What are the main types of neck diseases?

In daily life, many people experience neck pain, which significantly impacts their normal work and life. However, what are the various neck conditions? Most people are not well-informed about this. In fact, there are six types of neck conditions, with the most common being neck soft tissue injury.

1. Neck Soft Tissue Injury

This condition is characterized by a clear history of trauma, leading to neck pain and a feeling of heaviness after injury. Tenderness is present at the injury site, and the pain may radiate from the back of the neck to the occipital region or extend to one or both shoulders and scapulas. In severe cases, neck pain intensifies, causing stiffness, limited mobility, and even symptoms of the sympathetic nervous system such as head heaviness, headaches, blurred vision, and tinnitus. Additionally, nerve root compression symptoms like numbness, weakness, and heaviness in one or both upper limbs may occur.

2. Stiff Neck

Upon waking, individuals may experience pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, often affecting one side only. In severe cases, the head may tilt towards the affected side, and neck rotation and movement become restricted, intensifying the pain.

3. Cervical Spondylosis Syndrome

This syndrome arises from degenerative changes in the cervical spine, stimulating or compressing surrounding blood vessels and nerves. It can cause various symptoms, including shoulder and arm pain, vertigo, and paralysis, with shoulder and arm pain being the most prevalent. Hence, it is also known as cervicobrachial syndrome.

4. Nuchal Ligament Calcification

Patients with nuchal ligament calcification typically present with symptoms common to cervical spondylosis, with no specific symptoms. In fact, some patients may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms.

5. Trapezius Syndrome

This syndrome refers to pain originating from the trapezius muscle, with localized tenderness that may radiate towards the shoulder.

6. Cervicoscapular Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain can occur at any age but is more prevalent among middle-aged individuals, especially those engaged in labor and females. It commonly affects the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Most patients can pinpoint the area of pain, which may radiate to distant locations such as the shoulder, upper back, or head. Additionally, patients may experience sympathetic nervous system symptoms like headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and even cold arms and altered blood pressure.