Cervical syndrome

Cervical syndrome is a term covering several conditions of the cervical (neck) area.

Cervical spondylosis involves degeneration of the cervical vertebrae (the seven bones making up the neck region of the spine). This is basically osteoarthritis of the neck. Cervical spondylitis is inflammation of the synovial joints between the cervical vertebrae. Nerve-roots originating from the neck area may also become irritated. Symptoms may include pain felt from the back of the head to the top of the shoulder blades, pain radiating into the arm, and numbness in the hand. There may also be problems moving the neck.

Treatments may include heat, cervical traction, immobilisation and physiotherapy.

Cervical syndromes are common in people who perform repetitive motions of the shoulder or have to maintain a fixed neck position while making repetitive motions of the hands.