Neck Pain

Cervical radiculopathy happens when nerve roots in the cervical spine are irritated or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands due to disrupted nerve pathways.

Discogenic neck pain arises from the degeneration of cervical spine discs, commonly due to degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc. While not all degenerated discs cause pain, a disc injury that doesn't heal properly can become highly sensitive.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, often referred to as neck DDD, arises when the intervertebral discs in the neck undergo wear, tear, or arthritic changes. This condition typically emerges with age. While some individuals may experience no symptoms, others can suffer from considerable pain and spinal complications.

Pain from a cervical herniated disc can present as sharp, burning, dull, or aching sensations. This discomfort can occur in the neck, shoulder, arm, forearm, and fingers, and may sometimes radiate down the arm into the hand. Activities like bending or turning the neck, coughing, sneezing, or adopting certain positions can intensify the pain.

Cervical facet arthropathy is characterized by pain in the small facet joints that link the vertebrae in the cervical spine. This discomfort arises when these joints become irritated or inflamed, often due to arthritis, joint compression, or injury. Contributing factors can include poor posture and repetitive stress from activities like lifting heavy loads or frequent overhead motions.

Cervicogenic headaches occur when pain originating in the neck spreads to the head. This pain often presents as a constant ache or dull sensation, although it can occasionally intensify. CGH symptoms typically affect only one side, impacting the neck, head, and/or face.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread joint disorder affecting over 30 million individuals in the United States. It results from the deterioration of hyaline cartilage in fluid-filled joints, impacting the entire joint structure, including the adjacent bone and synovial membrane. Although the hands, hips, and knees are most frequently affected, any joint or bone, including those in the spine, can be susceptible.

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the neck experiences a rapid, forceful back-and-forth movement, similar to the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion can harm the vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles within the cervical spine, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Whiplash is commonly associated with rear-end car collisions but can also result from sports injuries or other types of trauma.