The cervical spine includes the vertebrae in your upper back and neck areas. Injuries and degenerative conditions in this area can cause inflammation and pain as well as referred nerve symptoms. Learn more about the advanced nonsurgical treatments for the cervical spine by calling our office or clicking the online scheduler today. We also consult and refer to specialty spine sugeons when indication.

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What is the cervical spine?

The cervical spine is the uppermost part of your spinal column. It contains seven vertebrae (the bones in the spinal column) and intervertebral discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae.   The foramen is space between each vertebral level with exiting nerve roots. The back of each vertebra has a bone tunnel, and those tunnels collectively form the spinal canal that your spinal cord runs through. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments help hold your cervical spine in place and support its movement.

What cervical problems cause neck pain?

Various issues in the cervical spine can lead to neck pain. There are many specific issues that cause neck pain, such as:

Strains

Strains are overstretching or tears in the muscles or tendons supporting your neck. Strains often occur due to injury.

Sprains

Sprains involve overstretching or tears in your neck ligaments. As with strains, sprains usually occur because of injury.

Disc herniation

Disc protrusion/herniation may occur when a bulge or protrusion  develops in a disc, causing the nucleus (gel center) to leak and irritate or pressure nerves in the spine. In most cases, disc herniation occurs due to age-related changes in the spine, but it frequently can occur in accidents as a result of abrupt trauma to the neck.

Cervical facet issues

Cervical facet injuries may develop from repetitive injuries, or may progress over time and result in “facet syndrome”.  Acute or chronic facet joint issues typically occur after acute or repetitive extension injuries.

Whiplash

Whiplash refers to symptoms caused by acute neck hyperflexion and then an abrupt impact.

Other conditions, including arthritis and structural problems, can also lead to symptoms in the cervical spine.

What are the cervical treatments for neck problems?

At Denver Sports Medicine and Spine, the first step is to accurately diagnose the main source of neck pain and associated nerve referral pain.  In most cases, nonsurgical treatments are always a first option, and may include referral for c-spine injections.

In most cases, the team may recommend physical therapy for manual therapy techniques, as well as to help restore the full use of your neck. The team has an extensive referral network of elite physical therapists and if neesssary, can also refer you to premier neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons in the event that surgery is unavoidable.

At Denver Sports Medicine and Sine, the team will make every effort to ensure that cervical spine problems won’t disrupt your life or hold you back.  Please call Denver Sports Medicine and Spine to make your appoinement today.