This is neck pain in the cervical region, caused by diseases that produce inflammation of the joints and bones. It is a frequent reason for medical consultations, and according to studies affects around 10% of the population every year.
It is normally associated with medical diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatic polymyalgia and degenerative arthropathies.
The neck pain typically persists even when resting and predominantly at night. It may be associated with disorders in other areas that can serve as warning signs for diagnosing an inflammatory cause: pain in the sacroiliac region, eye affectation in the form of conjunctivitis or uveitis, genital ulcers, canker sores, psoriasis, diarrhea and affectation of other limbs.
Diagnosis is clinical, via questioning and physical examination. It should be confirmed with laboratory analysis, x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, bone scans and/or electromyography.
The underlying disease should be treated. Pain may be managed with the usual analgesics and anti-inflammatories, which may be combined with muscle relaxants to treat associated contractures.
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