Acute Neck Pain
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Acute neck pain is characterised by its sudden onset, typically lasting less than three months. This discomfort can manifest as localised pain or radiate to the head, shoulders, and arms. According to NICE guidelines, the prevalence of condition-specific acute neck pain ranges from 40 to 70%. Various factors such as injury, disease, wear and tear, or poor biomechanics can stress the spine and lead to this type of pain. However, pinpointing the exact source of discomfort can be challenging. Potential contributing factors may include nerve damage, tissue scarring, arthritis, and the emotional effects of pain.
Functional Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The cervical spine consists of several structural group:
- Muscles - anterior muscles, posterior muscles, lateral muscles, muscles that feed into the neck
- Ligaments - anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament, intertransverse ligaments, nucheal ligament, alar ligaments, apical ligaments of dens, yellow ligaments
- Neurological structures - arteries, nerves, glands, and 2 passageways
These three structural groups in the cervical spine works together to serve the three main functions of the cervical spine.
- Protect spinal cord
- Support the head and allow movements
- Provide a safe passageway for vertebral arteries
