What are the symptoms of cervical myofasciitis?

Symptoms of cervical myofasciitis may include neck pain, stiffness, tenderness, and radiating discomfort in the shoulders and back. In severe cases, headaches, dizziness, and arm numbness may also occur. If the symptoms persist for a long time and seriously affect your life, it is recommended to see a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

1. Neck pain and stiffness: The main manifestations of cervical myofasciitis are strain and local inflammation of the neck muscles, which lead to muscle tension, soreness, and limited movement. Patients often feel worse pain when turning their heads, looking up or lowering their heads. In severe cases, they may not be able to maintain a certain posture for a long time due to pain, such as working with their heads down. In terms of treatment, mild pain can be relieved by hot compresses and massages, and care should be taken to avoid long-term fixed postures; if the pain is severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be considered to relieve symptoms.

2. Touch the tender points: Many patients will find muscle swelling or tender points on the back of the neck during palpation, even accompanied by nodules. These areas vary in size, and pressing will increase pain or even cause reflex discomfort, which is called "trigger points". For such symptoms, you can try physical therapy, such as dry needling or shock wave therapy; you can also strengthen neck and shoulder stretching exercises in daily life.

3. Radiating pain and head symptoms: When inflammation spreads to the shoulders and back, patients may feel pain radiating along the shoulders or even arms; some patients may also experience tension headaches or dizziness due to tight neck muscles. Those with radiating symptoms can be treated with local blockade, hormone injections or cervical traction therapy, which needs to be done under the guidance of a doctor.

4 Symptoms related to nerve compression: Severe inflammation in some patients may affect peripheral nerves, inducing numbness or weakness in the fingers. At this time, you should be alert to problems such as cervical spondylosis. If you have such symptoms, you should undergo imaging examinations as soon as possible, and consider surgical treatment to restore nerve function if necessary.

The symptoms of cervical myofasciitis vary from person to person. When neck pain, stiffness, or symptoms related to the shoulders, back, and nerves occur, daily living habits should be improved in a timely manner, such as avoiding long periods of sitting and increasing neck muscle exercises. If symptoms worsen or recur, it is recommended to go to the hospital for treatment and targeted treatment after the cause is identified.