Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Health - Neurology

Share to:

Consultation on cervical spine and related issues?


Hello Dr.
Jiang, I have been experiencing significant discomfort in my neck recently, so I came to seek your advice.
Last week, due to a month-long episode of dizziness and lightheadedness, I visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung.
After reviewing my reports this week, the doctor informed me that my EEG and neurological examinations were normal, my red and white blood cell counts and platelets were normal, and my thyroid function was normal as well.
However, regarding my neck X-rays, the neurologist mentioned that I have a "naturally straight" cervical spine and advised me to pay more attention to movement and relaxation, without prescribing any medication.
After returning home, I noticed that after a period of work or household chores, the muscles from the back of my neck to below my ears become sore and numb (approximately from the upper trapezius to the suboccipital muscles).
I subjectively feel a twitching sensation in those muscles (this has actually been ongoing for a long time, but I previously thought it was just due to being overly tense).
Additionally, my face and neck sweat easily (I used to think this was a compensation for not sweating on my hands and feet).
Although my dizziness has improved, I still feel a sense of heaviness, and the visual disturbances persist.
The discomfort is quite challenging, and the intermittent pain quickly depletes my energy.
Therefore, I made an appointment at an orthopedic clinic.
The doctor there reassessed my condition and took new X-rays, confirming that my cervical spine is indeed quite straight.
They noted some bone density loss in the first and second cervical vertebrae, and that the seventh cervical vertebra (which I believe should be the sixth and seventh, as there doesn't seem to be an eighth) is compressed.
The orthopedic doctor also commented that my shoulder muscles are very tight and prescribed muscle relaxants along with physical therapy involving electrical stimulation and heat application.
I would like to ask Dr.
Jiang the following questions:
1.
Is there really a concept of a naturally straight cervical spine? It seems there is a discrepancy between the opinions of the neurologist and the orthopedic doctor.
2.
If there is indeed a naturally straight cervical spine, could it contribute to muscle stiffness? I have noticed that since elementary school, when my classmates and I would massage each other's shoulders, my shoulder muscles felt significantly harder than theirs.
At that time, I didn't think much of it.
3.
If after some treatment, the twitching in the upper trapezius to suboccipital muscles does not improve, which specialty should I consider consulting?
4.
I found some information stating that "issues with the cervical spine can lead to misalignment of the vertebrae, resulting in a disruption of the coordination between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems." Since I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder after an episode of hyperventilation six months ago, I have been taking anti-anxiety medication and serotonin for half a year.
However, I still feel that my physical condition is deteriorating, with ongoing dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, frequent belching (I have undergone an endoscopy that showed only mild gastroesophageal reflux), an urgent need to use the restroom after eating, unexplained coughing, and neuropathic pain.
Do you recommend exploring spinal issues? I feel trapped in a vicious cycle where my physical condition prevents me from relaxing, and the more anxious I become, the more problems arise in my body.
I feel exhausted both physically and mentally every day; what started as anxiety is now approaching depression...
Thank you, doctor, for patiently reading my message and questions.
I look forward to your response.

Mu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/12

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology


Hello:
1.
Is there really a concept of congenital straight cervical spine? It seems that there are differing opinions between neurologists and orthopedic doctors.

2.
If there is indeed a congenital straight cervical spine, would it affect muscle stiffness? I have noticed that since elementary school, when I used to pinch my classmates' shoulders, my shoulder muscles felt extremely tight compared to theirs.
At that time, I didn't think much of it...

3.
If after a period of treatment, the tremors in the upper trapezius to suboccipital muscles do not improve, which specialty would you recommend I see? A: Personally, I believe this is a chicken-and-egg problem; the root cause should be changes in lifestyle and posture.
Reducing neck muscle tension is essential.
Spinal alignment can change due to posture and tension, potentially causing localized inflammatory responses that lead to headaches and back pain.

4.
I found some information stating, "If there are issues with the cervical spine, spinal alignment can also be affected, leading to a disruption in the coordination of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems." Since I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety after an episode of hyperventilation six months ago, I have been taking anti-anxiety medication and serotonin for half a year.
My physical condition still feels problematic, with dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, frequent belching (I had an endoscopy that showed only mild gastroesophageal reflux), an urgent need to use the restroom after eating, abnormal coughing, and unexplained nerve pain.
Should the doctor suggest looking for issues related to the spine? I feel trapped in a vicious cycle because my physical condition prevents me from relaxing, and the more anxious I become, the more problems arise in my body.
I feel exhausted both mentally and physically every day; what started as anxiety is nearing depression...

I recommend the following daily practices:
1.
Change positions: Change your posture every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Any position (including normal ones) maintained for a period can lead to fatigue and inflammation, so moving around briefly can reduce the chances of muscle inflammation.

2.
Rest: Rest is essential to allow the muscles to utilize their self-repair capabilities; intense exercise is not advisable during this time.

3.
Neck heat therapy: Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the temperature is safe to avoid burns.

4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): For those without a history of gastric ulcers, allergies to NSAIDs, or normal kidney function, consider using NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain if necessary.

5.
Neck muscle stretching exercises: After the acute pain phase, develop a habit of slow, gentle neck stretches every 15-20 minutes at angles that do not cause discomfort, moving the neck up, down, left, and right.

I suggest you consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for further discussion, examination, and treatment.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.

Dr.
Jiang, Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center.

Reply Date: 2020/06/12

More Info


Understanding cervical spine issues and their impact on health is crucial, especially given the complexity of symptoms you are experiencing. Your situation involves a combination of cervical spine alignment, muscle tension, and anxiety-related symptoms, which can all interconnect and exacerbate one another.

1. Congenital Cervical Spine Alignment: The term "straight cervical spine" or "cervical kyphosis" can indeed refer to a condition where the natural curvature of the cervical spine is reduced or absent. This can be congenital (present from birth) or develop over time due to poor posture, muscle imbalances, or degenerative changes. While some individuals may have a naturally straighter cervical spine without symptoms, others may experience discomfort or pain due to the lack of normal curvature, which can lead to increased muscle tension and strain.

2. Impact on Muscle Tension: A straightened cervical spine can contribute to muscle stiffness and discomfort. The muscles around the neck, including the trapezius and suboccipital muscles, may work harder to maintain head position, leading to fatigue and tightness. Your history of muscle tightness since childhood, especially during activities like shoulder squeezing, suggests a long-standing issue that may be exacerbated by your cervical alignment. This muscle tension can also contribute to headaches and other neurological symptoms, as tight muscles can irritate nearby nerves.

3. Further Evaluation: If your symptoms persist despite treatment, it may be beneficial to consult with a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) or a neurologist who focuses on pain management. These specialists can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and may recommend additional imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any underlying issues that may not have been captured on X-rays. They can also help develop a tailored rehabilitation program that addresses both the cervical spine and muscle tension.

4. Autonomic Nervous System and Cervical Spine: The relationship between cervical spine issues and the autonomic nervous system is an area of growing interest. Misalignments or dysfunctions in the cervical spine can potentially influence the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Your experiences with anxiety and physical symptoms may indeed be interrelated, creating a cycle where anxiety exacerbates physical discomfort, which in turn increases anxiety. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your health is essential.

5. Holistic Approach: Given the multifaceted nature of your symptoms, a holistic approach may be beneficial. This could include physical therapy focusing on posture correction, muscle relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular physical activity, proper ergonomics at work, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate muscle tension and improve overall well-being.

In conclusion, your symptoms are likely the result of a combination of cervical spine alignment issues, muscle tension, and anxiety. It is essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your health. This may involve physical therapy, medication management, and psychological support to break the cycle of discomfort and anxiety. Remember, you are not alone in this, and with the right support and treatment, improvement is possible.

Similar Q&A

Neck Issues Impacting Brain and Vision: A Neurology Consultation Guide

The elderly patient has been taking dementia medication since last year and has recently experienced discomfort in the head and blurred vision. A cervical spine X-ray was performed, and the report indicates the following: Straightening of the cervical spine lordotic curve, disc s...


Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Hello, based on your cervical X-ray, I would also recommend focusing on rehabilitation therapy. Cervical degeneration typically does not cause dizziness. If you are concerned about inadequate blood flow from the carotid or vertebral arteries, you may consult a neurologist to eval...

[Read More] Neck Issues Impacting Brain and Vision: A Neurology Consultation Guide


Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Displacement vs. Bone Spurs

Hello Doctor, last month I experienced numbness in my neck and went to a large hospital for an examination. The doctor reviewed my X-rays and mentioned that my cervical vertebrae C3/C4 and C4/C5 have some significant displacement, but also said that it is manageable and that I ne...


Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery
Hello: There is a certain degree of degeneration observed in the imaging. It is recommended to arrange an MRI examination at the outpatient clinic. The outpatient evaluation is provided by the Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which cares about your health.

[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Displacement vs. Bone Spurs


Understanding the Impact of Straightened Cervical Spine on Health and Military Service

I had an X-ray taken of my cervical spine, and it shows that my neck is straight without any curvature. I would like to know what impact a straightened cervical spine might have on me. Will it have significant effects? I'm about to enlist in the military, so will this affect...


Dr. Lai Yanting reply Rehabilitation
A straightened cervical spine is commonly caused by muscle tension, and it is recommended to seek further evaluation at a clinic.

[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Straightened Cervical Spine on Health and Military Service


Is Your Neck Misaligned? Understanding the Importance of Cervical Spine Health

Hello Doctor: I recently discovered that my cervical spine is misaligned, with a slight forward bend in my neck that is visibly noticeable from behind, not forming a straight line. Although I do not currently have any symptoms, I would like to ask if I need to have my cervical sp...


Dr. Jian Jincheng reply Rehabilitation
If you have recently discovered that your cervical spine is misaligned, you can go to the hospital for some examinations. Since physical measurements are required, please visit the Department of Health Examination or the Rehabilitation Department.

[Read More] Is Your Neck Misaligned? Understanding the Importance of Cervical Spine Health


Related FAQ

Cervical Spine

(Neurology)

Neck

(Neurology)

Cervical Spondylosis

(Neurology)

Neck Pain

(Neurology)

Cervical Ultrasound

(Neurology)

Shoulder And Neck

(Neurology)

Neck

(Neurosurgery)

Headache

(Neurology)

Meningitis

(Neurology)

Vertigo

(Neurology)