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Neck Pain

Many people experience some form of neck pain. Neck pain can be caused by many things ranging from arthritis to degenerative disc disease or injuries such as whiplash.

The neck, or cervical region, contains a complex collection of bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and spinal cord. Understanding the cause of your neck pain is necessary to develop a treatment plan that can effectively relieve pain and regain function.  

For many, neck pain can be managed without surgical repair. Our on-site team of neck and back specialists will work with you to understand your neck pain and design a customized plan to help alleviate your pain. Learn more about neck pain treatment at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster.

Symptoms

  • Pain or stiffness in the neck
  • Pain with rotation, bending, or extending of the neck
  • Pain can radiate into the shoulders and arms
  • Limited range of motion in the neck
  • Knots in the muscles of the neck and upper back
  • If neck pain is related to herniated discs or pinched nerves, numbness or tingling in the fingers or arm may occur. Weakness in the arm can occur if a pinched nerve is severe.

Causes

  • Trauma to the neck, such as during a fall or vehicle accident. This may result in bone fractures, whiplash, or disc herniation.
  • Arthritis in the joints between the vertebra
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nerve root impingement or pinched nerves

Risk Factors

  • Development of age-related conditions such as degenerative disc disease or arthritis over time.
  • Inflammatory arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or lupus
  • Trauma to the neck such as from a fall or vehicle accident

Diagnosis

  • Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or interventional physiatrist (nonsurgical neck pain specialist)
  • Description of your symptoms and medical history
  • X-ray to show arthritis, potential broken bones or fractures
  • MRI or CT scan to show potential soft tissue damage
  • Electromyography nerve studies to identify potential nerve and muscle damage 

Treatment Options

  • RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
  • Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants for pain relief
  • Physical therapy
  • Wearing a soft or rigid neck brace
  • Injections
  • Surgical repair may be necessary in severe cases