Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, affects millions of people each year and can impact every aspect of your daily life, including how you sleep. This article from Instituto Clavel explains what causes neck pain, how to identify what kind it is, and what treatments really help patients feel better again.
Neck pain and cervicalgia, what are they and why do they occur?
Cervicalgia is the medical term used to refer to neck pain located in area at the top of your spine, known as the cervical region. It may be episodic or chronic.
This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
· Stiffness in the neck and difficulty moving the head.
· Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, or back.
· Tingling or weakness in arms and hands (likely in the case of a pinched nerve).
Although neck pain isn't always a serious condition, it can put a damper on your quality of life, making it uncomfortable to work and go about some of your usual daily activities.
Primary causes of neck pain
- Poor posture: spending too much time hunched over in front of your computer or mobile phone.
- Stress and muscle tension: constant stress can cause cervical contractures.
- Injuries and accidents: a neck sprain like whiplash, or injury to the head.
- Degeneration of the vertebrae or vertebral discs: related to osteoarthritis that develops with age
Common symptoms of neck pain
- Constant ache or stabbing pain in the neck.
- Limited ability to move the neck, difficulty turning the head.
- Pain that radiates to the shoulders and arms.
- Tingling or numbness in your arms and hands.
- Pain that increases with poor posture or stress.
Effective treatments for neck pain
The right treatment depends on the intensity and cause of the pain. Among the most effective treatments are:
- Targeted physical therapy: mobility exercises, stretching, and strengthening the neck.
- Medical treatment: medication such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and, when necessary, infiltrations or surgery.
- Complementary therapies: therapeutic massage, application of local heat, and relaxation techniques.
- Postural correction and ergonomics: adapt your workspace to make it easier to use good posture and make good posture a part of your daily life to prevent the pain from reoccurring.
Rely on specialists in the cervical spine for treatment that is safe, personalized, and with long-lasting benefits.
Steps for preventing neck pain
- Use good posture (don't hunch) when looking at your computer or phone and use good posture when you sleep.
- Take breaks from your work to be active and do some neck exercises.
- Practice specific exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your cervical and thoracic spine.
- Avoid carrying excessive weight on your shoulders.
Making a few small changes to your daily life can significantly reduce the risk of chronic neck pain.
Place the care of your neck in the hands of experts
If you suffer recurring or chronic neck pain, don't ignore it. At Instituto Clavel we have a team of specialists in the cervical spine who use advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized treatments that can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Book an appointment today and recover your ability to move without pain. Your neck deserves the best care.
Dr. Mario Sierra
Neurosurgeon
Categories: Spine pathologies, Back pain, Cervical pain