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Neck Pain Q & A

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is any pain l in your neck, ranging from a dull muscle ache to severe, shooting pain that radiates down your arm. Your neck is the most flexible part of your spine, allowing you to move your head from side to side and up and down.

The weight of your head, along with the constant movement, puts extra stress on this part of the spine, making it a common source of pain. Though neck pain isn’t always a symptom of a serious medical issue, it can affect your quality of life.

The Neuroscience and Spine Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating neck pain and can help you get relief.

What are some causes of neck pain?

Acute injuries and degenerative conditions are common causes of neck pain. Some of the conditions that cause neck pain include:

  • Sprain or strain 
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

Many conditions that cause neck pain, like a herniated disc and DDD, compress or irritate the spinal cord or a spinal nerve, resulting in discomfort. 

What can I expect during a neck pain evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit The Neuroscience and Spine Institute for neck pain. The pain management physicians want to find the root cause of your pain so you can get the most effective treatment.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your pain, including when it started, the discomfort you feel, and activities that make it worse. They also review your medical history and perform a physical exam, paying close attention to the spine, neck, and head.

Your provider may also request X-rays or an MRI to confirm or rule out a cause of your neck pain.

What are the treatments for neck pain?

The pain specialists at The Neuroscience and Spine Institute take a personalized approach to care. They talk with you about your neck pain, the underlying cause, and the treatments that can ease your discomfort.

Your neck pain treatment plan may include the following:

  • Posture therapy
  • Activity modification
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain injections
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation

If pain management fails to provide significant relief, the team may refer you to a surgeon to discuss surgical treatment options.

Don’t let your neck pain take over your life. Call The Neuroscience and Spine Institute or schedule an appointment online today.