Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)

• Orthopedic conditions – Neck pain can result from orthopedic disorders affecting the cervical spine, with cervical disc degeneration or spondylosis as a leading cause. This natural aging process can result in disc deterioration, occasionally causing protrusions that press on nerves or the spinal cord. This is referred to as a herniated cervical disc, although it is also referred to colloquially as a slipped disc, bulging disc, or ruptured disc. Other conditions that may cause neck pain include cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spinal stenosis, and cervical foraminal stenosis.
• Injuries – Neck injury occurs frequently from hyperextension (when the neck extends backward beyond normal limits) or hyperflexion (forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits). Severe injuries involve fractures or dislocation, which can damage the spinal cord and potentially cause disability or paralysis.

Types of Neck Pain

The most frequent types of neck pain include:

• Axial pain: This neck pain is limited only to the cervical spine. Also known as mechanical neck pain, this type of neck pain is generally acute but does not last a long time.
• Muscle spasms: If this tightening of the neck muscles occurs regularly, the neck pain may result from cervical or spinal disc problems.
• Nerve pain: A pinched nerve, formally known as cervical radiculopathy, is very painful. Such pain occurs not only in the neck but may spread to the lower back and other areas of the spine. There is often a “pins and needles” feeling with a pinched nerve.
• Referred pain: While referred pain is felt in the neck, it actually starts in another part of the body. For instance, headache pain can “refer” to neck discomfort.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of a neck injury are not confined to neck pain and stiffness. Other common neck injury symptoms include:

• Headache
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Limited range of motion
• Arm and shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Jaw pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Some neck pain symptoms are red flags, indicating the need for emergency treatment. These include:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Loss of coordination
• Any form of paralysis

Neck Pain Diagnosis

When making a neck pain diagnosis, the doctor performs a complete physical evaluation and takes a medical history, focusing on when the injury occurred and its causes. Diagnostic tests are run, including X-rays to see if there are any fractures in the neck and CT scans or MRIs to view soft tissue injuries. In addition to the neck, these imaging tests may involve the spinal cord, nerve roots, or discs.

If it is suspected that a pinched nerve is causing neck pain, the doctor will order an electromyography or EMG. This nerve conduction test is designed to show whether nerves are working correctly.

Any sign of fever or infection accompanying the neck pain means a blood test is performed to identify any infectious agents. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment begins.