I Call it Cervicalgia But My Son Calls it Nerd Neck

I Call it Cervicalgia But My Son Calls it Nerd Neck

One of the best things about being a parent to a Gen Z child is all the new words and phrases I get to learn. Back in 2020 when schools were closed due to COVID, my son came complaining to me of neck pain. He was only 14 at the time but he was pretty astute. 

Him: "Dad, my neck hurts. I think I have nerd neck"

Me: “What???”

Him: "Yeah, you know how nerds are always sitting in front of computers and their heads start to stick out front? I think it's happening to me."

And for some strange reason, it all made sense to me 🙃

As someone deeply committed to holistic healthcare and pain management, I’ve seen firsthand how cervicalgia—commonly referred to as neck strain—can affect lives. Whether caused by prolonged poor posture, injury, or stress, this condition often creeps into our daily lives without warning. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cervicalgia/neck strain/nerd neck, including its causes, symptoms, demographic data, and a range of treatment options, including the potential benefits of cannabis and CBD. Now, let’s see if we can get that neck straightened out 🤓

What Is Cervicalgia (Neck Strain) and Nerd Neck?

Cervicalgia, or neck strain, refers to pain and stiffness in the cervical spine—the section of the spine in your neck. "Nerd neck" is a colloquial term often used to describe forward head posture (FHP), a common postural issue where the head juts forward and strains the neck muscles. These conditions result from extended periods of poor posture, stress, repetitive motions, or sudden injuries.

The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating, limiting mobility and productivity. Over time, untreated cervicalgia or FHP may lead to chronic pain conditions or spinal degeneration.

Pearls:

• Neck strain accounts for over 30% of chronic musculoskeletal pain complaints worldwide.

• Regular exercise focusing on posture can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing forward head posture.

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Cervicalgia presents with various symptoms, including:

• Pain and stiffness: Especially after prolonged activity or poor posture.

• Reduced mobility: Difficulty turning your head or looking up and down.

• Headaches: Particularly tension headaches originating at the base of the skull.

• Muscle spasms: Tightness and knots in the neck and shoulders.

• Radiating pain: Sometimes extending to the arms or upper back.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical exam, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out serious spinal conditions.

Pearls:

• Forward head posture increases the stress on cervical spine muscles by up to 60%, exacerbating symptoms.

• Electromyography (EMG) tests can detect nerve compression linked to severe cervicalgia.

Demographics: Who Is Affected?

Cervicalgia affects people of all ages and backgrounds but is particularly prevalent among:

• Office workers: Extended screen time leads to poor posture.

• Athletes: Repetitive movements and injuries can strain neck muscles.

• Elderly individuals: Age-related degeneration increases susceptibility.

• Gender differences: Women may experience higher rates of cervicalgia due to ergonomic challenges and hormonal factors.For example, In 2017, the number of neck pain cases in females was 166.0 million (118.7 to 224.8), while for males it was 122.7 million.

• Socioeconomic disparities: Limited access to ergonomic equipment and healthcare often contributes to higher rates in lower-income groups.

Pearls:

• Women are 1.5 times more likely to report neck pain than men.

• Socioeconomic status significantly affects both the prevalence of cervicalgia and access to effective treatments.

Traditional Treatments: Pros and Cons

Common conventional treatments for cervicalgia include:

1. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs provide temporary relief but may cause gastrointestinal side effects with long-term use.

2. Physical therapy: Improves strength and posture but requires a consistent time commitment.

3. Cervical collars: Support the neck during recovery but can weaken muscles if overused.

4. Surgical interventions: Reserved for severe cases but carry risks like infection and extended recovery periods.

Pearls:

• Regular physical therapy is the most effective non-invasive treatment for chronic neck pain.

• Overuse of cervical collars can lead to muscle atrophy, worsening the condition.

Holistic Treatments: Pros and Cons

Many patients turn to holistic approaches for lasting relief. Popular options include:

1. Yoga and Pilates: Strengthen neck and back muscles while improving posture.

2. Chiropractic care: Realigns the spine but may not be suitable for all.

3. Massage therapy: Relieves tension but offers only temporary relief. (PS, Our Da Mas Intimate Oil makes an excellent pain relieving massage oil. Thank me later 😉)

4. Acupuncture: Stimulates pain relief but requires multiple sessions for effectiveness.

Pearls:

• Studies show that acupuncture can reduce neck pain by up to 30% over 12 weeks.

• Yoga not only alleviates neck strain but also reduces stress and anxiety, common contributors to cervicalgia.

The Potential Benefits of Cannabis and CBD

Cannabis and CBD offer promising alternatives for managing cervicalgia by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Here’s how they can help:

• CBD oil: Provides localized relief when applied topically and systemic relief when ingested.

• THC/CBD combination: May offer enhanced pain relief but is subject to legal restrictions.

• Routes of administration:

  • Sublingual tinctures: Quick absorption and effective for immediate pain relief.

  • Topicals: Ideal for localized pain without systemic effects.

  • Capsules: Long-lasting relief but slower onset.

Pearls:

• CBD has shown anti-inflammatory properties in studies, making it effective for musculoskeletal pain.

• The U.S. government holds a patent on cannabis for its neuroprotective properties, highlighting its medical potential.

Rolling It All Up

Fast forward five years and my girlfriend, who happens to spend most of her day in front of a laptop taking video calls, came complaining to me of neck strain.

Me: “Oh, you have nerd neck”

Her: “What did you just say to me??” 🤔

Me: “Oh it’s what the kids are calling neck strain”

Her: 🤨

If you’ve read the entire article, you’ll know that her gender and her work environment are two of the highest risk factors for developing neck pain. Although more prevalent in women, cervicalgia and nerd neck are pervasive conditions that can significantly affect everyone's  quality of life. While traditional and holistic treatments offer various options for managing symptoms, cannabis and CBD represent an exciting frontier in pain management. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially supplements.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. If you’re considering CBD, I encourage you to explore the trusted, safe products available at drdamas.com.

Pearls:

• Cervicalgia is preventable and manageable with the right combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments.

• Incorporating mindfulness practices can further reduce the stress-related components of neck pain.