Neck Pain? It Could Be Your Spinal Cord

Neck stiffness or pain is often seen as a normal part of aging. However, ortho spine surgeon Dr. Hitesh Garg points out that these symptoms can sometimes indicate a problem with the cervical spine exerting pressure on the spinal cord. This condition, known as cervical myelopathy, can arise from age-related wear, arthritis, or a bulging disc narrowing the spinal canal.

Early signs of cervical myelopathy include progressively clumsy hands, making tasks like buttoning clothes or using keys difficult. Handwriting may also change, becoming smaller or harder to control due to reduced finger coordination. Individuals might experience tingling or numbness in their hands and arms, initially intermittent but potentially worsening over time.

Furthermore, problems with balance and coordination can manifest as feeling unsteady when walking, with feet feeling heavy or frequent stumbling. Dr. Garg emphasizes that significant neck pain is not always present, meaning persistent stiffness without severe pain can still signal a serious spinal issue. As the spinal cord transmits crucial signals between the brain and limbs, compression can corrupt these signals, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage if not addressed.