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28th Mar 2022
Chronic neck discomfort can range from a dull ache to a shock-like sensation that travels down the arm and becomes incapacitating. When neck discomfort lasts for more than three months or recurs frequently, it is considered chronic.
Cervical spondylosis is a term that refers to spinal deterioration in the neck. Cervical spondylosis can cause the following symptoms:
Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is caused when the intervertebral discs lose height and flexibility as they lose moisture over time. This degenerative process could produce pain in the disc and/or compression of surrounding nerves.
When the protecting cartilage in a facet joint begins to wear away, the bone begins to grind against bone. Bone spurs (osteophytes) can form in the joint, causing it to become inflamed and painful.
When the outer layer (annulus fibrosus) of the disc splits, a jelly-like substance from the inner layer (nucleus pulposus) flows into the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). Inflammation and pain may result from the leaking. When the rupture is severe enough, the inflammatory proteins in the inner layer of the disc can flow entirely out of the disc and onto a nearby nerve root.
The intervertebral foramen, the bone aperture where the nerve root exits the spinal canal, narrows in this disorder. Disc degeneration, ligament thickening, and/or bone spurs can all contribute to this constriction. Cervical radicular discomfort (arm pain) and/or cervical radiculopathy (arm numbness and/or paralysis) can occur when a cervical nerve root is crushed.
Central stenosis of the cervical spine. The spinal canal in the neck narrows as a result of this disorder. This problem can be caused by disc degeneration, ligament thickness, and/or bone spurs, just like cervical foraminal stenosis. When the spinal cord in the neck is compressed, it can induce discomfort and/or cervical myelopathy (numbness, weakness, and/or reflex difficulties) anywhere under the level of compressions, such as in the arms and legs.
The discs, joints, muscles, ligaments, bones, and/or other tissues in the neck may be damaged by excessive force from a collision or fall. Here are a few examples:
While most neck pain goes away after an acute injury heals, it can sometimes remain and become chronic.
When the ears are directly over the shoulders, the chest is open, and the shoulders are back, the cervical spine is in a neutral position. Additional stress is placed on the cervical spine's joints, discs, and muscles when the head slips forward, such as while slouched at a computer desk or staring down at a tablet. According to one study, every inch of forward head posture adds ten pounds of weight to the cervical spine.
Chronic neck pain has been linked to a lack of movement and bad posture. Forward head posture can potentially aggravate other problems such as degenerative disc degeneration and/or cervical osteoarthritis.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, discomfort, and exhaustion, and it is difficult to diagnose. Tender spots in the neck and upper back are prevalent in fibromyalgia patients.
Achy muscles and connective tissues (myofascial tissues) are part of this illness. In the neck, trigger points are likely to form. When a trigger point in the neck is touched, it can become inflamed and send pain to the head or upper back.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips over the one below it. Vertebral fractures, ligament laxity, and/or severe disc degeneration can all lead to spondylolisthesis.
