“Neck pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, or hand isn't just a muscle ache — it's a neurological warning sign.”This type of pain may indicate a condition known as cervical radiculopathy, where a spinal nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, also commonly referred to as a pinched nerve in the neck.

The modern understanding of trigger points—technically called myofascial trigger points was pioneered by Dr. Janet G. Travell (1901–1997), a physician who specialized in chronic muscle pain.

For the first time, muscles of the neck—such as the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scalenes, along with the cervical vertebrae (C1–C7)—were accurately described. His work laid the foundation for modern anatomical understanding and remains fundamental in diagnosing conditions like neck stiffness today.

🧠 What Is a Herniated Disc? A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition in which the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes out through a tear or weakness in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This protrusion can compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the neck, lower back, arms, or legs.