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Neck pain is pain that starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments or muscles. The neck region of the spinal column, the , consists of seven bones (C1-C7 ), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.

Each vertebral bone has an opening forming a continuous hollow longitudinal space, which runs the whole length of the back. This space, called the spinal canal, is the area through which the spinal cord and nerve bundles pass. The spinal cord is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and surrounded by a protective layer called the dura, a leathery sac.

At each vertebral level, a pair of spinal nerves exit through small openings called foramina (one to the left and one to the right). These nerves supply the muscles, skin and tissues of the body and thus provide sensation and movement to all parts of the body. The delicate spinal cord and nerves are protected by suspension in the spinal fluid in the dural sac, then further by the bony vertebrae. The bony vertebrae are further supported by strong ligaments and muscles that bind them and allow for safe movement.

Neck pain may be caused by arthritis, , narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain or trauma. In rare cases, it may be a sign of cancer or meningitis. For serious neck problems, a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Age, injury, poor posture or diseases such as arthritis can lead to degeneration of the bones or joints of the cervical spine, causing disc herniation or bone spurs to form. Sudden severe injury to the neck may also contribute to disc herniation, whiplash, blood vessel destruction, vertebral injury and in extreme cases may result in permanent paralysis. or bone spurs may cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, or the small openings through which spinal nerve roots exit, putting pressure on spinal cord or the nerves.

Pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical region can be a serious problem, because virtually all of the nerves to the rest of the body have to pass through the neck to reach their final destination (arms, chest, abdomen, legs). This can potentially compromise the function of many important organs. Pressure on a nerve can result in numbness, pain or weakness to the area in the arm the nerve supplies.

occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and is most frequently caused by degeneration associated with aging. (See also: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Cervical Spine Patient Page). The discs in the spine that separate and cushion vertebrae may dry out. As a result, the space between the vertebrae shrinks and the discs lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. At the same time, the bones and ligaments that make up the spine become less pliable and thicken. These changes result in a narrowing of the spinal canal. In addition, the degenerative changes associated with cervical stenosis can affect the vertebrae by contributing to the growth of bone spurs that compress the nerve roots. Mild stenosis can be treated conservatively for extended periods of time as long as the symptoms are restricted to neck pain. Severe stenosis may impinge the spinal cord causing injury and requires referral to a neurosurgeon.

Neck injury symptoms include neck stiffness, shoulder or arm pain, headache, facial pain and dizziness. Pain from a motor vehicle injury may be caused by tears in muscles or injuries to the joints between vertebrae. Other causes of pain are ligament rupture or damage to a disc. Conservative treatment of these injuries includes pain medication, reduction of physical activity and physical therapy.

In addition to neck pain, pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord by a herniated disc or a bone spur may result in:

• Pain in the arm
• Numbness or weakness in the arm or forearm
• Tingling in the fingers or hand
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Weakness in the arms or legs

Those with neck pain may be referred to a neurosurgeon because of pain in the neck, shoulder or tingling and numbness in the arms or weakness.

Neurosurgeons should be consulted for neck pain if:

• It occurs after an injury or blow to the head
• Fever or headache accompanies the neck pain
• Stiff neck prevents the patient from touching chin to chest
• Pain shoots down one arm
• There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
• Neck symptoms associated with leg weakness or loss of coordination in arms or legs
• The pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication
• Pain does not improve after a week

Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on patient history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of diagnostic studies, if necessary. Some patients may be treated conservatively and then undergo imaging studies if medication and physical therapy are ineffective. These tests may include:

• Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan)
• Discography
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Myelogram
• Selective Nerve Root Block
• X-rays

Most causes of neck pain are not life threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Determining a treatment strategy depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain. Although neck pain can be quite debilitating and painful, nonsurgical management can alleviate many symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur. Reducing physical activities or wearing a cervical collar may help provide support for the spine, reduce mobility and decrease pain and irritation. Trigger point injection, including corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain. Occasionally, epidural steroids may be recommended. Conservative treatment options may continue for six to eight weeks.

If the patient is experiencing any weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately. If the patient has had any trauma and is now experiencing neck pain with weakness or numbness, urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended.

When conservative treatment for neck pain does not provide relief, surgery may be needed. Patients may be a candidate for surgery if:

• Conservative therapy is not helping
• The patient experiences a decrease in function due to persistent pain
• The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the arms and legs
• The patient experiences difficulty with balance or walking
• The patient is in otherwise good health

There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice is influenced by the specifics of each case. Also, there are options for approaches from the front of the neck or the back of the neck. In many cases, is performed, though in some cases, simple decompression or artificial disc replacement may be employed. Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. Various devices (like screws or plates) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain. Factors that help determine the type of surgical treatment include the specifics of the disc disease and the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Other factors include age, how long the patient has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

If the patient smokes, he or she should try to quit. Smoking damages the structures and architecture of the spine and slows down the healing process. If overweight, the patient should try to lose weight. Both smoking and obesity have been shown to have a negative impact on spinal fusion surgery outcome.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of neck pain patients report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help every individual.

If neck pain resolves with non-surgical, conservative treatment, follow-up will likely be on an as-needed basis or if symptoms return. If a patient undergoes surgery, follow-up is specific to each type of procedure.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Patient Pages are authored by neurosurgical professionals, with the goal of providing useful information to the public.

Alex P. Michael, MD

Important

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.