The phrase “a pain in the neck” is accurate for millions of people across the United States, with an estimated 80 percent experiencing neck pain during their lifetimes. Neck issues can cause pain that can detract from quality of life and limit one’s ability to participate in their favorite activities.
One of the most significant neck pain causes is cervicalgia. If you’re experiencing recurring neck pain and wondering, “What is cervicalgia?” you’ve found the right place to learn.
Discovering the cervicalgia symptoms is a step toward taking action to reduce the pain and improve your quality of life. Continue reading this guide to learn more about the condition, its symptoms, and your treatment options today!
What Is Cervicalgia?
Cervicalgia is a condition that refers to pain in the back of the neck near the cervical spine. It is the fourth major cause of disability, and there are several risk factors to monitor. The top causes of the condition are:
- History of neck and musculoskeletal pain
- Injuries
- Desk jobs
- Physical weakness
- Poor posture
Traffic accidents and sports injuries are the most common reasons behind cervicalgia symptoms. Diving into the symptoms and neck pain causes can help you identify the condition before it develops further.
What Are the Cervicalgia Symptoms?
Cervicalgia has several symptoms you can monitor for pain management and improved quality of life. The primary symptom you’ll notice is pain and stiffness in the neck. Spasms are also common in the shoulders and upper neck region.
Severe cases can result in headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Immobility and pain can prevent you from participating in your favorite activities or engaging in your social life and reaping its benefits. Leg weakness and a loss of bladder control can also occur if symptoms go untreated.
Treatment Options for Cervicalgia
Now that you can identify the symptoms of cervicalgia, it’s worth considering what you can do for neck pain management and treatment. You have several treatment options to reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance the quality of your life. Here’s a closer look at some options to weigh.
1. Slow Down
The human head is heavy, and your neck needs to carry or stabilize it when you’re at work or going about your day. The ligaments and muscles in your neck and head have a tall task, and it’s vital to give them a break at the end of a long day.
Your neck pain may be caused by doing too much, which increases the strain on your body. Taking a few days to slow down and relax can provide pain relief. Avoid running, hiking, and weight-bearing exercises to relieve pain and regain mobility.
2. Apply Compresses
After you discover the symptoms and causes of cervicalgia, a combination of cold and warm compresses can help you enjoy relief. First, use a cold compress to decrease pain and inflammation. Then, wrap ice in a towel or an ice pack in the affected area for 20 minutes.
Use this treatment option two to three times daily to relieve neck issues. Follow the cold compress with a warm compress to ease muscle tension and pain.
You can use a warm shower or heating pad to provide the warmth necessary to help muscles relax and reduce pain. Apply the warmth for 20 minutes. Individuals with circulatory issues should limit the compression to ten minutes.
3. Use a Stretching Routine
Stretching increases flexibility and lowers injury risks, and it’s an excellent remedy for recurring neck pain or cervicalgia. Build time for stretching into your daily routine and focus on your neck with each session.
It’s best to wait to start your stretching routine until most of your pain and stiffness have receded. Consider using a warm compress before performing your favorite neck stretches and exercises.
4. Remain Active
After regaining your range of motion and grasping the best pain management techniques, you must remain active to prevent future issues. Remaining in one position for extended periods can cause your muscles and ligaments to flare. A lack of activity is one of the most common neck pain causes.
Resting for a few days is beneficial, but beginning an exercise routine is wise after the pain subsides. Aerobic exercises are a fantastic starting point when ramping up physical activity for strength and injury prevention. You can also work on your posture to protect your neck.
5. Work on Posture
Poor posture is a one-way ticket to back and neck pain. You can limit flare-ups and protect yourself from cervicalgia symptoms by improving your sitting and standing posture.
Sitting in a slouched position can result in aches and pains later in the day. Practice sitting in front of a mirror to ensure you’re standing or sitting upright.
A slouched position places unnecessary strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments designed to support your head and neck. Changing your posture is a simple way to prevent or overcome neck issues.
6. Visit a Chiropractor
A chiropractor has the skills, resources, and education to assess your condition. Chiropractic adjustments are beneficial when seeking relief because they focus on the spine and neck regions.
Contact the chiropractors and healthcare practitioners at Interventional Orthopedics of Washington to schedule an appointment. Your chiropractor will explain what is cervicalgia and provide the adjustments necessary for short-term relief.
Consider pairing your trips to the chiropractor with massage therapy. Massage sessions can send blood and other fluids to your muscles to stimulate healing and combat inflammation. The benefits can provide the relief and range of motion necessary to begin a stretching and exercise regimen.
Resolve Your Neck Issues Today
Neck issues are frustrating and painful, but learning your symptoms and seeking treatment is the best path toward recovery. Asking “What is Cervicalgia?” is an excellent first step toward pain relief and improvement.
Use cold and warm compresses to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, paired with stretching and exercise. Improving your posture and visiting a chiropractor can also limit neck issues.
Your health is invaluable, and the changes you make today can provide significant benefits for the future. Read more of our Health content for tips to strengthen your body and mind today!