which may extend to the head, shoulders, or along the upper limbs.
Acute cervical pain appears suddenly and lasts a short time. Chronic cervical pain may begin abruptly but persists, with variable intensity, often worsened by certain movements or body positions.
Cervical pain is a very common musculoskeletal symptom: approximately 70% of the population experiences at least one episode during their lifetime.
Cervical pain can be caused by:
The first steps include a detailed medical history and clinical examination. The doctor will ask about previous injuries, sports activities, type of work, and psychological factors often associated with neck pain.
After that the doctor will examine the patient, by palpating the neck to rule out serious causes of pain, he will assess head mobility, reflexes, and muscle strength in the arms.
Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) are used only if there are signs of serious disease or if the doctor suspects a specific cause. Imaging alone is not reliable, as many people show cervical spine degeneration without symptoms.
If nerve compression is suspected, an electromyography (EMG) may be recommended. In case of suspected inflammation, blood tests can provide additional information.
For the treatment of acute neck pain, painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, and short-term immobilization with a soft collar is recommended to support the neck and relieve pain. When the pain begins to subside, it is important to gradually perform moderate-intensity exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
Massage, ultrasound therapy, TENS, and other methods can help relieve pain. In some cases, neck traction exercises are also recommended to decompress the joints. An alternative option is acupuncture, particularly when other methods have failed or have caused unwanted reactions. Side effects from acupuncture are almost nonexistent when performed by qualified practitioners.
Biofeedback is another method that can work in combination.
Biofeedback is a non-invasive method that can contribute to relieving chronic pain. During biofeedback, the patient is connected to electrical sensors that provide information about their body. In this way, and under the guidance of a physiotherapist, the patient learns to control certain bodily functions—for example, how to relax specific muscles—to achieve the desired result, namely, pain reduction. Essentially, biofeedback allows us to better understand and control the body, improving our health.
For persistent pain, doctors may administer corticosteroid injections near cervical nerve roots or local anesthetics such as lidocaine. In some cases, surgery may be necessary depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
