The cervical spine is the part of your spine that makes up your neck. Between each bone (vertebra) is a soft, cushion-like disc that works as a shock absorber and helps the neck move smoothly. Sometimes, one of these discs can shift, tear, or become irritated. This is called disc derangement.

When a disc is injured or begins to break down, it can cause pain in the neck that may spread into the shoulders, upper back, or arms. Some people feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands if the disc puts pressure on nearby nerves. The pain can be sharp, aching, or even feel like burning. Movements such as bending, twisting, or holding the head in one position for too long often make symptoms worse.

Disc derangement can result from wear and tear over time, poor posture, repetitive strain, or sudden injury such as whiplash. It is not uncommon in people who spend long hours sitting at a desk, looking down at phones, or performing heavy lifting with improper technique.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam to check movement, strength, and nerve function. Imaging like an MRI may sometimes be used if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Treatment often includes chiropractic care, gentle spinal adjustments, exercises to improve function and strengthen the neck, and lifestyle changes to reduce strain. Most people improve with conservative care and do not require surgery. Early attention helps prevent worsening symptoms and supports long-term neck health.

Brachial neuritis, sometimes called Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a condition that affects the nerves of the shoulder and arm. These nerves are part of the brachial plexus, which controls strength and sensation in the upper limb. When they become inflamed, it can lead to sudden pain and weakness that may interfere with daily activities.

The condition often begins with severe, sharp pain in the shoulder or upper arm that may appear without warning, sometimes even at night. After the pain starts to ease, many patients experience weakness, limited movement, or numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. This can make simple tasks like lifting the arm, carrying objects, or reaching overhead more difficult.

Brachial neuritis may develop after an illness, surgery, or injury, but in many cases the exact cause is unknown. What is clear is that the nerves become irritated, leading to pain and loss of strength.

Treatment focuses on supporting healing, reducing discomfort, and restoring function. Chiropractic adjustments can improve mobility and reduce stress on the spine and surrounding joints. Soft tissue therapies help release tight muscles that may add to discomfort. Individualized exercise plans are designed to rebuild strength, restore movement, and prevent further irritation of the nerves.

In some instances recovery from brachial neuritis can take time, but with proper care most patients see significant improvement and are able to return to their normal activities. Chiropractic care provides a safe, natural approach to managing symptoms and promoting long-term shoulder and arm health.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. In its classic form, it causes sudden, sharp, “electric shock” pains in the face that come and go in short bursts. Non-typical trigeminal neuralgia is a variation of this condition where the pain pattern is different and often harder to recognize.

With non-typical trigeminal neuralgia, the pain is usually more constant and less sudden than in the classic type. Patients often describe it as a dull, aching, throbbing, or burning pain in the face rather than sharp shocks. The discomfort may last for minutes, hours, or even be present all day. Because the symptoms overlap with other facial pain conditions, it can sometimes take longer to get an accurate diagnosis.

The pain may still be triggered or worsened by everyday activities like chewing, talking, brushing teeth, or even light touch to the face. However, instead of quick bursts of pain, people with the non-typical form often experience a lingering, more widespread discomfort. The condition most often affects one side of the face, involving areas such as the jaw, cheek, or around the eye.

Non-typical trigeminal neuralgia can be challenging because it doesn’t always respond as well to the same treatments used for the classic type. While not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life, making daily activities uncomfortable or exhausting. Recognizing the difference is important so that patients receive the most appropriate care.