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 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 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 doctors 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 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 surgeons 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.