Neck pain can present typically with symptoms including pain, stiffness, and tightness in the upper back or shoulder. It can be caused by a number of factors, including

1-cervical discogenic pain which is the most common cause of neck pain it is caused by changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs

2-cervical muscle strain which result in spasms of the cervical and upper back muscles, mainly secondary to physical stresses of everyday life, including poor posture, tension from physiologic stressor and poor sleeping habits.

3-cervical spondylosis is a condition caused by abnormal wear and tear called degenerative changes which causes narrowing of the disc space, a loss of the normal square –shaped bone, and growth of the edges of the bone (bone spurs) which can increase pressure on the surrounding tissue causing numbness in the arms and hands (a pinched nerve)

In addition there are many other causes of neck pain such as whiplash injury that result from a traumatic event like motor vehicle accident, cervical myofascial pain that result from psychologic stress, depression or insomnia.

Evaluation by a health care provider is recommended if the pain is moderate to severe, numbness in arms or legs or inability to control the bowels or bladder or if it recurs or does not subside.

Treatment: with over the counter medication, ice, heat and massage.

Muscle relaxants combined with stretching exercises, reducing stress and posture training.

A neck pillow can provide comfort.

Trigger point injections and electric stimulation are other forms of treatment.

Surgery does have a role in relieving symptoms related to a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc.

Because no two patients are alike its important to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition with our providers.