Understanding Cervical Pain: What Young Professionals Need to Know

By: Dr. Sourabh Chachan

Dec 31, 2024

Cervical pain is becoming more common among young professionals, especially those who spend a lot of time on computers or mobile phones. Many people with neck pain, upper back pain, and stiffness are told they have cervical spondylosis. However, for people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, this is often not the right diagnosis. Let’s look at why this happens and discover the real cause of these symptoms.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a condition that happens with age, where the small joints in the neck, known as facet joints, begin to wear out. These joints help control neck movement and, like other joints in the body, can develop arthritis as we get older. However, the body’s healing abilities usually prevent symptoms from showing up until after the age of 55 or 60. For younger adults, sitting for long periods at a desk or stress rarely causes cervical spondylosis unless there’s a history of injury or infection.

The Real Cause: Trapezitis

If it's not cervical spondylosis, what could be causing these symptoms in young people? The answer is often trapezitis. Unlike cervical spondylosis, which affects the joints and discs, trapezitis is a problem with the muscles. The trapezius muscle is a large muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the shoulders and down the back. This muscle is important for moving the neck and shoulders and helps maintain good posture.

Overuse, poor posture, or lack of care can lead to fatigue and inflammation of the trapezius muscle, resulting in symptoms such as:

Neck pain and stiffness
Upper back pain
Shoulder discomfort
Difficulty in neck and shoulder movements

These symptoms mimic those of cervical spondylosis, leading to frequent misdiagnoses.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Getting the right diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. If trapezitis is confused with cervical spondylosis, it can result in incorrect treatment and continued pain. Unlike joint issues, trapezitis needs treatment that focuses on taking care of the muscles. Treating the actual cause can provide lasting relief.

Best Treatment for Cervical Pain

For young people experiencing neck pain due to trapezitis, the following steps are usually helpful:

Ergonomic Adjustments: Make sure your workstation is arranged to support good posture. Use a chair with back support and adjust your screen so that it's at eye level.
Exercise and Stretching: Do exercises regularly to make your trapezius muscle stronger and improve your flexibility.
Physical Therapy: A cervical pain expert, Dr. Sourabh Chachan, can guide you through specific therapies tailored to your condition.
Lifestyle Changes: Incorporate regular breaks during long hours of work to reduce muscle strain.
Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants, prescribed by a medical professional, can help alleviate acute symptoms.

If you have cervical pain, especially as a young professional, don’t immediately think it’s cervical spondylosis. The cause is often trapezitis, which can be treated effectively with the right care. Consult cervical pain expert Dr. Sourabh Chachan for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to you.

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