Neck Pain

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is a common complaint and can be due to a single issue or a combination of underlying problems.

Causes

Arthritic changes in the spine causing wearing of the bones and joints may be one of many reasons leading to neck pain. The pain can cause you to hold your neck in an awkward position which can lead to additional muscular strain. Changes related to age in your cervical spine can cause narrowing of the canal through which your nerves travel. This can compress or “pinch” the cervical nerves.

Symptoms and Additional Information

  • Nerve compression which can cause numbness, weakness, tingling, and burning discomfort into your shoulders and arms that could be associated with a neck issue. The type of pain and the location of the pain could determine the cause of your symptoms.
  • Mild to severe headache that travels up the neck to the back of your head
  • Pain that is worse when holding your head in one place
  • Muscle tightness and spasms in the neck, shoulders and upper back
  • Decreased ability to move your head

A specialist may order tests to diagnose neck pain, including:

  • Physical exam – The physician will take a close look at your posture, specifically your neck and shoulders, and check for any abnormalities.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This imaging test uses a powerful magnetic field, along with radio waves to come up with detailed images of your neck’s soft tissue and bones, as well as the nerves of the spinal cord.
  • X-rays – This test can reveal bone spurs or other degenerative problems that are pinching your spinal cord or nerves.
  • CT Scan – This test combines X-rays taken from various directions to generate cross-sectional views of your neck’s internal structure.
  • Electromyography (EMG) – Your neck pain doctor may suggest this test if they believe that a pinched nerve is causing your discomfort. EMG involves inserting fine needles into a muscle and conducting tests to gauge the speed of nerve conduction and figure out which nerves are not working properly.

Treatment

The medical team at Neuropathy and Pain Solutions will perform a physical exam that includes a careful review of your symptoms and diagnostic studies to identify the issue. Our medical team will then work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to address your symptoms and the underlying cause.

The treatment plan may include Electric Cell Signaling Treatment (EST), a non-surgical treatment. A treatment in which, they apply carefully controlled electrical signals to the affected region which targets and helps soothe the damaged nerves. EST has a high efficacy rate, providing significant relief for up to 87% of patients who undergo the therapy. This innovative treatment provides significant reduction of nerve symptoms for patients. This FDA cleared treatment could eliminate the need for pain medication as it restores your mobility and overall function. At Neuropathy and Pain Solutions, we want to work with your body to get to the source of the pain, not cover up the pain.

Our team may also recommend physical therapy, ergonomic tools, and stretches.