Neck pain tends to become more common as people age, and as anybody who has struggled with it knows, it can have a variety of sources. Most commonly, cervical spinal disorders are due to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs, or injuries such as whiplash. However, anything that repeatedly stresses the neck has the potential to cause damage that produces pain, tingling, numbness, and stiffness.
A 2021 study highlighted a rare situation that can increase someone’s risk of developing cervical spine disorder: having severe forms of Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder (TS/CTD). Among those studied, subjects with TS/CTD had a 39% higher rate of having at least one cervical spine disorder than the control group. While Tourette syndrome is relatively rare, affecting an estimated 1 out of 162 children (.06%), this finding highlights the importance of being aware of how we move our necks and the possible long-term implications of seemingly unrelated issues.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes the person affected to have tics—making sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. While the popular media conception of someone with Tourette syndrome is of a person who impulsively blurts out swear words, has emotional outbursts, or has extremely severe motor tics, its symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. For instance, tics may be as simple as repeated blinking or throat clearing. They usually develop between ages 2 and 15.
Patients can display either motor tics (involuntary movements), vocal tics (involuntary sounds), or both. Motor tics may involve only a single muscle group, or they can produce more elaborate movements that engage several muscle groups. Those involving the neck region—stretches, head jerks, or combinations of head, neck, and shoulder movements—occur in up 58% of children and adults with TS/CTD. Because the neck is particularly vulnerable to the effects of repeated trauma, repeated forceful movements that are out of the patient’s control have the potential to injure the cervical spine.
While those who experience serious motor tics involving the neck may be most focused on mitigating and managing them, they should also be aware of the possibility that they might develop a cervical spinal disorder because of them.
Whether an individual develops cervical spinal complications from TS/CTD depends heavily on the frequency, intensity, and pattern of their motor tics. However, forceful tics can contribute to problems such as:
| Condition | What It Means |
| Cervical Disc Herniation | The outer layer of a spinal disc tears or splits, causing the inner gel to bulge out. |
| Cervical Radiculopathy | A nerve root in the neck becomes pinched or inflamed, often causing pain or numbness. |
| Cervical Myelopathy | The spinal cord in the neck is compressed, which can affect movement and coordination. |
Symptoms of these conditions can include neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, numbness or tingling in a shoulder or arm, weakness, weakened reflexes, loss of fine motor skills, balance issues, and even trouble walking. Anybody experiencing these symptoms (not just people with Tourette syndrome) should consult a spine specialist to address them.
Treatment for cervical spine disorders varies depending on the exact underlying cause of symptoms, but it typically starts with conservative approaches such as physical therapy, medication, and rest. For those with TS/CTD, treatment can also involve techniques and therapies to help reduce the frequency and severity of their tics, such stress management, medication, and identifying and avoiding personal triggers.
In situations where conservative measures aren’t sufficient to relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, surgical measures may be necessary. These can include artificial disc replacement (ADR), in which the damaged disc is replaced with a prosthetic designed to function like a healthy natural disc, or spinal fusion, in which the adjacent vertebrae are fused to relieve pain and prevent further damage to affected nerves.
When somebody has a neurological condition, it can affect the rest of their health in unanticipated ways. If you or someone you love is experiencing neck pain, weakness, or numbness for any reason, you should seek an evaluation as soon as possible to find the correct treatment option to restore comfort and quality of life.
Dr. Tiffany Rogers, a board-certified spine specialist with a background in physical therapy, takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to every patient, ensuring that recommended care takes their overall health history and concerns into account. She is dedicated to finding the least invasive option to effectively meet your treatment goals. If you’re struggling with neck pain, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us here to schedule your consultation.
Mike was barely able to walk. I did his surgery and now he’s traveling the world with his wife! That pic is from Africa, hiked up to see mountain gorillas…
I feel very blessed to have walked in to the office for a consultation with Dr Rogers. On that day upon review of my MRI report she determined that I needed emergency surgery due to extremely compressed spinal cord at C3/4. Now I knew it was compressed for some time but I avoided going to the surgeon because I was afraid to have surgery. She calmly explained the alternatives to not having the surgery and it was a no brainer. My symptoms had gotten really bad and I knew she was right. I trusted her judgement and I am so happy that I had the surgery. Almost immediately my symptoms improved!! All of the nurses and other doctors at Torrance Memorial praised her work also and she was very well respected. I would recommend Dr Rogers because not only was my surgery a success but she also showed great compassion for me because I was very sad to be in the hospital during the Holidays. To me this shows she cares about healing the whole person.
I have Dr Rogers to thank for the rest of my life. At 12 I was told by a specialist that I was born with a deformity in my spine which was causing slight scoliosis. At 20, I started experiencing back pain, constantly feeling the need to crack my back for some relief, tossing and turning all hours of the night, seeking massages. As I started to get older, the pain only increased. By 23, my back began to “lock” on me. I would bend over or lean forward and my nerves would pitch, causing me to not be able to move for a few seconds. At first I had kaiser insurance, the “spinal specialist” if you can even call her that said there was no possible surgery to fix my spine and back pain. She told me PT and epidural spinal injections were the answer….. (wrong, very wrong!) I got this run around with kaiser for 2 years!!!!
By 25, I was BEYOND frustrated and in pain, so my (now) husband put me on his insurance, and I was able to find Dr Rogers. She requested an MRI and X-rays, and saw what was wrong with my spine and what needed to be done. I needed a spinal fusion and decompression. She even referred me to a spinal specialist in LA, to get a second recommendation, and he agreed with everything she wanted to do for my surgery. I had full trust in Dr Rogers. She was always kind, always informative, and reassured me I was going to be alright. As a fellow athlete, she understood what I was sacrificing for this surgery. My love for playing soccer would have to come to an end post surgery due to the risk of blowing out another level of my spine. She was compassionate and again gave me reassurance I would eventually be pain free and be able to carry my own children which was the most important to me.
I underwent my lumbar spinal surgery with a spinal fusion and decompression August 2016. The pain and recovery I experienced post surgery was the most pain I’ve ever felt. Pain meds helped, but you really have to be dedicated to taking the vitamins Dr Roger recommends, and doing the amazing PT she prescribed. The PT was Pilates based, and it seriously did my recovery wonders.
By March 2017, I was ready to move to another state and went in for one last check up with Dr Rogers. She did another X-ray, and told me that my fusion looked so good and healthy , that I could start playing soccer again. Not competitively, but recreationally, and now I am nearly 2 years post spinal surgery, playing on 2 soccer teams, active in the gym, and my husband and I are trying to start a family.
I still experience soreness in my lower spine if I lift too heavy of objects the wrong way or work out too hard, but that is to be expected. I have been off any type of medication spine related for over a year now, and it’s nothing a little ice won’t cure. All in all I have a lot to thank Dr Rogers for. She saved my back.
Thank you so much Dr Rogers!!!!
Dr Rogers has been taking care of my back issues for years. It came to a point that I did need a major surgery. A fusion. I am so glad it was done. Just wished I’d done it earlier. My leg pain is gone, the back spasms are gone , feeling like my ribs were stabbing me is also gone and though I’m still healing I feel so much better. I am so grateful to Dr Rogers !! I would highly recommend her for spine issues. Forever thankful!! The staff is professional and friendly also.
Update!!
It’s been a year and a half since my back surgery with Dr Rogers and I’m doing great!! Thank you again Dr Rogers!!
There are two major factors in my thinking a doctors office is 5 stars… #1 is the office and staff itself… #2 is the moment you meet the doctor and how they present themselves to you. Being someone that’s had multiple surgeries, dealt with dozens of doctors and facilities… if these two are in line when you go on your first visit, you know the experience and the healing to come will be worth it.
I have to say, the offices, ease of getting there, parking… were amazing… the staff at the front desk (and on the phone for that matter) were some of the most engaging, informative and easy to deal with that I’ve ever encountered. They made it EASY for me to check in, etc… I was taken in at the exact time of my appointment (I did listen and get there 15 minutes early) and was escorted through, had X-rays and waited for Dr. Rogers…
The moment I met Dr. Rogers, I had faith that I was in the right hands. Her eye contact, the way she shook my hand, the way she listened… the deep understanding she immediately had for my symptoms and the journey I’ve been on for the last 10 years after of my spine surgery in New York… made me incredibly calm and gave me such peace.
I see her again next week, after a battery of tests… but I look forward to finding answers with this healing doctor and her colleagues and staff…
xoxox
I am writing this review on behalf of Dr. Rogers patient, Yolanda Phelps.
Dr.Rogers performed an anterior cervical disectomy and cervical fusion on me last Tuesday. I am home now and my recovery is going great. Dr. Tiffany Rogers was so caring, thorough, and made me feel so comfortable during this difficult procedure. She took very good care of me and I am so thankful for her help.
Also her PA Jeff was so kind and helpful as well. Thank you so much you two for everything!!
PS don’t waste time going through pain go to dr. Tiffany Rogers. She does all the bells and whistles!!
Dr. Rogers is Exceptional. I am a patient of hers. I was in extreme pain Christmas week. Doctor Rogers ordered an MRI. Diagnosis was dislocated shoulder. I called her office 12/27/18. Doctor called back. She asked if I could be in her office immediately. I saw her within 1/2 hour. She injected me with Cortisone.What a God given gift!
Dr. Rogers is obsessed with the ability to heal. She went above and beyond to releive my pain.
Thank you Dr. Rogers.
