Neck pain, also known as cervical pain, is discomfort felt in any component of the neck. The neck consists of vertebrae (the stacked bones of the spine) and the cartilaginous discs that cushion them, plus muscles, ligaments, nerves, and more. Pain can develop in this area for a number of reasons, so it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact cause. Sports activity, prolonged use of the upper arm and shoulder muscles, or even sleeping the wrong way can lead to muscle strain and soreness. Furthermore, whiplash from a car accident, poor posture, tension or stress, and conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc or a narrow spinal canal (spinal stenosis) can all contribute to neck pain.
You may have trouble moving your neck when it’s sore, which is typically classified as a stiff neck. Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, shooting pains, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Neck Pain and Degenerative Disc Disease
The intervertebral discs tend to break down over time, particularly in the cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower back) regions, areas of the spine that sustain the majority of the body’s stress. The discs are made up of a strong exterior layer of cartilage, a jelly-like interior, and are approximately 80 percent water. As you mature, the discs slowly dehydrate and the outer layer weakens. Once this occurs, the vertebrae compress discs, sometimes causing the inner disc material to bulge outward. Bulging or herniated discs can result from this condition. If the disc material happens to impinge upon a nerve root or the spinal cord, a condition called neuralgia, or never pain, may occur.
Is Pain Affecting Your Quality of Life?
Conservative treatments, such as rest, exercise, and pain medication may be prescribed by a doctor, but these treatments are not always effective against chronic neck pain. The orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute can provide you with a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan to determine if our minimally invasive procedures may benefit you. Our advanced endoscopic techniques are safe, effective, and are performed on an outpatient basis. Contact?Laser Spine Institute today to learn more.
