Common Causes
Physical therapy: Cervicalgia sufferers can work with a physical therapist that can develop a treatment plan that may include neck pain exercises, heat/cold therapy, massage, and other techniques. Surgery: Although it can be complicated, cervical spinal surgery does become necessary in some cases of severe neck pain.
Related Conditions
You might initially contact your family doctor about your neck pain, and he or she may refer you to: A doctor who specializes in nonoperative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions (physical medicine and rehabilitation) Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:
How do you treat cervicalgia?
The term cervicalgia comes from the Latin term “cervic,” which means neck, and the Greek word “algos,” which means pain. The neck is part of your cervical spine, and cervicalgia is a way to describe the intense pain and discomfort that comes with this type of pain in the neck.
What kind of doctor should I See for neck pain?
Types of neck pain (cervicalgia) It is important to know that there are two types of cervicalgia neck pain: acute and chronic. Acute cervicalgia is severe stabbing pain or shooting pain that can move into the shoulders.
What is cervicalgia (cervical pain)?
What are the two types of cervicalgia?
How to treat cervicalgia at home?
How to prevent cervicalgia?
What is it called when you have a neck injury?
What does it mean when your neck hurts?
What causes cervical gia?
How long does cervicalgia last?
What are the symptoms of cervicalgia?
See more
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11 Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) Treatments - Healthline
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is common. Although it can be unpleasant, it usually isn't a reason to worry. Here's how to treat it.
What Is Cervicalgia And Can I Qualify For Disability Benefits?
Cervicalgia is significant discomfort or pain in the neck, specifically in the sides and/or back of the neck. It is pain that occurs in the cervical spine, extending from the first spinal vertebra through the seventh spinal vertebra. The first bone of the spine is located near ear level and the seventh is found at the base of the neck.
What Is Cervicalgia? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Chronic Body Pain
Other Forms Of Neck Pain . Neck pain, as noted, does not exclusively fit the profile for cervicalgia in all cases. For example, whiplash refers to a neck strain that produced tiny tears in the neck muscle fibers.
Cervicalgia (pain in the neck): Causes, symptoms, treatment, and ...
Treating cervicalgia neck pain. A lot of people see improvement in their neck pain in just days or weeks with some at-home care. Exactly how you should treat the pain largely depends on the cause.
Neck Pain (Cervicalgia): Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment
Learn about the diseases and conditions that may cause neck pain, and read about the medications used in treatment. Other symptoms and signs associated with neck pain include headaches, stiff neck, and tingling in the arms. Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with MedicineNet's Symptom Checker.
How long does it take for neck pain to go away after cervicalgia?
Remember: Most people see improvement with their neck pain after two to three weeks of at-home treatment. Although most causes of cervicalgia aren’t a reason for concern, there are certain serious conditions, like meningitis, that may be causing your discomfort.
What is the best pain reliever for neck pain?
Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) is a popular option. There’s also ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), which combines pain relief with anti-inflammatory power. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is another option. No matter which pain reliever you choose, your neck pain may last for some time. 5.
How to help neck pain from too much exercise?
Your neck pain may be the result of doing too much. One way to help with this pain is to relax. Take one to three days off from doing anything strenuous.
How to get a neck to stop hurting?
While you may want to rest the first few days after hurting your neck, getting into a regular exercise routine may help in the long run. Try doing aerobic exercises, like walking or using a stationary bike. your posture.
How to treat a swollen neck?
2. Try a cold compress. Try to lessen both pain and inflammation by applying a cold ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel to your neck. You can apply this cold therapy to the area for up to 20 minutes a few times a day. If you have diabetes or circulatory issues, you should limit using ice to just 10 minutes at a time. 3.
Does massage help with sore neck?
Sore muscles may also respond well to massage by a licensed practitioner. During a massage session, the muscles and other tissues in your neck are manipulated. This helps blood and other fluids flow freely.
Do neck pillows help with neck pain?
A neck pillow may make or break your night of sleep. The effects can even last into the next day. Many different pillows on the market are supposed to help with neck pain. Evidence for which ones work is anecdotal, rather than research-based.
What does cervicalgia mean?
The term cervicalgia comes from the Latin term “cervic,” which means neck, and the Greek word “algos,” which means pain. The neck is part of your cervical spine, and cervicalgia is a way to describe the intense pain and discomfort that comes with this type of pain in the neck. Research shows that for some reason, ...
What is the cervical spine?
The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the head. It is made up of small vertebrae, discs, joints, nerve roots, muscles, and ligaments. This complex and flexible system means that the area is prone to injury and pain. Having neck pain can slow you down.
What is the pain in the neck called?
Types of neck pain (cervicalgia) It is important to know that there are two types of cervicalgia neck pain: acute and chronic. Acute cervicalgia is severe stabbing pain or shooting pain that can move into the shoulders. Some people who suffer from acute cervicalgia have weakness in the arms or loss of coordination in the arms and legs.
What causes neck pain?
Nerves, bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, and joints — all the cervical structures can cause neck pain when they are irritated or inflamed. How does this happen? The list below covers cervicalgia causes.
What does it mean when you have a neck pain and a lack of appetite?
If you ever experience this or have neck pain accompanied by a lack of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting, it could indicate an infection or spinal tumor.
Does cervicalgia radiate to other parts of the body?
As mentioned earlier, cervicalgia pain is usually local, which means it doesn’t radiate to other parts of the body. Some people with cervicalgia neck pain will be lucky to get away with minor symptoms, such as a stiff neck for a few days or difficulty moving the head from side-to-side.
Can neck pain slow you down?
Having neck pain can slow you down. It can impact your work and other day-to-day activities. Some people are lucky and the symptoms resolve on their own in a few days. Others may not be so fortunate, and their severe neck pain can lead to other problems, such as dizziness and frequent headaches.
What kind of doctor treats lower back pain?
Internists, family physicians, orthopaedists, neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, and even some psychiatrists that treat lower back disorders. There are places that have multiple specialists who treat these disorders as a group.
What is the best doctor for spine pain?
Most times, you would be referred to this specialist by your family doctor or specialist. The rheumatologist is another choice as a treating physician. He or she is a specialist in joint disorders that include the spine. They first do a residency in internal medicine and then do a fellowship in rheumatology.
What is a spinal therapist?
Some therapists strictly specialize in spinal rehabilitation, and others are generalists treating all joints in the body, as well as stroke patients and cardiac rehabilitation. They are the experts in looking at the body for injuries and developing a treatment protocol to help heal and compensate for injury.
What is a PM&R doctor?
The physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor has a four-year residency after medical school that is different from the orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon. They are not surgeons and are given a comprehensive education in spinal disorders. These doctors can specialize in nonsurgical treatment of the back.
Why do people do EMGs?
Many perform EMGs that are electrical nerve diagnostic tests to help understand the source of nerve pain. Others have taken fellowships in interventional spinal injections to complement their treatment programs. These individuals are a good choice for initial treatment.
What are the different types of nonmedical practitioners?
You can go to a chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, athletic trainer, acupuncturist, Feldenkrais or Pilates practitioner, personal trainer, or even an aroma therapist.
Can you see osteopathy by referral?
Again, you normally would see this specialist by referral from another physician. Doctors of osteopathy are probably one of the most misunderstood of all the physician groups. They are trained in in anatomy, physiology, and pathology in osteopathic schools exactly the same as in medical schools.
What is the best treatment for neck pain?
Chiropractic treatments to the neck can provide short-term pain relief, and, for many people, carry minimal risks. Massage. During a massage, a trained practitioner manipulates the muscles in your neck with his or her hands.
What is the best way to diagnose neck pain?
It involves inserting fine needles through your skin into a muscle and performing tests to measure the speed of nerve conduction to determine whether specific nerves are functioning properly.
How to help neck pain?
Your doctor might inject corticosteroid medications near the nerve roots, into the small facet joints in the bones of the cervical spine or into the muscles in your neck to help with pain. Numbing medications, such as lidocaine, also can be injected to relieve your neck pain.
What can I do to help my neck?
Numbing medications, such as lidocaine, also can be injected to relieve your neck pain. Surgery. Rarely needed for neck pain, surgery might be an option for relieving nerve root or spinal cord compression.
What are some examples of neck pain?
Examples include: X-rays. X-rays can reveal areas in your neck where your nerves or spinal cord might be pinched by bone spurs or other degenerative changes. CT scan. CT scans combine X-ray images taken from many different directions to produce detailed cross-sectional views of the internal structures of your neck.
What can a physical therapist do to help with neck pain?
Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you correct posture, alignment and neck-strengthening exercises, and can use heat, ice, electrical stimulation and other measures to help ease your pain and prevent a recurrence.
Can you have a neck MRI without symptoms?
It's possible to have X-ray or MRI evidence of structural problems in your neck without having symptoms. Imaging studies are best used as an adjunct to a careful history and physical exam to determine the cause of your pain.
What is the best medicine for neck pain from cervical spondylosis?
Anti-seizure medications. Some epilepsy medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), can dull the pain of damaged nerves. Antidepressants. Certain antidepressant medications have been found to help ease neck pain from cervical spondylosis.
What is the best way to diagnose cervical spondylosis?
Your doctor might recommend: Neck X-ray. An X-ray can show abnormalities, such as bone spurs, that indicate cervical spondylosis. Neck X-ray can also rule out rare and more serious causes for neck pain and stiffness, such as tumors, infections or fractures. CT scan. A CT scan can provide more detailed imaging, particularly of bones.
How to help a person with cervical spondylosis?
Some people with cervical spondylosis benefit from the use of traction , which can help provide more space within the spine if nerve roots are being pinched.
What tests are done to determine if nerve signals are traveling properly to your muscles?
Your doctor might recommend tests to determine if nerve signals are traveling properly to your muscles. Nerve function tests include: Electromyography . This test measures the electrical activity in your nerves as they transmit messages to your muscles when the muscles are contracting and at rest. Nerve conduction study.
How to help a sore neck?
Applying heat or ice to your neck can ease sore neck muscles. Soft neck brace. The brace allows your neck muscles to rest. However, a neck brace should be worn for only short periods of time because it can eventually weaken neck muscles.
Can you take NSAIDs for cervical spondylosis?
While some types of NSAIDs are available over the counter, you may need prescription-strength versions to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis. Corticosteroids. A short course of oral prednisone might help ease pain. If your pain is severe, steroid injections may be helpful.
What is the name of the doctor who treats fibromyalgia?
Rheumatologists. A rheumatologist is a doctor with special training in treating diseases of the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. These include: rheumatoid arthritis. osteoarthritis. lupus. fibromyalgia. They’ll most likely be your main doctor during the treatment of your disorder.
Who can help with fibromyalgia?
Other treatment professionals may play a role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. They include massage therapists, pharmacists, and personal trainers. Last medically reviewed on June 3, 2016.
How to diagnose fibromyalgia?
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia isn’t a simple matter. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. They may ask you to measure your pain on a scale. They may use what’s called a tender point test, which measures your sensitivity to pain by applying pressure to 18 specific sites throughout the body. Be sure to tell your doctor: 1 what your symptoms are 2 how long you’ve had symptoms 3 if the pain is throbbing, piercing, or shooting 4 where the symptoms are the worst 5 what aggravates or soothes your symptoms 6 if you’re getting enough sleep 7 if you’ve experienced any recent physical or emotional trauma
What kind of therapy is best for fibromyalgia?
Both psychologists and psychiatrists can provide counseling and other forms of therapy that are useful for fibromyalgia. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps those with depression by challenging the negative self-talk that can worsen your mood.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
A psychologist isn’t a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medications, but they may hold a doctorate and therefore carry the title of “doctor.”. These doctors may be able to help you manage feelings of despair and pain. Fibromyalgia frequently leads to depression and the depression can worsen your symptoms.
How to treat cervicalgia at home?
Different approaches can be taken to treat cervicalgia at home: Ice packs can be applied to the affected area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. This can be useful in reducing inflammation caused by a neck injury. Heat can also be applied to help boost healing, such as through a hot shower or warm towel.
How to prevent cervicalgia?
Staying active can help to reduce the risk of cervicalgia developing. It can also be useful to engage in certain types of physical exercise, such as those that target the upper back muscles to help prevent shoulders from rounding.
What is it called when you have a neck injury?
Some movements put either gradual or a sudden, sharp pressure on the neck, and the resulting strain can cause discomfort. The injury is called cervicalgia when it only occurs in the neck region and not in other areas, such as in the arms or lower back.
What does it mean when your neck hurts?
Many people will have experienced neck pain. In some cases, it will be diagnosed as cervicalgia . Anyone can be affected by cervicalgia , which refers to pain in the neck that does not spread to other areas, such as down the arms.
What causes cervical gia?
Cervicalgia can have many different causes. Some of the most common include: 1 Poor posture or lengthy periods with the neck at an awkward angle, such as when sleeping or working at a desk. 2 Injuries that involve a sudden neck movement, such as whiplash from a car crash or an impact sport. 3 Long-term stress that causes clenching of neck and shoulder muscles, leading to a strain on the neck. 4 Bone conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. As these conditions are more common in older people, age is a risk factor for cervicalgia. 5 Diseases or conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal infections or meningitis.
How long does cervicalgia last?
In the majority of cases, it can be treated at home. Cervicalgia will typically go away within a couple of weeks. People should see a doctor if the pain lasts for longer than a few weeks, or immediately if the pain occurred as a direct result of an injury.
What are the symptoms of cervicalgia?
Other symptoms of cervicalgia can include: stiffness in neck muscles. spasms in neck muscles. impaired neck movement.