Can neck pain cause dizziness?

Yes, cervicogenic dizziness is relatively common. It is caused by dysfunction of the proprioceptive receptors in the neck that inform the brain about head position. Cervical physiotherapy treatment usually resolves this dizziness when it is of cervical origin.

Is it dangerous if the neck cracks?

Spontaneous cracking sounds when moving the neck are generally not dangerous. They are usually caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid or the sliding of tendons. However, if the cracking is accompanied by pain or instability, a professional assessment is advisable.

Can stress cause neck pain?

Absolutely. Stress and anxiety cause unconscious contraction of the cervical and trapezius muscles which, when sustained over time, produces contractures and pain. Stress management complements physiotherapy treatment for optimal results.

When should I get a cervical MRI?

A cervical MRI is recommended when there are neurological symptoms (tingling, arm weakness), pain that does not improve after 6 weeks of treatment, a history of trauma or suspicion of a serious condition. Your physiotherapist or doctor will tell you if it is necessary.

Can neck pain cause dizziness?

Yes, cervicogenic dizziness is relatively common. It is caused by dysfunction of the proprioceptive receptors in the neck that inform the brain about head position. Cervical physiotherapy treatment usually resolves this dizziness when it is of cervical origin.

Is it dangerous if the neck cracks?

Spontaneous cracking sounds when moving the neck are generally not dangerous. They are usually caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid or the sliding of tendons. However, if the cracking is accompanied by pain or instability, a professional assessment is advisable.

Can stress cause neck pain?

Absolutely. Stress and anxiety cause unconscious contraction of the cervical and trapezius muscles which, when sustained over time, produces contractures and pain. Stress management complements physiotherapy treatment for optimal results.

When should I get a cervical MRI?

A cervical MRI is recommended when there are neurological symptoms (tingling, arm weakness), pain that does not improve after 6 weeks of treatment, a history of trauma or suspicion of a serious condition. Your physiotherapist or doctor will tell you if it is necessary.

Physiotherapy

Neck Pain (Cervicalgia): Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Neck pain is increasingly common due to the use of electronic devices. Learn about its causes, how to prevent it and which treatments work.

What is cervicalgia?

Cervicalgia or neck pain is pain located in the neck region, from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulders. It is one of the most prevalent conditions in today's society, affecting 30-50% of the general population each year.

The cervical spine is a highly mobile structure that must support the weight of the head (4-5 kg) while allowing a wide range of movements. This combination of mobility and load makes it particularly vulnerable to overloads, contractures and degenerative injuries.

Causes of neck pain

The causes of neck pain are multiple and frequently combine with each other:

Tech neck: sustained cervical flexion posture when using a mobile phone or computer
Cervical and trapezius muscle contractures from stress or poor posture
Cervical osteoarthritis: wear and tear of the cervical joints and discs
Cervical disc bulges and herniations
Whiplash from traffic accidents
Bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Stress, anxiety and sustained emotional tension

Symptoms associated with neck pain

Neck pain rarely presents in isolation. It is frequently associated with other symptoms that can cause concern for the patient, but which are benign in most cases.

Tension headaches are extremely common in association with cervicalgia, originating from contractures of the suboccipital and upper cervical muscles. Cervicogenic dizziness may occur due to dysfunction of the proprioceptive receptors in the neck.

Pain may radiate to the arms (cervicobrachialgia) when there is involvement of the cervical nerve roots, manifesting as tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands. This presentation requires a specific assessment to determine its origin.

Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain

At Fontanet Medicina i Fisioterapia we address neck pain comprehensively, treating not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes. Our therapeutic approach includes:

Cervical manual therapy with articular and soft tissue techniques is highly effective in restoring mobility and reducing pain. Mobilisation of the cervical facet joints and release of the suboccipital muscles provide immediate relief for many patients.

Dry needling of trigger points in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae and suboccipital muscles is one of the techniques with the best results for neck pain and associated headaches.

Cervical manual therapy: gentle mobilisations and manipulations
Dry needling of cervical and cranial trigger points
Deep cervical flexor exercises (stabilisation)
Postural re-education and workstation ergonomics
Specific cervical muscle stretches
TMJ treatment if associated bruxism is present

Prevention of neck pain

Preventing neck pain in the digital age is essential. Adjust your computer screen to eye level, hold your mobile phone at chest height when using it and take active breaks every 30-45 minutes of sedentary work.

Exercises to strengthen the deep cervical flexors and scapular muscles are the best protection against recurrent neck pain. At our centre in Tarragona, we design preventive exercise routines tailored to each patient's needs.

If you work at a computer, a proper ergonomic setup of your workstation can make the difference between suffering from recurrent neck pain or remaining pain-free.