We know that all of our tissues are wired up with nociceptive (pain producing) sensory endings that are designed to detect noxious stimuli – those stimuli that are capable of causing tissue damage. We know that the major pain sources in the cervical spine are:
The facet joint tissues are the most common pain generator – accounting for an estimated 55% of neck pain. Disc pain is significantly less common, with best estimates suggesting that a 16% prevalence. Understanding this allows us to be more accurate with a diagnosis and treatment strategy.
As nerve root irritation evolves, it is known to produce a diffuse aching in the shoulder and upper arm, together with diffuse tingling sensations in the forearm and fingers.