Neck pain can be caused by various problems. An injury, inflammation, irritation, or infection can lead to neck discomfort. Whether you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, neck, arm, hand, or head, the culprit may be a result of irritation in a few key places. It’s important to determine the location for proper treatment. Irritation in the cervical nerve roots in the region of the intervertebral foramen, invasion of the cord in the spinal canal, or encroachment of the vascular supply as it courses through the vertebral canal, can all lead to discomfort.

Your neck has a natural forward curve. If it becomes unhealthy, the normal curve may reduce, become straight or military, or may reverse the curve altogether. As we age, arthritic changes in the vertebrae may occur, which include lipping or spurring (bony growths), deterioration of the muscles or ligaments, or disc-thinning or degeneration. These changes may be slight or dramatic to your appearance. Studies show that neck and arthritis changes found with x-rays and MRI have little to no correlation to the pain that is felt. Let a professional properly exam the health of your neck; you may be changing with little outward signs of discomfort.

In order to determine the exact cause of your pain or condition, I can perform a thorough neurological examination to discover which part of the nervous system is functioning improperly. In my practice, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of neck pain. I find the cause of the pain; which for many of my neck pain patients may involve a high mesencephalic output.

The mesencephalon, which is the top part of the brain stem, can cause issues if the output is not properly regulated. A high output of this region of the brain can initiate a heightened pulse and heart rate, sensitivity to light, the inability to sleep or the waking up from a fitful sleep, increase warmth or sweating, or urinary tract infection.

The cerebellum, which is the back part of the brain, can also cause problems if the output is faulty. This section of the brain is responsible for controlling the involuntary spinal musculature. A decreased output by the cerebellum has been found in neck pain sufferers.

There are many conditions that can cause neck pain. It is important that you receive a comprehensive and thorough and to determine the root of the problem.