Central nervous system nerve tension is typically from upper cervical instability and not only affects the cervical spinal cord but can involve the brainstem and brain. When the brainstem and/or brain nerve impulses are altered, the effects can be far-reaching and more dramatic.
Tense muscles in the jaw and neck cause headaches by constricting blood flow to the head and scalp.
When the neck is out of alignment then the information system from your brain to your body- your nervous system, can't do its job. This can lead to poor circulation, headaches, brain fog, sleep apnea, jaw tension and tight shoulders.
It is often very frustrating to deal with chronic neck related problems because they can be resistant to treatment and may involve symptoms such as irritability, dizziness, memory problems as well as eye problems, which are some common disturbing neck pain symptoms.
Eight spinal nerves branch off from the spinal cord in the neck to form a network of nerves called the cervical plexus. The cervical plexus forms many connections between the brain and the skin and muscles of the head and neck, similar to the cranial nerves.
Central nervous system nerve tension is typically from upper cervical instability and not only affects the cervical spinal cord but can involve the brainstem and brain. When the brainstem and/or brain nerve impulses are altered, the effects can be far-reaching and more dramatic.
Cervical radiculopathy (also known as “pinched nerve”) is a condition that results in neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of any of the nerve roots of your cervical spine (neck). Neurological dysfunction can include radiating pain, muscle weakness and/or numbness.
Neck tension refers to neck pain that develops when the muscles in the neck cannot relax, which can lead to soreness, muscle spasms, and headaches. It has numerous possible causes, ranging from joint problems to inflamed nerves.
Muscle tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders can lead to headaches or problems with your vision, as the flow of blood is restricted to your eyes. Signs you may notice are: Throbbing pain around the temples. Blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
Several conditions can cause a feeling of tightness or pressure in the head. The most common causes are headache, migraine, or infection. Most conditions that cause pressure in the head go away on their own or respond to over-the-counter pain medication.
A cervicogenic headache is an example of referred pain. It's a pain in the neck that you feel in your head. People often develop cervicogenic headaches after an injury that causes whiplash or as a result of a pinched nerve in the neck. Arthritis, neck sprains or a neck fracture can also lead to cervicogenic headaches.
Without enough blood, the brain does not function well, resulting in lightheadedness and/or mental confusion. Lightheadedness is a sensation of dizziness or mild disorientation. People with heart failure may also experience lightheadedness as a side effect of certain medications.
Self-massaging helps to stimulate blood flow and the neck just happens to be where the brain is. Since the brain needs adequate blood flow, it makes logical sense that improved blood flow would help you think better, faster, and clearer.
Muscle and ligament issues
Muscle or ligament conditions that cause neck stiffness can include: Neck sprains. Sleeping in an unusual or uncomfortable position. Looking at screens for too long (especially tilting your head down to look at a phone, computer or tablet).
Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency can cause or worsen neck and back pain and muscle spasm.
The rule of thumb is that you should start a more thorough medical investigation only when all three of these conditions are met, three general red flags for neck pain: it's been bothering you for more than about 6 weeks. it's severe and/or not improving, or actually getting worse.
By compressing the C2 nerve, cervical spine instability can cause trigeminal neuralgia and migraine headaches.
Your cervical spine — or, your neck — plays a key role in balance and coordination. So, when this area of your spine is inflamed, arthritic or injured, it can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded and unsteady.
Any neurologist is highly specialized in diagnosing back pain and neck pain, and in assessing risks and treatment options. Every back pain and neck pain patient is unique, with different degrees of problems associated with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist is trained to discover the causes of symptoms.