Neck Pain

Cervical Disc Herniation

Most common locations — C5-C6 and C6-C7 (90% of all cervical herniations). Presents with neck pain radiating to the arm, finger numbness, hand weakness. C5-C6 herniation: numbness of thumb and index finger, biceps weakness. C6-C7 herniation: numbness of middle finger, triceps weakness.

→ Herniated Disc Treatment using a regenerative method

Cervical Disc Protrusion

Disc bulging without rupture of the fibrous ring. Dull neck pain worsening with prolonged head flexion (computer work). At this stage, regenerative treatment is most effective — prevents progression to full herniation.

Cervical Osteochondrosis

Disc dehydration and height reduction, osteophytes, uncovertebral arthrosis. Develops from age 30-35. Crepitus with head rotation, morning stiffness, periodic pain with loading.

→ Osteochondrosis Treatment

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical spine. More dangerous than lumbar — spinal cord compression (myelopathy). Symptoms: clumsiness in hands (difficulty buttoning shirt), gait disturbance, Lhermitte's sign (electric shock down the spine with head flexion).

→ Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Cervical Spondyloarthrosis (Facet Joint Syndrome)

Arthrosis of the facet joints in the cervical spine. Pain with head extension and rotation, localized paravertebrally. Does not radiate to the arm (unlike herniation). X-ray shows facet joint narrowing, osteophytes.

→ Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Chronic tension of trapezius muscle, levator scapulae, scalene muscles. #1 cause in office workers. Dull pain, trigger points, restricted head rotation. "Text neck" — syndrome from constant forward head tilt to smartphone.

Cervicogenic Headache

Headache originating from the cervical spine (C1-C3). Pain starts in occiput, spreads to temple, forehead, eye area — always unilateral. Worsens with head rotation and flexion. Often misdiagnosed and treated as migraine.

Vertebral Artery Syndrome

Compression or spasm of vertebral artery due to instability or osteophytes. Dizziness with head rotation, tinnitus, visual disturbance, drop attacks. Requires Doppler ultrasound of neck vessels.

Whiplash Injury

Following car accidents (sudden neck flexion-extension). Pain, stiffness, headache, sometimes cognitive impairment. Without adequate treatment, becomes chronic in 30% of cases.