Adjacent segment disease (ASD) may be a long-term consequence of spinal fusion. But it may just be what happens over time as a result of aging and degenerative changes. The argument centered on the cause(s) of ASD hasn't been settled yet. There's enough evidence to suggest it's the result of many factors (multifactorial).

The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to form the spinal column. The spinal column is the body's main upright support.

There's an ongoing debate about adjacent segment disease (ASD) after fusion of the cervical spine. ASD refers to the degenerative changes seen in the disc and vertebra at the next spinal level. The changes may not cause painful symptoms but they are visible on X-ray. If asymptomatic, the condition is referred to as adjacent level degeneration. Once symptoms develop, the label changes to ASD.

Scientists aren't really sure what causes painful nodules in muscles referred to as trigger points. Tissue changes associated with trigger points are palpable. There's usually a taut band of tissue. When the area is pressed or stimulated, a predictable pattern of pain is created.

Pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the neck are words used to describe symptoms of fibromyalgia and whiplash associated disorder (WAD). And associated signs and symptoms such as dizziness, headache, difficulty swallowing, and blurred vision have been reported with both conditions.

Over the past 10 years, the way whiplash injuries is classified has changed. Chronic tenderness, pain, and stiffness from a whiplash injury is now labeled as a whiplash associated disorder (WAS). There are four grades of WAD based on severity of symptoms.

Long-lasting pain after a car accident from a whiplash injury occurs in a small number of people. But it can be very annoying, if not disabling. Scientists are actively studying this problem. It even has a name of its own now: whiplash-associated disorder or WAD.

Good question and one that has been studied by many scientists in the field. It's likely that there are multiple factors involved. Position in the car is one. The force of the impact on the front seat passenger won't be the same as the back seat passenger on the same side. And there is a difference in force on impact from one side of the car to the other.

There are always risks with any surgical procedure. Some can be reduced and even eliminated with careful surgical planning. Others are nonmodifiable (age, diabetes, heart disease).

In the case of upper cervical fusion, there are several unique risk factors. Some of these may not apply to you. It depends on the type of fixation used. For example, pedicle screws have become a popular fusion technique.

Changes can occur in the structure and function of the cervical spine as a result of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joint degeneration can lead to instability. Pressure on the spinal cord as it travels through the spinal canal in this area can cause significant problems.