Neck pain is one of the main reasons patients seek orthopedic intervention. 15% to 20% of people report neck pain in any given year and findings are pinpointing the cause of complex cervical spine problems. It’s a serious condition and inescapable for those who suffer from it, as pain in the cervical/neck area affects and disrupts the quality of life in so many areas.

There are two basic types of cervical pain: axial pain, which is mostly felt in the cervical spine, and radicular pain, which radiates along the nerves.

Cervical pain is often caused by muscle strains, impact sports, diving, disorders of the discs, or injuries caused by car accidents. The most common cause is Myofascial injury from repetitive work, poor posture, and heavy lifting.

Symptoms include pain that is either sharp or dull, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and in some cases, accompanying headaches and/or dizziness. Other symptoms can include:

• Neck or arm pain
• Numbness and weakness in the upper extremities
• Unsteady gait while walking
• Muscle spasms in the legs
• Loss of coordination in arms, hands, fingers
• Loss of muscle tone in arms and/or hands
• Loss of dexterity of hands

At Spine and Wellness Centers of America, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools together with our expertise and real-world experience to diagnose the causes of complex cervical pain.