Cervical syndrome is a general term describing a group of symptoms originating from pathological changes of the cervical spine, without necessarily identifying a specific underlying cause.
It usually includes neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion of the cervical spine. Depending on the structures involved, it may also be accompanied by headache, pain radiating to the shoulder or upper limb, dizziness, and sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness in the hands.
The most common underlying causes include cervical spondylosis, intervertebral disc herniation, muscle overuse due to poor posture, injuries such as whiplash-associated disorders, and, less commonly, inflammatory or neurological conditions.
Cervical syndrome is sometimes classified into subcategories according to the predominant symptoms, such as:
Local cervical syndrome, characterized mainly by localized neck pain and stiffness.
Radicular syndrome, involving nerve root irritation or compression with radiating pain.
Cervicocephalic syndrome, associated with headache and dizziness.
Diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and, when necessary, imaging studies to identify the underlying cause and exclude more serious pathology.
Treatment is usually conservative and includes physical therapy, postural correction, medication for pain management, and, when indicated, targeted interventional procedures depending on the cause and severity of symptoms.