Where Does Neck Pain Come From?

When Does Neck Pain Require Surgery?: John Regan, MD: Orthopedic Spine  Surgeon

Neck pain is a common occurrence that many people experience at one point or another. It can be caused by injury, stress, poor posture, and even sleeping in the wrong position. There are countless exercises you could do to relieve neck pain. However, with the help of a neck pain specialist, you can quickly get over your pain and discomfort. In West Orange, NJ, some centers offer specialized neck pain treatment. These teams tailor a solution matching your individual needs. Target a competent West Orange neck pain specialist.

  1. Cervical Herniated Discs  

A cervical herniated disc is a condition in which the outer part of the spinal disc ruptures, allowing the inner gel-like material to escape outside the disc’s exterior wall. This common neck injury is usually caused by a sudden impact or trauma to the neck region and can also arise by long-term stress on the spine that weakens the disc’s outer wall.

Several exercises can help relieve the symptoms of a cervical herniated disc. One simple exercise is to gently stretch your neck by tilting your head to the left and then to the right.

  1. Cervical Sprain or Whiplash Injury

A cervical sprain is a common injury that can occur when the muscles and ligaments in the neck are overstretched or torn. A sudden impact or trauma usually causes this type of injury to the neck, such as a car accident.

Symptoms of a cervical sprain include neck pain, arm pain, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Several exercises can help relieve the symptoms of a cervical sprain. One simple exercise is to gently stretch your neck by tilting your head to the left and then to the right. Another exercise is to rotate your head from side to side slowly.

  1. Cervical Osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease, is a condition that develops with age.

Its symptoms include neck pain, headaches, and stiffness in the neck area. Several exercises can help relieve the symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis. One simple exercise is to gently stretch your neck by tilting your head to the left and then to the right.

  1. Cervical Facet Syndrome

Cervical facet syndrome is a condition that develops when the small joints in the neck, called facets, become inflamed or irritated. This condition can arise by a combination of age, injury, and stress on the spine.

Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome include neck pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms, headaches, and stiffness in the neck. Several exercises can help relieve the symptoms of cervical facet syndrome.

  1. Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the openings in the spine narrow, limiting the space for the nerves. It can cause neck pain, arm pain, and hand numbness.

Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include neck pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms, headaches, shoulder blade pain, numbness or tingling in the arms and hands, and difficulty walking.

Neck pain is a common occurrence that many people experience at one point or another. It can come from an injury, stress, poor posture, and even sleeping in the wrong position. The causes of neck pain are varied, but some practical exercises help prevent it. Most importantly, see a neck pain specialist.