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Neck pain

Frequent neck pain: possible causes and affected areas

Different types of neck pain

The neck, or cervical region, is a particularly stressed area in daily life. Between prolonged postures, repetitive movements, and accumulated stress, it’s not uncommon to experience tension or more pronounced pain. These discomforts can take various forms: morning stiffness, radiating pain toward the shoulders or arms, cervicogenic headaches, or even dizziness in some cases.

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to understand the origin of these issues and guide the body toward better balance. By identifying mobility restrictions and associated tensions, it becomes possible to prevent symptom aggravation and gently restore lasting comfort.

Cervical pain

Localized neck pain, often caused by poor posture, muscle tension, or repetitive movements.

Symptoms:

  • Stiffness and limited neck movement

  • Pain in the neck, sometimes radiating to the shoulders

  • Sensation of heaviness or constant tension

  • Discomfort worsened after prolonged posture or effort

cervical pain

Torticollis

Acute neck stiffness, typically occurring suddenly, often triggered by a wrong movement or poor sleep posture.

Symptoms:

  • Acute neck stiffness, typically occurring suddenly, often triggered by a wrong movement or poor sleep posture

  • Intense pain on one side of the neck

  • Inability to turn the head normally

  • Sensation of muscle spasm

  • Pain worsened by any movement

torticollis

Cervicobrachial neuralgia

Cervical pain associated with nerve irritation, radiating to the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand.

Symptoms:

  • Electric or shooting pain radiating down the arm

  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers

  • Possible muscle weakness in the arm

  • Pain worsened by prolonged sitting

neuralgia

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headaches, caused by tension or loss of mobility in the neck.

Symptoms:

  • Pain starting from the neck and radiating upwards to the head

  • Sensation of pressure on one side of the skull

  • Associated cervical stiffness

  • Pain worsened by neck movements

cervicogenic headache

Relieve neck pain with osteopathy

Neck pain, or cervical pain, is common and can occur as a result of prolonged stress, poor posture at work, a shock, or a sudden movement. These cervical tensions can quickly affect head mobility, cause headaches, dizziness, or radiating pain to the shoulders and arms. Osteopathy offers a holistic and personalized manual approach to relieve these pains by identifying restricted areas and correcting the mechanical imbalances causing discomfort.

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After a comprehensive evaluation, the osteopath focuses not only on the cervical spine but also on related structures: the base of the skull, the jaw, the upper back, the shoulders, and even overall posture. The goal is to restore mobility to the tissues, relax contracted muscles, and improve local circulation.

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Depending on the type of pain, its intensity, and the context (professional, emotional, or postural), the treatment can involve various corrective approaches such as:

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  • Cervical and thoracic vertebral mobility

  • Relaxation of suboccipital muscles and trapezius muscles

  • Jaw work if involved

  • Work posture and daily movements

  • Breathing and stress management

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This approach aims not only to relieve pain but also to prevent recurrences by making you an active participant in your well-being.

Some practical advice

🧘‍♀️ Gently mobilize the neck

Performing small slow movements of rotation, tilting, or flexion of the neck helps release tension. Repeat them several times throughout the day, never forcing or causing pain.

🪑 Adjust your work posture

Ensuring that the screen is at eye level and the back is well-supported helps reduce cervical tension. The shoulders should remain relaxed and low during the activity.

🛌 Improve your sleeping position

Sleeping on your back or side with a suitable pillow helps maintain proper cervical alignment. Avoid pillows that are too high or too soft, as they can misalign the neck.

🧊 Apply heat or cold

For recent or inflammatory pain, use cold. If the pain is related to muscle tension, apply a local heat source to relax the muscles.

🌬️ Breathe deeply

Slow, abdominal breathing exercises help relax the neck and shoulder muscles. Regular practice promotes overall relaxation of the upper body.

🌬️ In addition

Discover our full article 'How to Relieve Neck Pain on Your Own. Practical Tips and Key Reminders'

Frequently asked questions

  • back pain

    Cervical pain can be caused by prolonged improper postures, muscle tension, minor trauma (such as a wrong movement), or stress, which promotes neck muscle stiffness.

  • Abdominal pain

    Cervical pain often presents as neck stiffness, radiating pain to the shoulders or arms, headaches, or discomfort when rotating or tilting the head.

  • Stomach pain

    It is advisable to consult if the pain persists for several days, is accompanied by tingling, muscle weakness in an arm, or if there is severe pain following a shock or accident.

  • Relief exercises

    Osteopathy helps reduce muscle tension, restore cervical mobility, and improve postural balance. It offers a holistic approach, also considering stress and broader body imbalances.

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