Neck Pain Q & A

Why do I have neck pain?

Neck pain could be due to damaged soft tissues or vertebrae caused by:

• Muscle strains
• Bone spurs
• Osteoporosis
• Compressed nerves
• Herniated discs
• Whiplash injuries
• Muscle tension due to stress
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

While most cases of neck pain are due to musculoskeletal problems, neck pain can occasionally be caused by serious conditions such as cancer or meningitis. Therefore, it’s vital to get a valid diagnosis from a qualified neck orthopedic surgeon if you’re experiencing pain in your neck.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis of the cause of your neck pain is fundamental to ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment. The team of orthopedic neck and back specialists performs a physical exam after discussing your symptoms with you and reviewing your medical history. They check for any signs of weakness or issues with the nerves in your neck and observe how well you can move your head.

The next stage is carrying out diagnostic imaging tests if the doctors need to see the internal structures of your neck in more detail. X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans provide your neck surgeon with a clearer picture of any damage or degeneration in your neck.

What treatments are available for neck pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful when your neck starts hurting, but they are unlikely to resolve the cause of your pain. There are several vital structures in your neck, so it’s important to know why it’s hurting to prevent any worsening of your condition and avoid the possibility of paralysis.

Once the doctors have diagnosed the cause of your neck pain, they can advise you on the treatment that is likely to be most beneficial. Treatment typically begins with conservative measures, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Epidural steroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

If you require surgery for your neck pain, our neck surgeons specialist use state-of-the-art technology and robotic-assisted techniques to perform many of the delicate procedures that address the underlying causes of neck pain. One such procedure is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), in which our doctors replace damaged cervical discs between your vertebrae with artificial discs and then fuse the bones using a graft to ensure stability.

If lower back pain is affecting your life, call Camelback Spine Care today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.

When Should I See a Neck Surgeon Specialist?

If your neck pain lasts for several weeks, limits your daily activities, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or arms, you should think about seeing a neck surgeon specialist.

Can a neck orthopedic surgeon treat neck pain without surgery?

Yes. Our neck orthopedic surgeon at Camelback Spine Care gives non-surgical procedures top priority whenever possible. Before considering surgery, options like physical therapy, targeted medications, or minimally invasive procedures can often relieve neck pain.

Do orthopedic neck and back specialists treat conditions beyond neck pain?

Yes. Our orthopedic neck and back specialists offer complete care for the spine. In addition to neck pain, we diagnose and treat conditions such as sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and arthritis related to spinal health.