What’s Causing My Neck Pain?

The neck area, or the cervical spine, features an intricate network of bones, nerves, and muscles that work in harmony to provide movement and sensation. The spine’s complex anatomy leaves it vulnerable to a variety of injuries and degenerative diseases. Here’s a brief overview of a few of the most common conditions.

Bulging and Ruptured Discs

The spine features cushioning discs that exist between each of the vertebrae. These discs are composed of a soft, gel-like core and a tough outer shell. When an injury occurs or strain from years of wear and tear takes its toll, the disc’s core may press against the outer shell, causing it to “bulge” outward and irritate nearby nerve roots or tissues. Eventually, the disc can rupture, forcing its inner contents to leak into the spinal canal.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc degeneration is a natural part of the body’s aging process. While many people only notice mild symptoms, if any at all, some individuals experience more severe neck pain or numbness from nerve compression that results from thinning, shifting discs.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a distinct set of symptoms that occurs following a sudden backward or forward jerking of the head, usually caused by car accidents or collisions in sports.

Osteoarthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis impacts the small joints that connect the vertebrae and facilitate twisting motions. Once the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away, stiffness, pain, and neuropathic symptoms from nerve compression can ensue.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of a portion of the spinal canal as a result of bulging or ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, or a related condition. This narrowing can irritate nerve roots or the spinal canal and trigger numbness, tingling sensations, and shooting pain that may radiate into the shoulders and arms.