Neck

A neck sprain happens when the ligaments (bands of muscle) in the neck get torn or stretched too far. This condition usually occurs when the neck suddenly extends beyond its range then forcefully snaps back.

An individual with a sprained neck can feel mild to severe neck discomfort, depending on the size and location of the muscle tear. Fortunately, most cases of neck sprain heal on their own after a few days, especially if partnered with ample rest.

Some of the most common causes of neck sprain include car accidents, contact sports, and traumatic impact with an object.

Cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the neck, which can sometimes travel to the shoulder and arms. This condition occurs when the nerves in the neck get irritated or compressed due to an injury or wear and tear in the spine.

Most people with cervical radiculopathy get better over time without treatment. However, doctors recommend rest, physical therapy, medications, and steroid injections for mild cases of pinched nerves.

Whiplash refers to a neck injury that happens when the head is whipped back and forth abruptly. This sudden movement can cause damage to the soft tissues and muscles in the neck, causing pain and sometimes immobility to the neck.

Whiplash often results from auto collisions, sports, physical abuse, falls, and other physical traumas. Fortunately, this condition can be treated with ample rest, pain medications, physical therapy, icing technique, and by wearing foam collars.

A neck fracture occurs when one or more cervical vertebrae get broken. All neck fractures are considered an emergency situation since it involves damages to the spinal cord, which is directly linked to the brain.

Besides severe pain, a broken neck can cause bruising and swelling in the neck area. In extreme cases, it can lead to spinal cord injury, paralysis, and even death.

Acute injuries may be treated with a cervical brace, while a severe one requires a combination of surgery, traction, and rigid cast.

Neck arthritis refers to a painful condition wherein the cartilage in the neck joints breaks down due to aging or wear-and-tear. As a result, the discs or bones in the neck become stiff and can grind against each other during movement, causing pain and swelling.

Moreover, osteoarthritis can also cause the formation of bone spurs, which can contribute to more pain and discomfort. Mild cases of spondylosis only require conservative treatment options, but severe symptoms may warrant surgical procedures, such as:

• Posterior cervical laminectomy
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Cervical Disc Degeneration can also cause neck pain because the disc acts like a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. People usually develop this after the age of 40. The disc degenerates, and the space between the vertebrae narrows. Also, what could happen is the cervical disc could protrude and cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the disc weakens (herniated cervical disc).

Scoliosis refers to a condition wherein the spine has an abnormal sideways curvature caused by genetics or muscular dystrophy. This disorder can happen anywhere along the spine, but when it develops in the cervical or upper part of the spine, then that's when it can cause mild to severe neck pain.