Bulged Cervical Discs

A cervical disc is a small, round cushion located between the vertebrae in the neck. Some people experience bulging or herniated cervical discs, which are common spinal issues that often require chiropractic care. These conditions develop when the tough outer layer of the disc breaks down, allowing the soft, gel-like center to push outward and compress a nerve or sensitive area within the spine. Causes of bulging discs include injuries, repetitive physical strain, excess body weight, and poor posture.

Herniated Cervical Discs

Herniated Cervical Discs develop in a similar way to bulging discs, but with one important distinction. In the case of a herniated cervical disc, the outer layer of the disc does not simply break down, it actually tears completely. This allows the soft inner material to push through and put pressure on a nearby nerve or sensitive area. Herniated discs can lead to intense pain that radiates from the neck down into the shoulders and arms. If not addressed, they may also result in widespread weakness in the fingers, hands, and feet.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal column narrows and places pressure on the nerve roots traveling through it. Stenosis most commonly results from the natural aging process, though injuries and other trauma can also make it worse. As the spinal canal becomes smaller, the spinal nerves are more easily compressed, leading to neck pain that typically spreads into the arms. This pain may feel sharp, burning, or tingly. You might also experience numbness or weakness in your fingers or hands.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition that occurs when the discs located between your vertebrae break down over time. It becomes more frequent with age, and many people develop it in their late fifties or sixties. As the discs begin to deteriorate, they shrink and become thinner. This allows them to bulge outward, compress nearby nerves, and cause radiating pain that travels down the arms. In more severe cases of degenerative disc disease, the joint spaces can also narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Muscle Strain

Often associated with neck pain, muscle strain happens when the muscles or ligaments in the neck become overstretched or injured. This can result from repetitive physical activities such as driving, exercising, or typing on a computer. It can also develop following a single traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident, in which the neck muscles are strained in some way. Muscle strain can lead to pinched nerves and cause radiating pain that travels from the neck down the arms and into the fingers.

Tech Neck

Tech neck, also known as computer neck, is a relatively modern condition caused by spending excessive time hunched over a computer or looking down at a phone. It is typically marked by muscle soreness and tightness in the back of the neck and upper shoulders. These symptoms may also be accompanied by headache pain that radiates down both arms, into the hands, or even toward the back of the head. Tech neck can significantly alter the natural structure of the cervical spine and seriously impact posture.

Subluxation

This condition develops when a vertebra in the neck shifts out of its proper position. This misalignment can pinch and irritate nearby nerves and muscles, leading to a range of symptoms, including:

• Intense pain in both the front and back of the neck
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands, or arms
• Weakness affecting the fingers, hands, and arms
• Frequent headaches or migraines

Whiplash

This is among the most frequent causes of neck pain for individuals involved in car accidents, particularly when the incident involves a sudden stop or collision. Whiplash can also happen in minor accidents where there is a rapid change in the direction of the head and neck. It typically occurs when the neck muscles and joints become stretched and injured to some extent. This condition can also produce serious symptoms such as muscle spasms, tension headaches, and pain that radiates down into the arms.

Osteoarthritis

This condition is most commonly seen in older adults and is typically marked by joint degeneration and wearing down of the cartilage lining. Osteoarthritis is known to contribute to neck pain, shoulder pain, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other spinal issues that may require chiropractic care.

Facet Joint Dysfunction

A facet joint is a small bony knob located at the corner of each spinal joint. Any damage to these facet joints can result in pain that travels into the arms, hands, fingers, head, and back.