Causes for cervical spine problems | Pain caused by the cervical spine

Causes for cervical spine problems

Cervical spine problems can have various causes. A distinction is made between acute and chronic cervical spine problems.

  • Acute problems occur, for example, after a trauma.

    For example after a rear-end collision (whiplash) or after a rapid violent reflex movement, e.g. in a fall. The short-term application of force can lead to incorrect positioning of the vertebral bodies (blockage) or to reflex muscle tension. Short-term incorrect loading, e.g. a long telephone call with headphones stuck, can lead to acute tension in the shoulder-neck area.

    In the following, the above-mentioned symptoms are triggered.

  • Chronic cervical spine problems can be caused by long-term incorrect or excessive strain, e.g. through daily computer work or overhead work, and can lead to permanent problems. Even poorly healed traumas (especially whiplash) can lead to chronic problems of the cervical spine. Very often chronic cervical spine problems are also caused by degenerative processes.This is wear of the cervical spine and its structures. Arthrosis in the vertebral joints, disc wear or other structural changes can cause problems in the cervical spine and lead to chronic cervical problems.

Other accompanying symptoms

Complaints of the cervical spine can not only affect the head or sensory perception, but can also lead to problems in the upper extremity. The nerves that supply our arms all emerge at the cervical spine and the uppermost thoracic vertebrae. If there are problems in the cervical spine, such as a malposition, or a constantly tense muscle, the nerves can be affected.

Basically, it can be said that the higher the problem, the closer to the trunk the extremity is affected. In the case of cervical spine lesions on the uppermost levels, nerves supplying the lungs, diaphragm and pericardium may even be affected. Nerves that supply our upper arm and shoulder region sensitively and motorially emerge in the middle level.

Cervical problems at this height can therefore lead to pain in the shoulder or even to muscle weakness in the upper arm. The lower cervical level supplies the forearm and the hand. Frequent symptoms are chirping sensations in the hand and fingers, other sensitivity disorders, pain or lack of strength. An exact diagnosis must be made in order to find the cause of the symptoms and to be able to treat them optimally.