What causes Cervicogenic Angina?

Cervicogenic angina, also known as cervical angina or cardiac referred pain from the neck, is a condition where neck pain or dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck region) can cause symptoms that mimic angina or chest pain.

This condition is relatively rare but can be confusing because it can mimic heart-related chest pain.

There are several factors that may contribute to its development but the exact cause of cervicogenic angina is not fully understood. Problems in the cervical spine typically cause Cervicogenic Angina.

Various factors causing Cervicogenic Angina

1. Medical Conditions: Problems such as degenerative changes, cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis (wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae), or cervical nerve compression.
2. Nerve Irritation: The irritation or compression of nerves in the cervical spine can lead to referred pain in the chest and sometimes down the arm, similar to the distribution of pain seen in cardiac angina.
3. Muscle Tension: Muscle tension and spasms in the neck and shoulder region can also contribute to cervicogenic angina. These muscle issues can radiate pain into the chest area.
4. Altered Blood Flow: The pain associated with cervicogenic angina is not caused by a problem with the heart.  However, there may be some impact on blood flow in the chest due to the pain and muscle tension.

It’s essential to differentiate cervicogenic angina from true cardiac angina because the treatment approaches are different. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation to rule out any cardiac-related issues. Our team will be happy to provide a thorough neck health examination once cardiac causes have been ruled out.

We provide a comprehensive treatment approach through our Cervicogenic Angina Relief Program.  This includes manual therapy and exercises to improve neck posture and mobility. The primary goal of treatment is to address the underlying cervical spine issues and alleviate the referred chest pain.

Contact us today!