Table of Contents
Anatomy of Neck
To understand cervical pain, you have to understand the anatomy of the neck. The anatomy of the neck is described as follows:
1-Cervical vertebrae:
Your cervical spine consists of seven small vertebrae, C1 to C7, that protect your spinal cord and facilitate head movement. Issues with these vertebrae, such as degeneration or misalignment, can contribute to cervical pain.
2-Cervical muscles:
Multiple neck muscles provide stability and help neck movement. Muscle strain, overuse, or tension can lead to cervical pain and decreased mobility.
3-Ligaments and tendons:
These flexible yet muscular tissues connect your bones to other bones (ligaments) and muscles to bones (tendons). Damage or inflammation of these structures may result in cervical pain or reduced neck function.
4-Neurovascular bundles:
Your neck contains several nerves and blood vessels that help transmit signals (nerves) and nutrients (blood vessels) to the brain and other body parts. Damage to these nerves of vessels induces an inflammatory response that causes pain in your neck and impedes your neck mobility.
What causes cervical pain
Cervical pain or cervicalgia is a multifactorial disease. Several factors contribute to neck pain. These factors are:
1-Muscle strain and tension:
Overuse or strain of the neck muscles, often resulting from poor posture or repetitive movements, can lead to cervical pain. Prolonged periods of sitting, especially while using electronic devices, can place undue stress on your neck and contribute to discomfort.
2-Cervical disc degeneration:
Your cervical spine contains intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and facilitate smooth movement. These devices can degenerate as we age, leading to decreased cushioning between the vertebrae and, consequently, cervical pain.
3-Cervical spondylosis:
Also called neck arthritis, cervical spondylosis occurs when the joints and cartilage of your cervical spine wear down over time. This degenerative process can cause cervical pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
4-Injury or trauma to the neck:
Traumatic events, such as car accidents or sports injuries, can result in whiplash or other damage to your neck’s structures, leading to acute or chronic cervical pain.
5-Nerve compression:
Conditions like herniated discs or bone spurs can compress your nerves passing through the cervical canal, resulting in cervical pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms and hands.
What are the risk factors for cervical pain?
Some factors increase your risk of getting cervical pain. These factors include the following:
1-Poor posture of your neck:
An incorrect posture, especially when sitting or using electronic devices, can strain your neck muscles and ligaments excessively, leading to cervical pain.
2-Sedentary lifestyle:
A lack of physical activity can weaken your neck muscles that support the neck, resulting in increased susceptibility to cervical pain. Regular exercise and stretching can help you prevent muscle imbalances and promote better posture.
3-Stress and emotional tension:
If you are in stress, then you might have a risk of getting cervical pain because stress makes your neck muscles tense, causing neck pain.
4-Other risk factors:
Here are some other risk factors that are also responsible for causing pain in your neck. These are:
- Age
- Frequent use of vibratory vehicles that affect your neck
- Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and SLE
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Sleep problems
- Genders
- Positive family history
- Congenital malformation of your neck
What are the symptoms of cervical pain?
The symptoms of cervical pain vary depending on the severity and associated risk factors. The most common symptoms of cervical pain are:
- Neck pain, stiffness, or soreness
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Pain radiating to the shoulders or arms
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
When to seek medical attention:
Neck pain is the most common symptom in your daily routine. However, there are some red flags that you have to notice.
- Persistent or severe cervical pain
- Pain that worsens over time or with movement
- Neurological symptoms, such as numbness or weakness
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or sleep
How does an ANF Orthopedic practitioner diagnose cervical pain?
Dr. Mikel H-G Hoff states that ANF Neuro Orthopedic practitioners diagnose this condition by taking a detailed history, palpation and neurological examination. They do not only treat its symptoms but find the root cause.
History:
This is the initial and most crucial step for diagnosing any disease. ANF Neuro Orthopedic Practitioners gather detailed patient histories, focusing on presenting complaints, history of trauma, previous medical and surgical history, and family health background. They also ask about factors that aggravate or relieve neck pain, the radiation of pain, and stress and anxiety problems. The history points include:
- Your age
- Severity of pain
- History of trauma
- Does it affect your daily life activities?
- Sleep history
- Smoking
- Previous drug history
- Any history of previous medical illness
- Occupational history
Physical examination:
When assessing neck pain, a thorough physical examination is key. This includes evaluating the neck’s range of motion, checking for muscle tenderness, examining shoulder movement, and assessing the cervical lymph nodes. To diagnose cervical disc herniation, healthcare providers often perform three specific provocative tests:
Spurling’s Test:
This test involves tilting the head to the affected side and applying gentle pressure to see if it exacerbates the pain, indicating nerve root compression.
Neck Distraction Test:
Here, an ANF Practitioner gently pulls on the head, lifting it slightly; pain relief during this manoeuvre can suggest a herniated disc or nerve root issue.
Valsalva Maneuver
This test requires the patient to exhale forcibly with a closed mouth and nose. An increase in spinal canal pressure during this test can trigger symptoms related to a herniated disc.
These tests help pinpoint the exact cause of neck pain, guiding effective treatment strategies.
Palpation:
An ANF Neuro Orthopedic practitioner will conduct a detailed examination of your neck through deep palpation. This involves carefully feeling between the muscles and across the front of the neck to pinpoint tenderness or signs of herniation.
Neurological examination:
A neurological examination conducted by an ANF Neuro Orthopedic practitioner involves a thorough assessment of your entire body with a focus on neurological and musculoskeletal health. This starts with observing the patient’s ability to rotate their neck and identifying the exact moment and angle at which pain occurs.
Further, the neurological assessment includes:
- Evaluation of pain radiation from your neck down to the shoulder, arm, and hand, which helps in pinpointing nerve involvement.
- Check for your muscle weakness, which may indicate neural or muscular issues.
- A detailed examination of nerve function in the shoulder, arm, and hand, explicitly checking the axillary, radial, ulnar, and median nerves.
Management of cervical pain via ANF Therapy®️:
Experience the Benefits of ANF Therapy®️ for Cervical Pain Relief:
How does ANF Therapy®️ work?
Benefits:
- Fast results: Patients experience noticeable improvements in cervical pain after just a few ANF Therapy®️ sessions.
- Long-term relief: By addressing the root causes of inflammation and pain, ANF Therapy®️ aims to provide long-lasting relief and normalise the affected area.
- Non-invasive: ANF Therapy®️ is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t involve surgery, medication, or injections, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a more natural approach to managing cervical pain.
- Complementary therapy: ANF Therapy®️ can be used with other treatment modalities, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy, to enhance your overall cervical pain management plan.
If you’re struggling with cervical pain and searching for an effective, non-invasive solution, consider trying ANF Therapy®️. This innovative treatment option has the potential to provide fast and long-lasting relief, allowing you to regain control of your life and enjoy a pain-free existence. To start your treatment with ANF Therapy®️, visit a nearby therapist or find an ANF Therapist at www.findanf.com If you are a healthcare professional aiming to upskill your clinical knowledge to treat your patients effectively, visit www.anfacademy.com to learn more about the ANF Clinical education program and courses.
Exercises to Strengthen the Neck and Improve Posture:
Regular exercises and stretches in your daily routine can help manage cervical pain. By strengthening the neck muscles and improving posture, you can alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of future issues. Some exercises help you manage cervical pain. These are:
Neck stretches exercises:
Gentle neck stretches can help increase flexibility and range of motion in your neck, promoting relaxation and reducing cervical pain. Examples include neck tilts, neck rotations, and shoulder rolls. Remember to hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and avoid any movements that cause discomfort.
Isometric exercises:
Isometric exercises involve contracting the neck muscles without moving the head. These exercises can help strengthen the neck and provide stability. Examples include:
- Pressing the palm against the forehead.
- Pushing the head against a resistance band.
- Pressing the hand against the side of the head.
Shoulder and upper back exercises:
Strengthening the shoulder and upper back muscles can provide additional support to the neck and alleviate cervical pain. Examples include shoulder shrugs, lateral raises, and rows. These exercises can be performed with resistance bands or light weights to increase effectiveness.
Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can strengthen your neck muscles, improve your posture, and reduce cervical pain. Remember to consult with an ANF Physical Therapist before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you’re experiencing ongoing neck discomfort.
How to prevent cervical pain?
Preventing cervical pain is as important as treating it. Adopting certain lifestyle changes and incorporating specific practices into your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical pain and maintain a healthy, pain-free neck.
Maintain body posture:
Ensuring that your head, neck, and spine are aligned while sitting, standing, and using electronic devices can prevent excessive strain on the neck muscles and ligaments, reducing the risk of cervical pain.
Regular exercise:
Physical activity, including stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulders, and upper back can help prevent muscle imbalances, promote better posture, and reduce the likelihood of cervical pain.
Choose the right pillow:
Selecting a pillow that correctly supports the natural curvature of your neck and maintains spinal alignment during sleep can help prevent cervical pain caused by improper sleeping positions.
Avoid stress:
Stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, can help reduce neck and shoulder muscle tension, minimising cervical pain risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cervical Pain:
What does cervical pain feel like?
Cervical pain can present as a sharp or stabbing sensation localised in a specific neck area. It may also radiate, spreading from your shoulder to your arm and your hand. This pain can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, depending on the underlying cause.
What is the main reason for cervical pain?
Cervical pain is often caused by overusing the neck muscles without having breaks. This strain can be exacerbated by stress, trauma from accidents, or maintaining poor posture over extended periods. These factors cause the muscles and ligaments in your neck to work harder, leading to pain and stiffness.
At what age does cervical pain start?
Cervical pain can occur at any age, but individuals between the ages of 30 to 60 and older are more likely to experience neck pain. It’s most commonly associated with the ageing process. As you age, your spine shows signs of wear and tear, leading to degeneration that can cause discomfort.
Is cervical pain serious?
Cervical pain sometimes resolves on its own, with or without treatment. However, if the pain is due to nerve compression, it can cause serious problems such as muscle weakness.
Can stress cause neck pain?
Yes, stress and anxiety are the primary triggers of neck pain. Stress makes your neck muscles tense and stiff, leading to muscle fatigue and inflammation that results in neck pain. Therefore, avoid stress to enjoy a healthy and pain-free lifestyle.
