Neck Pain

Why does my neck hurt?

Certain movements, activities, and daily habits can predispose you to developing neck pain, including:

• Poor posture
• Looking down at a cellphone or laptop for long periods
• Poor workstation ergonomics
• Sleeping on your stomach
• Uncomfortable pillows
• Driving for long periods
• Certain exercises
• Chronic stress

All of these factors can cause low-grade, chronic pain, but a quick turn of the head or trauma to the neck may flare up your pain or cause more severe pain. You may also experience headaches or numbness and tingling in your arms and hands along with your neck pain.

What conditions cause neck pain?

Common conditions that cause neck pain include:

• Sprains and strains
• Whiplash
• Cervical facet syndrome
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Arthritis
• Herniated discs

Depending on your diagnosis, the team recommends an appropriate treatment plan to relieve your pain and resolve the underlying cause of your pain.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

To diagnose neck pain, the team begins with a consultation to understand the location of your pain, your symptoms, and activities or movements that make your pain worse. After your consultation, the team completes a physical exam, assessing the joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck.

Common tests include: measuring your range of motion, checking your muscle strength and flexibility, and assessing basic nerve function. Orthopedic tests to evaluate joint function or tenderness to pressure may also be used.

If necessary, the team refers you for X-rays or an MRI. Based on their exam findings, the team determines your diagnosis and explains which treatment approaches are most beneficial for you.

How is neck pain treated?

The team takes a comprehensive approach to treat neck pain and provides a variety of conservative and interventional therapies based on your diagnosis. For mild to moderate cases of neck pain, the team may recommend ice or heat, gentle stretching, physical therapy, or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

More complex cases or those that don’t respond well to conservative methods may also benefit from prescription pain medications, epidural or steroid injections, or electrical nerve stimulation. In serious cases that don’t resolve with traditional treatment methods, the team provides referrals to orthopedic specialists for additional care.

To set up a visit for your neck pain, call New Jersey Pain Management or use the online booking tool.