Causes of Neck Pain

Learn about neck pain causes and risk factors with Dr. Saleh Atiyah in Amman Jordan

Neck pain affects a large percentage of people, especially in modern times with increased electronic device use. It can result from multiple causes ranging from simple muscle strain to structural problems in the cervical vertebrae. Accurately identifying these causes helps in effective prevention and treatment.

Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae and intervertebral discs increase with age and are among the most important causes of chronic neck pain. Disc degeneration leads to loss of flexibility and height, increasing pressure on adjacent facet joints and nerves.

Cervical disc herniation occurs when the disc protrudes and presses on nerve roots, causing pain that spreads to the shoulder and arm with possible numbness and weakness. Cervical spinal stenosis is a more serious condition that may affect the spinal cord and cause difficulties with walking and balance.

Cervical facet joint inflammation causes localized neck pain that worsens with head rotation and looking upward. This condition responds well to interventional procedures such as injections and radiofrequency ablation.