Expert Neck Pain Treatment
It is easy to overlook the important work your neck does — until you experience neck pain or have trouble moving your head. At RWJBarnabas Health, we recognize the complexities of neck pain — from chronic strain to acute injuries — and emphasize the need for specialized care. Our Orthopedics division in New Jersey delivers personalized care, ensuring precise diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Our orthopedic specialists, neurologists and neurosurgeons are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through your neck pain treatment. Our specialists often work together to address neck pain.
What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is discomfort in the area of your spine right below your head, part of what is called the cervical spine. It's a common issue that can arise from various injuries or medical conditions.
There are two main types: axial neck pain, which you mainly feel in your neck, and radicular neck pain, which can spread to your shoulders or arms. This pain can be short-term (acute), lasting a few days up to 6 weeks, or long-term (chronic), persisting for more than 3 months.
Untreated neck pain can disrupt daily life and lower your overall well-being. The good news is that most neck pain is not severe and can be relieved with simple treatments like medication, exercises and managing stress.
Types of Neck Pain We Treat
We address a wide range of neck pain causes, including:
- Arthritis. Inflammation in the neck joints can lead to significant discomfort and stiffness.
- Herniated disc. This condition, involving the spinal discs, can cause pain and nerve irritation.
- Muscle strain. Overuse or improper posture can lead to muscle strain in the neck, requiring careful management.
- Whiplash. Sudden movement of the head, often due to accidents, can result in neck pain and stiffness.
- Cervical spondylosis. Age-related wear and tear affects the neck vertebrae and joints.
- Pinched nerves. Compression of nerves in the neck can lead to pain, numbness or tingling sensations.
Understanding these conditions is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Neck Pain Causes
Neck pain, often resulting from supporting the head's weight, can arise from various injuries and conditions. Common causes of neck pain include:
- Muscle strains. Overusing neck muscles, like spending too many hours hunched over a computer or smartphone, often leads to strains. Even simple actions like reading in bed can strain the neck.
- Worn joints. Neck joints can wear down with age. This wear and tear may lead to the formation of bone spurs, affecting joint motion and causing pain.
- Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the neck's vertebrae can press on nerves, leading to discomfort.
- Injuries. Whiplash, often from rear-end car collisions, strains the neck's soft tissues by jerking the head backward and forward.
- Diseases. Neck pain can be a symptom of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer.
Neck pain affects 10 to 20 percent of adults, being more common in women. The likelihood of experiencing neck pain increases with age.
Neck Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of neck pain can vary, and people often describe it as a constant ache, a sharp, burning pain or a pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders or arms.
Other common symptoms accompanying neck pain include.
- Headaches
- Stiffness in the neck, shoulders and upper back
- Difficulty turning the neck or tilting the head
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the shoulders or arms
- Increased pain when keeping the head still for long periods, like when driving or using a computer
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Reduced ability to move the head
It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if severe neck pain follows an injury, such as a car accident or a fall.
Neck Pain Diagnosis
Healthcare providers typically start with a medical history and physical examination to diagnose neck pain. They will assess your neck's motion, check for tenderness and muscle strength, and evaluate symptoms like numbness.
While imaging tests aren't always necessary, they may be used to investigate further, especially if severe pain persists or injury is suspected. Here are some methods used:
- X-ray. Can reveal issues with bones or tissues that might cause pain, such as misalignment, fractures, arthritis, or slipped disks.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Provides detailed images of the spinal cord, nerves, bone marrow, and tissues, showing problems like slipped disks, infections, or growths.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan. Offers cross-sectional views of the neck, helpful in spotting bone spurs or deterioration.
Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can detect structural issues, but these findings must be correlated with a patient’s symptoms and physical exam for accurate diagnosis. Other tests, such as electromyography (EMG), may be performed to check for nerve damage, and blood tests can reveal underlying causes of pain, like inflammation or infection.
- Electrodiagnostic tests. Assess nerve function and muscle response, which include nerve conduction studies and occasionally a myelogram if an MRI is not suitable.
- Lab tests. Help identify other causes of neck pain, such as infections or inflammatory diseases, with tests like a complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis.
Neck Pain Treatment in New Jersey
Treatment for neck pain focuses on relieving pain and enhancing neck movement. For mild to moderate neck pain, self-care and time are often effective. Most neck pain improves over time and can be managed with home care. Your health care provider may recommend various treatments to offer neck pain relief, including:
- Medications. This includes over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation and muscle relaxants to aid muscle recovery.
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen neck muscles and tendons, enhancing flexibility.
- TENS unit. A device that delivers low-level electrical currents to disrupt pain signals. It's important to use this under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Steroid injections. Injecting steroids near the nerve roots to decrease inflammation and pain.
- Alternative therapies. Methods like acupuncture for pain relief or massage to relax tight muscles. Visiting an osteopath or chiropractor may also be suggested for spinal alignment.
- Surgery. As a last resort, it may be necessary if vertebrae are misaligned or pressing on nerves.
Rehab for Neck Pain
Central to the neck pain recovery process are customized rehabilitation programs aimed at helping individuals regain strength, achieve full movement and improve functionality. Physical therapy is crucial in the treatment of neck pain, both as a nonsurgical intervention and in post-surgical recovery. It emphasizes exercises that enhance neck flexibility, support proper alignment, and build the strength of the cervical muscles.
Expert Care for Neck Pain
If you're experiencing neck pain in New Jersey, choose RWJBarnabas Health for treatment. As a leading health care system, we offer exceptional care through an award-winning network of highly qualified, board-certified specialists and state-of-the-art technology.
Do not ignore neck pain symptoms. Prompt care from our orthopedic specialists can prevent further issues and speed up recovery, offering neck pain relief. Trust RWJBarnabas Health for comprehensive, expert care for your neck pain.
