Neck Pain

What causes neck pain?

The cervical spine balances a roughly ten-pound head on its smallest vertebrae, so it's vulnerable to strain, degeneration, and injury. Common sources include arthritis of the cervical facet joints, degenerative or herniated discs, whiplash-type injuries, and pinched nerve roots (cervical radiculopathy) that send pain, tingling, or weakness down an arm. Chronic neck problems can also drive certain headaches.

When does neck pain need specialty care?

See a specialist when neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, follows an accident, radiates into the shoulder or arm, comes with numbness or weakness in a hand, or repeatedly interferes with sleep and work. New arm weakness or trouble with coordination deserves prompt evaluation.

How is neck pain treated?

After identifying the pain generator with examination, imaging, and — when needed — diagnostic blocks, Dr. Eaddy builds a plan that may include cervical epidural steroid injections for nerve-related pain, medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation for facet-related pain, trigger point injections for muscular pain, and medication management. Patients with severe, treatment-resistant cervical pain may be candidates for spinal cord stimulation.