Neck pain can be debilitating at times and in most cases, it is not a reason for concern or serious pathology. A thorough assessment can diagnose the underlying cause of neck pain or discomfort.
The neck consists of 7 vertebrae. Between each vertebra we have discs that act as shock absorbers. On either side of the vertebrae we have branches of nerves from the spinal cord known as nerve roots and pass from our neck, into our shoulder and provides sensation and movement to the upper arm, forearm, and hand. It is not uncommon to experience symptoms in these areas with neck pain.
Common causes of neck pain include
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Whiplash
- Cervical Spondylosis – Age related changes in the neck
- Postural related neck pain
- Cervical nerve root irritation
- Cervical Disc Degeneration
- Facet Joint Dysfunction