There can be numerous causes of neck pain. Let's explore some of the most common causes.

Structural Misalignment in the neck or other areas of the body

An osteopathic lesion refers to the mechanical misalignment, impaired autonomic innervation, impaired internal organ function, impaired blood supply/detoxification among others that create tension patterns that affect the entire body's balance and structure. What are some of the reasons WHY subluxations develop? Common causes include poor posture, text neck (too much cell phone use) eating an inflammatory diet, injuries, degenerative diseases, stress, repetitive movements, and a sedentary lifestyle. In our clinic we'll do a thorough examination / analysis to determine WHERE subluxation is and the impact it's having on your health.

Muscle Strain & Ligament Sprain

A neck sprain or strain can happen suddenly OR can develop slowly over time from repetitive movements or bad posture during work and daily activities. Strains occur when a muscle is stretched too far and partially tears, damaging the muscle itself. Sprains happen when over-stretching and tearing affects ligaments, which connect the bones together. For more information on treating overstretched ligaments, please see the regenerative medicine section.

Herniated Disc

The center of a cervical disc is like jelly & can break through the tough outer layer and irritate the nerve root(s). The herniated portion of the disc is full of proteins that cause inflammation when they reach a nerve, and inflammation as well as nerve compression cause excruciating pain. The disc wall is also supplied by nerve fibers, and a tear through the wall can cause severe pain. A herniated disc can compress an exiting spinal nerve root, or it can compress the central spinal canal. Weakness and overstretching of the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together around the disc (from whiplash or other injury) cause too much motion, too much stress on the discs and predispose to worsening disc problems and bone spurs.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As people age over time, discs lose hydration and wear down and spinal ligaments become more loose. As the disc loses hydration / water, it cannot resist forces as well, and without the protection of strong ligaments the disc wall may develop tears and cause pain or weakening that can lead to a herniation. The disc can also collapse and contribute to spinal stenosis of the central canal or neuroforaminal stenosis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the disc and facet joints. It consists of narrowing joint space, bone spurs and cyst formation in the bones. It causes pain, inflammation, instability, and stenosis to a variable degree. Spinal degenerative osteoarthritis is associated with aging and is slowly progressive. It is also referred to as degenerative joint disease.

Trauma

Fractures or dislocations of the spine can lead to pain. Neck pain that develops after a trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall, should be medically evaluated immediately.