HEALTHCORNER
Cervicalgia can have many different causes. Some of the most common include: CAUSES
Poor Posture
Poor posture or long periods with the neck at an awkward angle, such as when sleeping or working at a desk.
Injuries
Injuries that involve a sudden neck movement, such as whiplash from a car crash or an impact sport. Long-term stress causes clenching of neck and shoulder muscles, leading to a strain on the neck.
WHAT IS CERVICALGIA?
Stress
By LaChune Price, MPAS, PA-C
Many people will experience 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. The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is tasked with both protecting the spinal cord and supporting the head while allowing for a good range of movement. It is made up of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are structured to allow the neck to be protective while remaining flexible. This capacity to be flexible also makes the neck structure vulnerable to damage, particularly given that it is constantly under pressure from keeping the head upright. Some movements put either gradual or 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.
Bone Conditions
Bone conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. As these conditions are more common in older people, age is a risk factor for cervicalgia.
Disease
Diseases or conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal infections or meningitis.
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