Our Services / Neck Pain

What is neck pain?

Neck pain refers to aching or general discomfort that affects your cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae above your shoulders that support your head. Most of the time, neck pain occurs because of minor injuries, like sprains or strains, but it can also point to a more serious underlying condition. 

If you regularly experience neck pain, and it keeps you from working, driving, or exercising, it’s important to determine the underlying cause. There are a variety of treatments that can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore your range of motion.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Symptoms of neck pain include:

• Aching or throbbing that occurs when driving or sitting at a computer
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Difficulty turning your head
• Reduced range of motion

Depending on the underlying cause of your neck pain, you might also experience headaches.

When should I see a specialist about neck pain?

Make an appointment with the team at Coastal Ortho if your neck pain is severe. That’s especially true if it lasts for several days and doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, spreads into your arms or legs, or occurs alongside other symptoms, such as tingling and numbness.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Muscle strains
• Poor posture
• Worn joints
• Nerve compression
• Rear-end auto collisions

You might also experience neck pain because of an underlying medical condition, like arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

To diagnose neck pain, your provider at Coastal Ortho asks about your symptoms, including when they started, where the pain occurs, and if it extends into your head or shoulders. 

Next, they conduct a physical exam. Your provider gently presses on your neck to locate areas that are stiff or sensitive. They also have you do a series of easy exercises to assess your muscle strength and range of motion.

If your provider suspects your neck pain occurs due to an underlying medical issue, like a fracture or a strained muscle, they might also order diagnostic imaging. For example, X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These cutting-edge tools capture high-definition images of your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment of neck pain depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, the team at Coastal Ortho recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments, like:

• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Massage
• Occupational therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Short-term immobilization with a neck brace or splint

If your neck pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from orthopedic surgery. The team at Coastal Ortho offers both traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. 

Don’t let neck pain keep you from living your best life. Request a consultation at Coastal Ortho by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.