Cervical Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Relief, and Exercises

There was a time when neck or head movement felt seamless. If someone screamed your name from behind, you turned your head quickly without any stiffness or pain. 

But today, the scenario is completely different. Turning or tilting your neck and head now comes with stiffness, reduced flexibility, or even sharp pain. These constant symptoms shouldn’t be ignored as normal signs of aging, as they might indicate cervical pain (cervicalgia). 

Short-term cervical pain from muscle strain, poor posture, or minor injury is usually temporary and treatable. But chronic or degenerative cervical conditions like cervical spondylosis may not be fully cured, but thankfully, they can be effectively managed. 

Hence, consult the best orthopedic specialists or neurosurgeons near you in Kolkata for the right guidance, treatments, and targeted exercises for potential relief.

What is Cervical Pain

Cervical pain, commonly known as neck pain and sometimes called "cervicalgia." It is pain that can be felt in or around the spine, beneath your head.

Why is it known as neck pain?

It is known as neck pain because cervical pain stems from the cervical spine (the medical term for the neck region of your spine)

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What Are the Types of Cervical Pain

Some of the common types are

1. Axial Neck Pain (Cervicalgia)

Pain is limited to the neck itself.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy

Radiating pain to the shoulder, arm, or fingers because of nerve root compression.

3. Cervical Myelopathy

Involves spinal cord compression.

4. Myofascial Pain

Starts from the neck and shoulder muscles.

5. Cervicogenic Headache

Pain starts in the neck and radiates to your head.

What are the Main Causes of Cervicalgia

Experts at the best cervical pain  hospital say there are many reasons; some of them are given below.

1. Keeping Poor Posture Constantly

If you are constantly in hunched positions over phones or desks. This stretches neck muscles unevenly, leading to fatigue and spasms as they overwork to stabilize your head in position.

2. Muscle Strain

Sudden jerks, carrying heavy loads, or recurring motions damage tiny muscle fibers. This can trigger inflammation and tightness that restrict your movement.

3. Degenerative Disc Condition

Degenerative disk disease happens when the cushioning in your spine starts to wear away. This can lead to symptoms such as neck pain and back pain.

4. Whiplash (Neck Strain) or any Trauma

Whiplash (neck strain) or any trauma can force your head and neck to move beyond their normal range of motion. This can result in damage and inflammation.

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) damages protective cartilage in your neck joints.  This leads to friction, inflammation, and pain. Additionally, spaces for nerves get narrowed, which can cause pinched nerves (also known as radiculopathy).

6. Facet Joint Conditions

The cervical facet joint syndrome (CFJS) irritates or inflames the small joints (facet joints) in the back of your neck. This can lead to stiffness and aching pain radiating to your shoulders and head.

Other Contributing Factors

• Unsupportive desk or chair setup
• Carrying a heavy load
• Infections or tumors
• Unsupportive pillows or poor sleeping posture

Symptoms of Cervicalgia

The symptoms may vary based on the origin of the condition; however, some of the common signs may include:

• Dull ache in the neck
• Limited tilting of your head
• Difficulty moving your neck
• Tightness in your neck or shoulder muscles
• Headaches starting at the base of your skull
• Neck pain radiating to your shoulders, arms, or hands
• Numbness in your arms or hands

How to Get Relief From Cervical Pain | Customized Treatment Plan

Consulting a healthcare professional at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital for the right diagnosis and treatment is the most effective way to get relief from cervical pain.

The treatment is based on where the pain stems from: short-term conditions, which are generally curable, or chronic conditions, which are not curable but need a symptom management plan.

Based on the type and severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend the following options:

A. Home-Based Relief

• Maintaining a good posture.
• Position your computer monitor at eye level.
• Use a supportive pillow.
• Stay hydrated for healthy muscles and spinal discs.
• Slowly turn your head and neck.
• Apply cold or heat therapy.

B. Medical Intervention

• Pain medications and muscle relaxers are common first-line treatments for neck pain.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your neck.
• Steroid injections near the nerve root are used to decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
• Acupuncture to relieve pain.
• Massage to help loosen tightened muscles.
• Electrical impulses are used to disrupt the pain signals.
• Surgery is the last resort option for severe conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or instability (e.g., discectomy, fusion).

C. Advanced Options

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to promote healing.
• Minimally invasive techniques, like radiofrequency ablation to deactivate the specific nerves that are transmitting pain.

Conclusion

There are many reasons behind neck pain, and to know the real one, you must consult your doctor. They will decide if the pain is originating from a short-term or long-term condition.

For this, your doctor can order diagnostic tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, electrodiagnostic tests, etc. All you need is to follow the treatment plan for faster recovery and better symptom management. 

Best Cervical Pain Hospital in Kolkata | IRIS Multispeciality Hospital

IRIS Multispecialty Hospital in Kolkata is the leading center for cervical pain management, backed by expert neurologists, advanced diagnostics, and personalized physiotherapy-based rehabilitation to relieve neck pain, stiffness, and nerve compression. Our team is known for its strong focus on precision, safety, and patient‑centered treatment, helping you return to an active, pain-free life.

Looking for the best treatment for cervical pain management in Kolkata, India? Schedule a call at +91 8929579509.

Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7

FAQs

Q1: What are the best exercises for cervical pain?
A: Your doctor will recommend the best exercise for you; however, some of the common ones are gentle chin tucks, neck tilts (side-to-side), neck rotations, shoulder rolls, etc. Practice only the ones recommended by your doctor.

Q2: Which side is cervical pain?
A: The pain is not limited to one side; it can occur on the left, right, or centrally. Sometimes the pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, or head.

Q3: What is the best sleeping position for cervical pain?
A: Sleeping on your back (supine) or on your side (lateral) is considered the best option for cervical pain. This promotes neutral spinal alignment.

Disclaimer: The blog is for informational use only; it is not intended to replace professional guidance.