The cervical spine is capable of handling a great deal of stress. That notwithstanding, a myriad of degenerative changes can occur in the vertebrae and discs. As a result, you will experience neck pain and other symptoms. If you need treatment for neck pain in Shrewsbury, contact the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine providers for expert evaluation and treatment.
What is Neck Pain?
Neck pain and other symptoms resulting from a cervical (neck) spine disorder are very common complications for adult Americans. The cervical spine or neck comprises seven vertebrae held apart by shock-absorbing intervertebral discs and supported by muscles and ligaments. They also have a rich composition of spinal nerves and nerve roots.
When painful, it’s often due to reaction signals conveyed throughout your body. These signals get sent from the pain source through spinal cord nerves and into the brain, interpreted as pain. Besides causing neck pain, problems originating from the cervical spine may trigger pain and other painful symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness that extends into the shoulders, hands, and arms.
Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain
Acute pain is often described as sharp and severe. It comes suddenly but improves with time and short-term conservative treatment, including exercise, medication, physical therapy, and rest. Chronic pain is frequently felt as an intense aching, dull, or burning pain. It can be accompanied by tingling, numbness, and weakness that extends into the extremities. Chronic pain tends to linger longer and is unresponsive to conservative care.
Causes
The intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are very crucial for normal mobility and neck function. Over time, genetics, age, and daily wear-and-tear can cause deterioration of these discs, which act as cushions for your vertebrae.
Each disc comprises two parts:
· Nucleus pulposus- the soft, gel-like center of the disc
· Annulus fibrosus- A strong, fibrous outer ring that surrounds and safeguards the nucleus pulposus.
With time, intervertebral discs can get dried out, compressed, or suffer damages due to genetics, age, and everyday wear and tear. If this happens, the nucleus pulposus might push through the annulus fibrosus. Moreover, disc degeneration may cause bone spurs, also known as osteophytes or spinal stenosis.
If disc or bone material happens to push into or encroaches on a nearby nerve root or spinal cord, it may culminate in numbness, pain, weakness, muscle spasms, and loss of coordination. These effects may appear at the damage site or elsewhere within the body since most nerves, including the chest, arms, legs, and abdomen, pass from the brain through the neck.
These mitigating symptoms and conditions that cause them are collectively known as degenerative disc disease when the situation becomes chronic over time. However, similar symptoms may occur suddenly if the disc nucleus dislodges acutely, causing nerve root compromise in a condition referred to as a herniated disc.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If you witness neck pain, talk to your doctor about viable treatment options. Your key to relief involves identifying your neck pain’s cause, relieving the pain at home or with your physician’s guidance, and avoiding re-injury.
Bottom Line
Living with neck pain can be disruptive and stressful. If you want to experience lasting relief from neck pain and other symptoms, the providers at The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine can help. Call the offices to speak to a provider or schedule your appointment online.