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4 Common Neck Pains: Know the Facts to Prevent Them.
Furthermore, severe impact injuries to the neck are a significant factor that can damage the cervical spine and nerves in the area, leading to long-term consequences for quality of life.
Before we learn about these common ailments, let's look at the importance of the cervical spine.
The cervical spine is a vital structure connecting the head and torso. It consists of seven vertebrae, lined up from the base of the skull to the shoulders, supporting the weight of the head (approximately 4-6 kilograms) and allowing for head movement in many directions, such as bending forward, backward, turning left and right, and rotating. It also protects the spinal cord and nerves that control the function of the arms, hands, and neck muscles.
Due to its small yet complex structure, comprising joints, intervertebral discs, and nerves, the cervical spine is crucial. Without proper care and protection, it is susceptible to injury and various cervical spine diseases.
1. Cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes in the cervical spine).
This condition is caused by the degeneration of the cervical vertebrae that connect each vertebra. These joints are made of cartilage that reduces friction during movement, but as the joints deteriorate from use, the cartilage lining them may thin, leading to high friction between the vertebrae.
Degeneration of the cervical spine joints can trigger the body's self-repair process, leading to the formation of bone spurs or calcium deposits around the joints. While bone spurs provide stability, in some cases they can compress nerves or the spinal cord. Chronic inflammation or repetitive pressure can also cause calcium deposits around the joints, reducing flexibility and worsening symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical spine joint degeneration.
Patients typically experience pain in the neck, stiffness, or difficulty moving the neck, especially after waking up or after strenuous neck use, such as prolonged sitting or repetitive neck movements. In severe cases, the pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, or hands, and may cause numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of muscle control in those areas, particularly if nerves or the spinal cord are compressed by bone spurs or calcium deposits in the joints.
2. Cervical disc herniation or cervical disc prolapse.
The cervical intervertebral discs, or cervical discs for short, are important components that act as cushions between each cervical vertebra. They help support pressure and provide flexibility for movements such as bending, straightening, or rotating the head. An inner gel core distributes pressure from movement and reduces impact, preventing direct force from affecting the cervical vertebrae.
However, when the cervical intervertebral discs degenerate or rupture, the outer layer of tissue (annulus fibrosus) that surrounds the inner gel core loses its strength and elasticity. This causes the inner gel core to shift or herniate from its original position. This structural imbalance can result in the cervical intervertebral disc compressing the nerves, spinal cord, or nearby tissues.
Cervical disc herniation or cervical disc protrusion.
The symptoms begin with radiating pain from the neck down to the arms or fingertips. Some individuals may also experience numbness or muscle weakness. If the degenerated intervertebral disc compresses near the spinal cord, the symptoms can worsen, affecting movement and the lower nervous system, leading to issues such as impaired bowel control or loss of balance.
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3. Cervical spinal stenosis.
This condition is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal, the space running the entire length of the cervical spine, leading to nerve or spinal cord compression. This is often due to age-related degeneration of the bone and intervertebral discs. Common causes include bone spurs in response to bone friction, disc degeneration and collapse, or herniated discs compressing the spinal canal.
In addition, this condition may also result from congenital bone structural abnormalities or genetic factors that cause abnormally narrow bone canals, increasing the risk of developing the condition at a young age and potentially worsening with age-related degeneration.
Cervical stenosis
When the spinal canal narrows and compresses a nerve or spinal cord, it disrupts nerve signal transmission. Patients often experience neck pain radiating to the arms or legs, numbness, or a tingling sensation along the nerve. Some may also have muscle weakness, difficulty moving, and neck stiffness that prevents them from bending, straightening, or rotating their neck normally.
The diseases mentioned above have similar treatment approaches depending on the symptoms. Treatment usually starts mildly and progresses to more severe methods, ranging from physical therapy and medication to pain injections. However, if surgery is required, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
4. Cervical spine displacement.
Cervical spondylosis is a condition where the cervical vertebrae shift out of their normal position, resulting in structural imbalance. The displacement can occur either anterolisthesis (forward shift) or retrolisthesis (backward shift), depending on the degree of damage to key structures such as facet joints, intervertebral discs, and ligaments that hold the vertebrae in place.
When these structures are damaged or unable to withstand impact and pressure, the bones shift from their original position. This shift can cause pressure on nerves or the spinal cord, affecting the long-term function of the musculoskeletal system.
Cervical spine displacement
Common symptoms include neck pain radiating to the shoulders, upper back, arms, or fingers. If spinal compression occurs, it can have serious consequences, such as loss of balance, bowel and bladder control, or loss of lower body muscle control.
Cervical vertebral displacement differs significantly from cervical disc herniation in terms of treatment, particularly when the vertebrae are misaligned and affect the spinal structure. Treatment often requires surgery to fuse the displaced vertebrae together, restoring spinal stability and function.
Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.
Neck and back pain can be relieved in some cases, such as through massage to release muscle tension from overuse. However, massage cannot correct structural abnormalities of the spine or nerves. If the pain is caused by a serious condition such as a herniated cervical disc, spinal displacement, or spinal stenosis, improper massage or manipulation without medical evaluation may increase the risk of injury.
Therefore, prevention from the start is crucial. This includes adjusting neck usage habits, avoiding prolonged neck bending, and maintaining physical health through appropriate exercise. If any abnormal symptoms appear, consult a specialist doctor promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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