Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common problem, with about one in three people experiencing neck pain once a year. Usually, Las Vegas neck pain is not a severe problem; your neck can hurt due to muscle strain from poor posture like leaning over your computer. However, you should seek medical attention if the pain is accompanied by loss of strength and numbness in your arms or hands. Below are examples of conditions that may cause neck pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down with time. Due to the wear and tear, bones rub against each other upon movement, causing a grating sensation, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. These symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen with time, but they may not be present during the onset. Osteoarthritis can affect joints, but it is common in the spine, knees, hips, and hands. Although joint damage is irreversible, treatment can help slow disease progression, alleviate pain, and improve joint function.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the bony openings along the spine, which can press the nerves traveling through the spine. The narrowing can occur anywhere along the spine, but it is common in the neck and lower back region. Spinal stenosis often causes no symptoms, but if nerves are compressed, you may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Spinal stenosis is associated with osteoarthritis’s wear and tear, which prompts bone spurs formation. These abnormal bones can grow into the spinal canal, limiting the space.

Although spinal stenosis mainly affects people above 50 years, degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis in younger people. For example, spinal stenosis can occur earlier due to trauma or spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

Herniated disc

A herniated disk is a problem with one or more rubbery cushions that sit between each vertebra. The spine has discs that act as shock absorbers; they have a soft jelly-like center called the nucleus and a tough outer membrane called the annulus. As you age, the annulus wears and tears, and some of the core can push through a weak spot or tear in the outer membrane. A herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, but it is common in the lower back. When a disc bulges in the neck region of your spine, you may experience neck pain, numbness, and weakness, in your arms or hands.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain; it is a condition in which age-related wear and tear cause pain, instability, and other symptoms. Almost everyone will exhibit changes in their disc as they age; for example, discs may dry out and become flat, and the annulus may develop tears. Disc degeneration usually progresses with time, but symptoms such as pain may improve given enough time. However, disc degeneration can hasten or lead to the onset of spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis of the spine.

If you have chronic neck pain, book an appointment with your doctor at McNulty Spine for treatment to improve your quality of life.