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How the Aging Process Can Contribute to Neck Pain

Neck pain can occur at any age, and usually arises because of a strained muscle or sprained ligament associated with an injury or habitual poor posture. However, neck pain also can be produced by degenerative conditions within the cervical spine, which is composed of the seven vertebrae at the top of the backbone. These degenerative conditions are a natural part of aging, during which wear and tear takes its toll on the spinal anatomy.

Conditions Affecting the Cervical Spine

The vertebrae in the neck provide support for the skull and are flexible enough to allow a wide range of head movements. The weight-bearing function and relative mobility of the cervical spine can exacerbate the normal degeneration of the intervertebral discs, facet joints and other anatomical components. Neck injuries also can hasten the degeneration process, as can obesity, weak “core” or abdominal muscles, poor nutrition, smoking and genetic abnormalities. The conditions associated with cervical spine degeneration include:

• Degenerative disc disease – as intervertebral discs deteriorate, they lose water content and elasticity. This can produce conditions such as a herniated disc, thinning disc, bulging disc or bone spurs.
• Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the neural passageways or the spinal canal can occur as a result of bone spurs, bulging discs, thickened ligaments or other anatomical abnormalities associated with the aging process.
• Osteoarthritis – this progressive deterioration of cartilage between bones is incurable and can cause joints to grind.

These cervical spine conditions don’t always produce neck pain. However, when a bone spur or extruded material from a herniated disc interferes with neural activity, pain and other symptoms can arise.

Treating Neck Pain

Neck pain caused by a strain or sprain typically diminishes over time. An ice pack can reduce swelling, while a warm compress or heat pack can encourage blood flow and loosen stiff neck muscles. Symptoms associated with a degenerative condition within the cervical spine also can benefit from hot/cold treatment, as well as pain medication, physical therapy or other conservative methods. However, if chronic neck pain persists after weeks or months of non-surgical treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure utilizing advanced, endoscopic techniques may be able to provide relief

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.