Cervical spine is a network of muscles, joints, bones and nerves. Any injury or altered movement cause damage to these structures leading to painful neck.
Causes
- Poor posture
- Awkward sleeping position
- Trauma
- Repetitive motion
- Muscle or ligament injury (strain or sprain)
- Cervical degenerative changes
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Infection
- Spinal Tumor
Symptoms
- Sharp pain (stabbing or stinging)
- Neck stiffness
- Tenderness
- Headache
- Radiating pain into arms (radicular pain)
- Difficulty in lifting or gripping heavy objects
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Reduced reflexes
- Trouble with balance & coordination
Risk factors
- Occupation
- Female sex
- Smoking
- Stress, anxiety
- Reduced neck strength
Assessment and Diagnosis
- History
- Observation
- Physical examination
- Palpation
- Range of motion tests
- Sensations
- Reflexes
- Muscle power testing
- Diagnostic imaging test (X-rays, CT Scan, MRI)
Physical therapy management
Electrotherapy
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Cervical traction
Exercise therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Isometrics
- Aerobic conditioning
Manual therapy
- Mobilization
- Manipulation
- Dry needling
- Massage
