Neck Pain, Cervicalgia

What is neck pain?

Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is caused by irritation or inflammation. It is a symptom related to injury, stress, or diseases of the muscles, nerves, joints, or the discs between the vertebral bones in the neck region. Depending on the cause, the pain may be described as achy, sharp, or burning, and can come and go, or it may be constant. 

Neck pain can interfere with daily life when not treated. Experienced physicians and staff at New Jersey Brain and Spine work with you to determine the cause of your pain and provide the most advanced, least invasive care.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is a common symptom for a range of injuries. Pain is often described as:

• an ache
• shooting or stabbing 
• burning

Neck pain can range from muscle strains and poor posture to degenerating joints and pinched nerves. The cause of pain may also affect the intensity of the pain. It can be mild or severe. It may be associated with certain movements or constant and long-lasting. The pain may also be focused in one area of the neck, or it can radiate through the shoulders and down the arms. The cause of neck pain may also involve other symptoms like headaches and numbness or tingling. 

The most common causes of neck pain include muscle strains and age-related degeneration. Muscle strains and sprains can be due to overuse, injury, or poor posture. People with muscle strains may experience stiffness and difficulty turning the head.  

Degeneration as a result of aging, stress, or repetitive movements can cause cartilage in the joints of the cervical spine — the part of your spine that extends into your neck and includes the first seven vertebrae — to break down, resulting in arthritis and conditions that lead to pinched nerves, including:

• Cervical stenosis: This is a narrowing of the canal in the cervical spine through which the spinal cord runs. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves, resulting in pain.
•  Herniated discs: Small cushion-like discs sit between each vertebra of the spine. Cracks or tears can develop in the outer ring of these discs either with age or through repetitive strain. When this happens, the soft center can push through the crack (herniates) and can put pressure on nearby nerves.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment for neck pain is determined by the severity of symptoms and the cause. This diagnosis will begin with a conversation about symptoms — where is the pain, what triggers the pain, what makes the pain worse, and whether there were any incidents or accidents prior to the pain.  

Our comprehensive spine center includes neurosurgeons and pain management experts with decades of experience who collaborate to provide individualized treatment plans that may include lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

When should you see a doctor? 

People with neck pain should seek care if the pain persists longer than a week after self-care measures like rest, ice/heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers have not been effective. It is also time to seek treatment if your symptoms mirror any of the following circumstances:

• Neck pain that travels down one or both arms
• Neck pain associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
• Neck pain that impairs quality of life
• Neck pain associated with headache

If your neck pain is the result of a traumatic injury or if it is sudden and severe, you should seek immediate care. 

With subspecialized knowledge, decades of experience, and access to innovative treatment options, NJBS experts will guide you through diagnosis and treatments to effectively ease pain and help you return to your normal daily activities. Contact Us Today!