Cervical Spasm Pain

1. Introduction

• Cervical muscle spasm = sudden, involuntary, and painful contraction of neck muscles (commonly upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid).

• Often a protective response to acute strain, poor posture, or underlying pathology (e.g., cervical disc irritation, facet joint dysfunction).

• Very common among office workers, students, and after sudden neck movements.

---

2. Causes / Pathophysiology

• Mechanical: poor posture (forward head, prolonged flexion), sudden neck movement, heavy lifting.

• Stress & fatigue: ↑ muscle tension → trigger spasm.

• Injury: whiplash, cervical sprain/strain.

• Secondary: cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, facet joint irritation.

• Pathophysiology: sustained contraction → reduced blood flow → ischemia → pain → more contraction (vicious cycle).

---

3. Clinical Features

• Sudden or gradual neck pain with tightness.

• Restricted cervical ROM (especially rotation and side-bending).

• Tenderness and palpable taut bands/knots in muscles.

• Pain may radiate to head, shoulder, or scapular area.

• Head may be tilted/rotated to relieve discomfort (“antalgic posture”).

---

4. Assessment

• History: onset (sudden vs gradual), posture, work habits, trauma.

• Observation: head tilt, forward head posture.

• Palpation: tight, tender muscles (UT, SCM, LS).

• ROM: limited and painful (esp. rotation/side-flexion).

• Special Tests (if needed to rule out): Spurling’s (radiculopathy), Distraction test.

• ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  

  🔹protocol of treatment