Common Neck Related Conditions

A common condition, also known as cervicalgia, can result from various causes, such as cervical joint fixation, injury, poor posture, muscle strain, arthritis, or nerve compression. Neck pain can range from mild to severe and may limit your ability to move your head or shoulders.  

Crepitus: a term that describes the cracking, popping, or grinding sounds that occur in joints. Crepitus can be caused by gas bubbles forming in the joint spaces, or by cartilage damage that makes bones rub against each other. Crepitus is not usually a sign of a serious problem unless it is accompanied by pain, swelling or reduced mobility.  

An injury to the neck that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, such as in a car accident. Whiplash can damage the muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves in the neck and cause symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headache, dizziness, and numbness.

A condition that causes involuntary contraction of the neck muscles, resulting in abnormal twisting or tilting of the head. Torticollis can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (due to infection, trauma, or other factors). Torticollis can cause pain, difficulty turning the head and facial asymmetry. 

Neck strain: An injury to the muscles or tendons that support the neck. Neck strains can occur from overuse or overstretching of the neck muscles or tendons, such as during prolonged computer use or sleeping in an awkward position. Neck strains can cause pain, stiffness, and spasms.  Neck sprain: An injury to the ligaments that connect the bones of the neck. Neck sprains can occur from sudden twisting or stretching of the neck, such as during sports or falls. Neck sprains can cause pain, swelling and reduced range of motion.  

A condition that occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) is compressed or inflamed due to a herniated disc, bone spur, arthritis, infection, tumor, or trauma. Nerve roots are branches of nerves that exit from each level of your spine and carry signals between your brain and body parts. Cervical radiculitis can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of reflexes in your shoulder, arm, or hand.  

A condition that causes pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, chest, arm, and hand. It is caused by compression or irritation of the nerves that run from the cervical spine (neck) to the brachial plexus (a network of nerves in the shoulder). The compression can be due to injury, inflammation, arthritis, spinal joint and or spinal disc problems.    

A condition where a disc between two vertebrae in the neck protrudes out of its normal position and presses on a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord. This can cause pain, inflammation, and nerve damage in the neck and arm.   

A condition where one or more joints in the neck lose their normal range of motion due to injury, inflammation, or degeneration. This can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck and upper back.  

A general term for age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints in the neck. This can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or headaches.  

Small knots of muscle fibers that form in response to stress, injury, or overuse of the neck muscles. They can cause localized pain and tenderness in the affected area as well as referred pain to other parts of the body.