If you suffer from neck pain — the third leading cause of chronic pain in the country affecting more than 80 million Americans — understanding its causes and how to treat it is critical.
“Despite the high number of incidents of neck pain reported, getting to the root of it and determining how to best treat it still remains a mystery to many,” said Dr. Jay Chun, a neurosurgeon at Atlantic Brain and Spine. Dr. Chun, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine issues, is on a mission to educate patients.
Dr. Jay Chun, a nationally renowned neurosurgeon and cervical spine expert, reviews a patient’s films before a team consult.
The neck — called the cervical spine in the medical community — houses the spinal cord which sends messages from the brain to all parts of the body. Because of its delicate nature, treating cervical spine issues correctly is critical to well-being.
“This is why symptoms of neck pain should not be ignored. Whether you have a stiff neck or numbness and tingling that radiate down to your fingers, neck pain can signal an underlying medical issue, especially if it persists,” said Chun, who specializes in cervical spine. “Some cervical spine issues can lead to problems with walking, balance and coordination — even loss of bladder or bowel control — so it’s best to see a doctor sooner than later to avoid larger problems down the road.”
There are many causes of neck pain. They may include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Usually related to aging, more than 3 million cases of deteriorating discs that lose their cushioning are diagnosed annually.
- Muscle Strain: This may be caused by a pulled muscle, a muscle spasm or injury to the soft tissues of the neck.
- Mechanical Neck Pain: Often a result of degenerative disc disease or arthritis in the cervical spine, this term is used because the pain comes from the mechanical parts of the cervical spine that allow us to move the head.
- Pinched Nerve: This can be caused by a herniated disc (a tear in the surface of the disc) or a bone spur that rubs on a nerve root and causes pain, numbness and muscle weakness.
- Spinal Stenosis: Resulting in numbness, tingling and pain in the arms, hands and legs, this is the most serious problem and is caused by bone spurs that press on the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
“Over many years, our necks are subjected to repeated stress and minor injury,” Chun said. “Add to that aging and poor posture, and it’s easy to see why so many Americans suffer from neck pain.
“For chronic pain, there may not be a quick fix or a complete cure — which is why you should see a health care professional right away and get help to slow down the degenerative process,” he said.
What kind of doctor should you see?
“There are two types of doctors that typically treat neck pain: neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons,” Chun said. “Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat disorders affecting the nervous system — the delicate and complex command, control and communication network in the body that’s made up of the brain, spine and neurovascular system. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system comprising the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connective tissue. Both can specialize in spine surgery; however, orthopedic surgeons do not deal with the neurovascular system. They often call in neurosurgeons when they encounter complications in surgery.”
Ask these questions when determining the best doctor to treat a specific issue:
- What kinds of minimally invasive procedures do you offer?
- How many neck surgeries have you performed?
- What is the range of cervical care you provide?
- What if there is a neurovascular issue?
- Do you use the latest technologies such as image guidance, computer modeling and navigation?
- Do you treat the spinal cord itself?
- Do you collect data on patient outcomes and participate in the national registry that tracks results by procedure?
“Choosing the right doctor for you and your neck pain shouldn’t be a pain in the neck,” Chun said. “But, be sure to do your due diligence. You — and your neck — are way too important.”
FAQs
Pain in the right or left side of your neck is usually nothing serious. It's often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.
What is the best painkiller for neck pain? ›
Pain Relief Medications
Some neck pain may be due to inflammation in the discs of the spine and the surrounding nerves and joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, all of which are available over-the-counter.
How do I know if my neck pain is muscular or nerve? ›
When your neck is sore, you may have trouble moving it, especially to one side. Many people describe this as having a stiff neck. If neck pain involves nerves, such as a muscle spasm pinching on a nerve or a slipped disk pressing on a nerve, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or elsewhere.
How do I know if my neck pain is severe? ›
Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
What are the red flags for neck pain? ›
Red flags: severe neck pain and/or headache (described as the worst pain ever), double vision, difficulty initiating swallowing, dizziness, drop attacks,facial numbness, difficulty walking, nausea, nystagmus. Action: Immediate emergency referral.
What is the best drink for neck pain? ›
Keeping hydrated can help decrease general neck pain and even the severity and frequency of tension headaches. Drinking water helps in regulating blood pressure, which can help with those “throbbing” headaches. Try to drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily, not soda or other liquids, for best results.
How do you deal with unbearable neck pain? ›
Pain Relief
Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat. Apply heat using warm showers, hot compresses, or a heating pad.
What are symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck? ›
Numbness or less feeling in the area supplied by the nerve. Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward. Tingling, or a pins and needles feeling. Muscle weakness in the affected area.
When not to ignore neck pain? ›
For most neck pain, it's okay to try self-care strategies before seeking medical help. However, if your neck pain is so severe you can't sit still, or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact a medical professional right away: Fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
What does an inflamed neck muscle feel like? ›
Inflammation from the injury can trigger painful spasms in the injured muscle and possibly nearby muscles. Stiff neck. Moving the neck in one or more directions may be difficult. Neck stiffness from a strain is due to swelling and/or muscles tightening to guard against further injury.
Treatment for Neck Trauma at Dignity Health Central California ERs. Initial treatment for a neck injury may include rest and icing the affected area. If the injury is mild but causes discomfort, your doctor may recommend medicine for pain and inflammation, along with physical therapy.
At what point should I go to the doctor for neck pain? ›
Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
How to sleep with neck pain? ›
People who sleep on their side or back may have less neck pain and stiffness than those who sleep on their stomachs. Other factors –– such as supportive pillows and a medium-firm mattress –– may also ease neck pain and improve sleep quality.
Can right side neck pain be heart related? ›
Neck pain isn't usually related to your heart. But sudden or severe neck pain could be a sign of a heart attack. If you're having a heart attack, you typically experience other symptoms along with neck pain, including: Arm, jaw, shoulder or upper back pain.
What does stroke neck pain feel like? ›
Unusual, persistent neck pain
A vertebral artery tear may feel like something sharp is stuck in the base of your skull. If you experience such pain — especially if you also have stroke symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, jerky eye movements, unsteadiness while walking, or slurred speech — call 911 immediately.
How long before neck pain is serious? ›
You should see your GP if: the pain or stiffness doesn't improve after a few days or weeks. you can't control the pain using ordinary painkillers. you're worried your neck pain could have a more serious cause.
