Neck Pain

Also known as “cervical radiculopathy,” a pinched nerve in the neck usually occurs when a disc places pressure on a nerve, or a nerve is otherwise irritated. Pinched nerves in the neck may cause pain or numbness that extends into the shoulder or further down the arms.

Sometimes referred to as a “bulging disc,” or “ruptured disc,” a herniated disc in the neck occurs when a cervical disc places pressure on the spinal nerves. This pressure can cause weakness, numbness, or pain in the neck, shoulder, or arms. Cervical disc herniation is one of the most common causes of neck pain, and may occur from a gradual degeneration of a cervical disc, or an acute injury.

When the neck moves suddenly beyond its normal range of motion, the tendons, ligaments, and muscles overstretch, causing whiplash. A whiplash injury most often occurs from rear-end motor vehicle collisions. This injury results in mild to severe pain in the neck and shoulders.

A strain is commonly referred to as a “pulled muscle.” Neck sprains are the result of overstretched or torn ligaments, while neck strains are the result of overstretched or torn tendons or muscles.

Often referred to as a “broken neck,” or a “cervical fracture,” neck fractures result from a fracture in one or more of the cervical vertebrae. Spinal and neck fractures should be treated immediately at the nearest emergency room.

Severe headaches, fever, and a stiff neck are common symptoms of viral, parasitic, fungal, and bacterial meningitis. Meningitis neck pain is caused by the swelling/infection of the meninges.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens the bones, including the vertebrae bones. In the neck, the weakened cervical vertebrae may collapse from normal wear and tear or slight injuries, resulting in compression fractures or pinched nerves.

The cause of this disorder is unknown, but symptoms include widespread muscle pain in areas such as the knees, buttocks, lower back, elbows, shoulders, and neck.

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae thin due to normal wear and tear, which can stiffen movements and result in pain or weakness, or numbness if a nerve is pinched.

Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can form lumps in or around the cervical vertebrae. Neck tumors may or may not be painful, but require prompt medical care.

Cervical spondylosis, also known as “cervical osteoarthritis,” results from normal wear and tear, overuse, and aging. In the neck, osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage between the cervical vertebrae to deteriorate, causing the vertebrae to rub against each other, which leads to pain, stiffness, inflexibility, and potential muscle spasms.

Often referred to as “cervical spinal stenosis,” this common spinal condition occurs when the neck’s cervical vertebrae begin to narrow. This narrowing of the cervical vertebrae may be caused by trauma, normal wear and tear, or degenerative discs. Symptoms include pinched nerves that may cause discomfort, pain, numbness weakness in the arms, and even difficulty walking.

Commonly referred to as “R.A.,” this chronic autoimmune disorder is characterized in the neck by inflammation and damage to the cartilage in the cervical vertebrae. This can lead to swelling, stiffness, bone erosion, and pain, which may be disabling.