What Causes Neck Pain and Acute Neck Stiffness?
Question: Is neck pain always a “cervical disc herniation”?
Answer: No. Neck pain may also occur due to muscle spasm, posture/ergonomic problems, shoulder joint disorders, and stress–sleep disturbances. However, neck pain is a common lifetime complaint in the population (the statement “about 1 in 3 people” is consistent with many epidemiological studies). If neck pain is accompanied by arm pain/numbness, the likelihood of cervical nerve root compression (radiculopathy) increases.
When should I take neck pain seriously?
- If arm pain + numbness/tingling has started
- If there is deterioration in hand skills, difficulty buttoning or holding a pen
- If there is imbalance while walking, frequent tripping/falling, stiffness in the legs
- If there are new symptoms such as urinary incontinence or retention (difficulty voiding), these may be associated with more serious conditions such as spinal cord compression (myelopathy).