It’s a well-known fact that our bones are what supplement our movements. Because of this, people are encouraged to strengthen their bones by increasing their calcium intake. However, there are times when our bones are weak, which leads to pain in certain areas. One perfect example of this is the neck.
Neck pain can occur due to injury, age, pressure, whiplash, or even poor posture in general. It can also be caused by various other factors, such as underlying conditions. What’s even worse about neck pain brought about by the latter is that you may never know that it’s there until it becomes severe. For this reason, one must be aware of the conditions that can cause neck pain. These include:
#1 – Cervical Herniated Disc
This condition is where a disc bulges out of its normal position in the vertebrae. The herniated disc can cause various symptoms in the neck pain and pain shooting down the arm. These symptoms include:
- Pain or tingling in the shoulder
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Sensitivity to light and noises
- Severe neck pain
- Spontaneous vomiting
The latter is most common for those with herniated discs who never experience pain. Any of these symptoms may be caused by a severe medical condition, so one must seek medical attention to ensure that there are no signs of a more severe condition.
#2 – Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
This is a condition where the discs in the spine become thinner and less elastic over time. This condition can be associated with various other conditions, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
However, degenerative disc disease can also be caused by the aging process. This condition usually causes neck pain or shooting down the arm, but some people have no pain at all. This is because degenerative disc disease usually goes hand in hand with other degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
#3 – Cervical Osteoarthritis
This condition is also known as degenerative arthritis. It’s a type of joint disease with various symptoms, such as stiffness, pain, and swelling. Some people experience no pain at all but experience a lot of the other symptoms. This is primarily because of the mechanism that causes osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, and even the neck.
Additionally, cervical osteoarthritis may be caused by degenerative disc disease, but it’s not often caused by disc disease. This is because the discs in the neck are structurally different from those in the lower back.
#4 – Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy
Cervical stenosis is a spinal canal narrowing caused by the vertebrae compressing the spinal cord. It can be caused by degenerative disc disease, but various other conditions can also cause it. If a person has stenosis, it can lead to compression of the spinal cord and cause it to have trouble sending messages to the brain.
The signs of cervical stenosis with myelopathy usually include limb weakness and difficulty walking. In more severe cases, it can lead to:
- Paralysis of the limbs
- Loss of balance
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Loss of the ability to speak
- Loss of muscle power
- Loss of sensation in the limbs
#5 – Cervical Foraminal Stenosis
This condition is caused by spinal cord compression in the foramen. It’s also known as foraminal stenosis, a degenerative disc disease that usually causes this condition. Still, it can also be caused by some of the other conditions mentioned above.
Foraminal stenosis can cause arm pain, including in the hands, wrists, and fingers. This condition can cause mild and temporary discomfort, but if it worsens, it can lead to numbness, tingling, and loss of strength in the arms. Additionally, there can be a burning sensation and a loss of feeling.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of conditions that can cause neck pain. Some of these conditions are benign, while some are more serious. The most important thing is to know what the conditions are because many can lead to serious health issues, especially if they are left untreated.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Vestavia, Voyage Family Chiropractic is the place for you! We use comprehensive chiropractic treatment to ensure your body is in optimal condition, all for affordable prices. Simply go to our website to book an appointment!
