Cervicalgia (neck pain) is characterized by neck pain, stiffness, tightness or soreness from the base of the skull to the bottom of the neck. Pain may also radiate to the upper back between the shoulder blades. Pain may be associated with a head tilt or rotation and neck movements will usually increase the pain.
Neck pain is commonly caused by inflammation of the facet joints or the vertebral disc. Most acute cases of neck pain are an exacerbation of a chronic condition; however, sudden onset of neck pain without a history of trauma
is common. Cervicalgia may be associated with poor posture, trauma, joint misalignment, or weakness of the neck stabilizing musculature.