Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Cervical Spasm

Definition:
A sudden involuntary contraction of one or more muscles groups of the cervical spine; includes cramps and contractures.
Symptoms:
  • Pain in the neck
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Muscle weakness or strain
  • Pain or difficulty moving the shoulders or arms
  • Headache
  • Numbness or tingling in the shoulders or arms
Causes:
  • Muscle strain in neck
  • Fatigue
  • Stress, and having tense muscles
  • As the result of a fracture in the cervical spine
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Conditions that degenerate or put pressure on the intervertebral discs
  • Trauma such as a motor vehicle accident
  • Faulty posture
Treatment:
  • Posture program
  • Soft tissue massage
  • ROM and stretching to neck
  • Upper extremity strengthening