cervicalgia

Cervicalgia is neck pain, a common symptom with pain located in the cervical region. It often presents with neck stiffness and reduced range of motion and may be accompanied by headaches or referred pain to the shoulders and upper limbs. It does not describe a single disease.

Causes range from acute muscular strain or whiplash to degenerative changes of the cervical spine, such as facet joint arthropathy and disc disease. Less common causes include myofascial pain, inflammatory or infectious processes, tumors, or spinal cord or nerve root compression. Risk factors include poor posture, repetitive neck loading, older age, smoking, and prior neck injury.

Symptoms vary from localized neck pain and stiffness to radiating symptoms in the arms with numbness or weakness when nerves are involved. Red flags include fever with neck pain, progressive or severe neurological deficits, neck trauma with suspected fracture, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer or infection.

Diagnosis relies on history and physical examination. Imaging is guided by symptoms and red flags; plain radiographs can assess alignment, while MRI is preferred for suspected nerve compression or myelopathy. Lab tests are not routinely required unless infection or inflammatory disease is suspected.

Management is usually conservative: activity modification, physical therapy, and analgesics such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Short-term muscle relaxants may help, and heat or cold therapy can soothe symptoms. Injections may be considered for facet or nerve-root–related pain. Most cases improve within weeks; persistent or progressive symptoms warrant specialist evaluation.