Neck pain

Neck pain is a symptom that is difficult to define, as there are multiple causes. The specific cause can also be difficult to diagnose, as pain can develop in any part of the neck, including the muscles, bones, and nerves.

Causes

You may wake up in the morning with a stiff neck after falling asleep with your head in an awkward position. Maybe you pushed too hard during that last workout session and can’t seem to get rid of the kink. Whiplash, a neck condition that develops after the abrupt snapping of the head backwards or forwards, can appear following a rear-end car accident.

The causes of neck pain are varied and can include simple muscle strains, or headaches. Degenerative disc disease in the cervical region (neck) can also be a catalyst for pain as well. As we age, the cushiony discs of cartilage between the vertebrae begin to weaken. This breakdown may occur as discs dehydrate and begin to bulge into the spinal canal, a condition known as a bulging disc. A herniated disc may develop if the tough outer wall of the disc cracks open, allowing the gel-like inner layer to ooze out. Either of these conditions may impinge upon the cervical nerves or the spinal cord and cause pain. Osteoarthritis (the pain and stiffness associated with cartilage breakdown between the spinal joints), bone degeneration, bone fracture, bone spurs (osteophytes), and spinal stenosis are other conditions that can all cause nerve compression leading to neck pain.

Related Symptoms

Symptoms that can accompany neck pain include:

• Muscle spasms, soreness or stiffness
• Pain
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Dizziness

Treatment

There are many instances in which neck pain can interfere with your everyday life, but simple treatments may alleviate your symptoms. You should always consult with your physician before beginning any treatment plan. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and epidural injection medications might temporarily relieve pain. Your doctor may recommend therapeutic massage or exercises. If conservative treatments like these haven’t quelled your pain, contact the orthopedic specialists at Laser Spine Institute to learn if our minimally invasive procedures are right for you.