Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)

Given the neck, or cervical spine, is composed of vertebrae from the base of the skull to the upper torso, it ecompasses a wide range of mobility. As a result, the neck is less protected than the lower back and therefore, more susceptible to injury and disorders involving the soft tissues, bones, and/or spinal discs. This can then lead patients to experience neck, or cervical, pain and limited mobility. 

Orthopedic disorders, like cervical disc degeneration, or spondylosis, cervical disc herniation, cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spinal stenosis, and cervical foraminal stenosis, can all play a role in neck pain. The other major contributing factor to consider is accident-related injuries, which can cause hyperextension or hyperflexion, when the neck extends too far back or forward, respectively. Injuries can involve the muscles or ligaments, but can also involve a fracture or dislocation, and in the most severe instances, risk damage to the spinal cord and potentially lead to disability or paralysis. 

To properly treat neck pain, extensive diagnostic testing must be conducted to identify the root cause. Depending on the underlying issue, nonsurgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy and rest, may be all that is needed. However, in more severe or chronic cases, surgical treatment may be recommended, such as removing a damaged disc or any fragments that may be placing painful pressure on the nerves, stabilizing the spine, or decompressing the spinal cord. Surgical treatment options include cervical fusion, cervical artificial disc replacement, and posterior cervical fusion.