Neck Pain (Cervical Pain) Treatment in Gurgaon, India
What is Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
Neck pain, or cervical pain, refers to the discomfort or stiffness located in the area of the spine just beneath the head. This region, known as the cervical spine, supports the weight of the head and allows for a wide range of motion. When muscles, ligaments, or nerves in this area become irritated or injured, it can lead to persistent pain or restricted mobility.
Cervical pain is common with individuals with extended screen time, poor posture, and sedentary routines. While neck pain can occur at any age, it is more common in people aged 40 to 50 years. That said, even younger patients can also exprience the cervical paindue to poor posture and excessive screen use. Cervical pain can range from mild discomfort to sharp, radiating pain and may be short-lived or chronic.
What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
Cervical pain symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Recognizing these early can help you seek prompt neck pain treatment and avoid complications.
Persistent stiffness or soreness in the neck
A constant dull ache or tightness around the neck muscles can signal underlying strain or inflammation. This discomfort may worsen after long hours of screen use or poor posture.
Pain that worsens with movement
Neck pain often intensifies when turning the head, looking up or down, or maintaining certain positions. It can interfere with everyday tasks like driving or sleeping.
Sharp or stabbing pain in the neck
This type of pain usually indicates nerve involvement or acute injury, such as a pinched nerve or a sudden muscle strain.
Pain radiating to shoulders, arms, or upper back
If the pain extends beyond the neck, it could be a sign of nerve compression or disc problems in the cervical spine. This radiating pain is often accompanied by tingling or numbness.
Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck and travel upward, often triggered by tension or irritation in the upper cervical spine.
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms
These symptoms may suggest nerve impingement or a herniated disc affecting the nerves that travel from the neck to the arms.
Muscle spasms in the neck area
Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions can cause pain and restrict movement. Spasms often occur after strain or due to poor posture.
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty moving your neck freely in different directions is a common sign of cervical stiffness or injury. It can impact daily routines and quality of life.
What Causes Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
There are several neck pain causes, ranging from poor posture to more serious spinal conditions. Primary neck pain can be caused due to the following reasons:
Poor posture from prolonged screen use
Spending long hours looking down at smartphones, tablets, or computers can put undue stress on the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Over time, poor posture can lead to chronic discomfort and stiffness in the cervical spine.
Muscle strain, especially from overuse
Straining the muscles in the neck from activities such as lifting heavy objects, poor sleep posture, or repetitive motions can cause soreness and stiffness. Overuse without adequate rest can exacerbate the discomfort, leading to muscle spasms and tension.
Injuries, such as whiplash from car accidents
Whiplash occurs when the neck is jerked suddenly, often from a rear-end collision. The force of this movement can damage the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck, resulting in acute pain and restricted mobility.
Herniated discs or pinched nerves
A herniated disc happens when the gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes out, pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to sharp pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the arms. Pinched nerves from bulging discs are also a common cause of cervical pain.
Degenerative disc disease
As people age, the spinal discs that cushion the vertebrae in the neck begin to deteriorate. This degeneration can cause pain, inflammation, and reduced flexibility in the cervical spine, leading to chronic discomfort.
Osteoarthritis in the cervical spine
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints of the neck wears down over time. This can result in bone spurs, stiffness, pain, and limited movement, as the joints become inflamed and less mobile.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to aging or degenerative changes. This condition can compress the nerves in the neck, causing pain, tingling, and numbness that can extend to the arms and hands.
Infections or tumors (rare but serious causes)
Although rare, infections or tumors in the cervical spine can lead to severe pain, swelling, and neurological symptoms. These conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
What are the Risk Factors of Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
Certain lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk of developing cervical pain. Knowing these risk factors can help you take preventive measures.
Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles that support the neck and spine, making you more vulnerable to strain and pain. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to poor posture and reduced spinal flexibility.
Prolonged computer or mobile phone use
Extended screen time, especially with the head tilted forward (often called "tech neck"), increases pressure on the cervical spine. This posture overloads the neck muscles and ligaments, leading to chronic discomfort.
Improper workstation setup, such as a monitor placed too low or an unsupported chair, can force the neck into awkward positions for long hours. This misalignment leads to cumulative strain and pain over time.
A history of whiplash, falls, or sports injuries can weaken the cervical spine or cause lingering instability. These injuries may predispose individuals to recurring pain or increased sensitivity in the neck region.
Natural aging leads to degeneration of spinal discs and joints, decreasing flexibility and increasing the likelihood of cervical conditions like arthritis and spinal stenosis.
Smoking (impairs spinal disc health)
Smoking restricts blood flow to spinal tissues, accelerating disc degeneration and delaying healing. It also increases inflammation, which can exacerbate neck pain over time.
Stress (causes muscle tension)
Emotional and mental stress often causes unconscious clenching of the neck and shoulder muscles. This chronic tension leads to stiffness, pain, and even tension headaches originating from the neck.
When to Consult a Doctor for Neck Pain?
While many cases of neck pain resolve with home care, certain signs and persistent symptoms can increase the risk of complications. Consult the doctor for neck pain treatment if:
Pain persists for more than a week
If neck pain doesn’t improve after a few days of rest, stretching, or over-the-counter medication, it may indicate a deeper issue that needs medical evaluation and targeted treatment.
Pain radiates to arms or legs
Pain that spreads beyond the neck to the shoulders, arms, or legs could suggest nerve compression or a herniated disc. This often requires imaging tests and a more specialized approach to treatment.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs
These neurological symptoms could signal nerve damage or spinal cord involvement. Prompt medical attention is needed to prevent permanent nerve impairment.
Severe headaches along with neck pain
Intense headaches that start at the base of the skull or accompany neck pain may be a sign of cervicogenic headaches or other serious conditions like meningitis or high blood pressure.
Loss of bladder or bowel control (medical emergency)
Sudden loss of control over bladder or bowel function, combined with neck pain, could point to spinal cord compression. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
Neck pain following trauma or accident
Any pain after an accident, fall, or impact injury should be taken seriously. It could indicate fractures, ligament tears, or whiplash, and early evaluation helps prevent further complications.
How is Neck Pain (Cervical Pain) Diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose cervical pain, doctors use a combination of physical exams and imaging tests. The goal is to determine the underlying cause and rule out serious conditions.
The doctor examines your neck's flexibility, checks for areas of tenderness, and tests the reflexes and muscle strength. This helps identify muscle strain, nerve involvement, or signs of spinal instability.
X-rays to detect bone issues like arthritis or spinal misalignment
X-rays provide clear images of the bones in your cervical spine. They are useful for spotting fractures, bone spurs, signs of arthritis, and abnormal spinal alignment that may be causing pain.
MRI scans to check for soft tissue injuries or herniated discs
MRI imaging gives detailed visuals of soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves. It is particularly effective for identifying herniated discs, nerve compression, or inflammation.
CT scans for detailed imaging of bones and tissues
CT scans combine multiple X-ray images to produce cross-sectional views of the neck. They offer more detailed bone imaging than standard X-rays and can help detect spinal stenosis, fractures, or tumors.
EMG (Electromyography) to evaluate nerve function
An EMG measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves, helping doctors determine if nerve roots in the cervical spine are being compressed or damaged, especially in cases of numbness or weakness.
If an infection or autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, blood tests can detect markers of inflammation, infection, or immune system abnormalities that may be contributing to neck pain.
What are the Treatment Options for Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
Managing neck pain effectively begins with understanding its root cause and severity. Since cervical pain can range from mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating conditions, the approach to care must be tailored to the individual. A timely and accurate diagnosis helps guide the treatment plan, which may involve a combination of clinical interventions and supportive care strategies. Neck pain treatment methods include the following:
Conservative Treatments
Rest and activity modification
Limiting activities that aggravate neck pain—like long screen time or heavy lifting—allows inflamed tissues to heal and reduces strain on cervical structures.
Hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation
Applying cold packs helps numb sharp pain and reduce swelling, while heat improves blood flow and relaxes stiff muscles.
Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation in muscles and soft tissues.
Prescribed for short-term use, muscle relaxants help ease spasms and stiffness by calming overactive muscles that may be contributing to pain.
Physical Therapy
Exercises to improve flexibility and strength
Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises enhance neck mobility and support the spine, reducing pain over time.
Posture correction techniques
Therapists teach ergonomic adjustments and movement habits to align the spine correctly, relieving stress on the cervical region.
Manual therapy and neck traction
Hands-on techniques and traction devices gently mobilize joints and stretch soft tissues, relieving nerve pressure and muscle tension.
Medications
Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs
Stronger NSAIDs or corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage moderate to severe inflammation that doesn't respond to OTC medications.
Corticosteroid injections in case of severe inflammation
Injected directly near the inflamed area, corticosteroids offer powerful, targeted relief from nerve or joint pain caused by inflammation.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely needed but may be necessary for:
Herniated disc not responding to conservative care
When a herniated disc continues to compress nerves despite other treatments, surgery such as discectomy may be required to remove the damaged disc.
In cases of severe spinal narrowing that causes neurological symptoms, surgical decompression may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Nerve compression with severe symptoms
If nerve impingement leads to persistent pain, numbness, or muscle weakness, surgical intervention may be essential to restore function and prevent permanent damage.
How Can I Prevent Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)?
Prevention is key, especially for digital-savvy individuals who are prone to neck strain. These preventive steps can help:
Keep your head aligned with your spine instead of leaning forward. Avoid slouching or hunching over screens, as this puts unnecessary strain on your cervical spine and supporting muscles.
Invest in a supportive chair, adjustable desk, and a monitor placed at eye level. Ergonomic setups reduce muscle fatigue and maintain spinal alignment during long working hours.
Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around
Break up long periods of sitting with light stretches or short walks. This keeps your muscles flexible and reduces tension buildup in the neck and shoulders.
Exercise regularly to strengthen neck and back muscles
A consistent fitness routine that includes neck and core strengthening exercises improves posture and provides better support for the cervical spine.
Avoid cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder
This habit can cause muscle strain and joint misalignment. Use a headset or speakerphone instead to keep your neck in a neutral position during calls.
Sleep with proper neck support
Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine. Sleeping on your back or side with the right pillow height can significantly reduce neck strain during the night.
Complications of Prolonged Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
Ignoring cervical pain or delaying treatment can lead to the following complications such as:
Chronic pain which can impact daily activities
Reduced mobility and range of motion
Nerve damage from prolonged compression
Depression and anxiety due to persistent discomfort
Muscle weakness in shoulders and arms
Postural imbalances
Choose Artemis Hospital For Advanced Neck Pain (Cervical Pain) Treatment in Gurgaon
The orthopaedic team at Artemis Hospitals consists of experienced surgeons and specialists with expertise in joint replacements, spine surgeries, sports injuries, and trauma care. Their multidisciplinary approach ensures precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment plans. The team stays updated with the latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, ensuring internationally benchmarked treatments.
The orthopaedic department at Artemis Hospitals provides comprehensive care for a wide range of bone, joint, and musculoskeletal conditions. From common injuries to complex disorders, the hospital offers specialised treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Here are some of the key orthopaedic conditions treated at Artemis Hospitals:
Fractures & Trauma Injuries
Emergency and long-term care for broken bones, dislocations, and ligament injuries.
Arthritis & Joint Disorders
Management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory joint diseases causing pain and stiffness.
Treatment for slipped discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and chronic back pain.
Sports & Ligament Injuries
Comprehensive care for ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, meniscus tears, and tendon injuries.
Paediatric Orthopaedic Conditions
Specialised treatment for congenital deformities such as clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and limb length discrepancies.
To book an appointment with the top orthopaedics in Gurgaon, contact Artemis Hospitals at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Dheeraj Batheja
Consultant - Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Surgery
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cervical pain the same as a neck sprain?
No. Cervical pain is a broader term that includes various causes, while a neck sprain specifically refers to ligament injury.
Can poor sleep posture cause neck pain?
Yes. Sleeping in awkward positions without proper neck support can cause or worsen cervical pain.
Is neck pain on the left side more serious?
Not always. It may be due to posture or muscle strain, but if it's persistent or radiates, medical evaluation is recommended.
Can stress cause cervical pain?
Yes. Stress often leads to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders.
Who is the best orthopedist near me for neck pain treatment?
Artemis Hospitals has some of the best orthopedists in Gurgaon who offer advanced neck pain treatment with a high success rate. To know more, get in touch with us.
Which is the best hospital for neck pain treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals offer effective neck pain treatment in Gurgaon with some of the best neck pain doctors. To know more, contact us to book an appointment with some of the best doctors in Gurgaon.
Whom should I consult for neck pain treatment in Gurgaon?
Consult neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, or pain management specialists for effective neck pain treatment in Gurgaon.
How long does cervical pain last?
Acute neck pain usually resolves within a few days to weeks. Chronic pain may last longer and requires specialized care.
