What are the causes?
Neck pain can result from:
Neck pain can result from:
- Injury or trauma: A significant force can stress the structures of the spine, for example, sports injury, or fall. A fracture including a tear in the muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine. In addition, the discs may bulge or herniate.
- Bulging and herniated disk: The gel-like material within the disc can bulge or rupture through a weak area in the surrounding wall (annulus). Irritation, pain and swelling occur when this material squeezes out and comes in contact with a spinal nerve.
- Pinched nerve: When a spinal nerve is compressed, pain may run down your arm, called radiculopathy.
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative disk disease): As discs naturally wear out, bone spurs form and the facet joints inflame. The discs dry out and shrink, losing their flexibility and cushioning properties. The disc spaces get smaller. These changes lead to stenosis or disc herniation.
- Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal occurs as discs bulge or protrude, facet joints enlarge, and ligaments stiffen over time. As the spinal canal narrows, it compresses the cord and nerves.
read more Neck pain causes by Brain & Spine Surgeon Houston
