Neck Pain

Neck pain begins in the neck and can radiate down to the arms. It may feel like a persisting ache, a stabbing or burning pain, or a shooting pain. Fortunately, most causes of neck pain can be relieved with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and exercise.

Neck pain may also involve the following symptoms: 

• Headaches
• Stiffness in your neck and surrounding areas 
• Inability to turn or tilt your head or neck
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your shoulders or arms 
• Trouble walking or loss of balance

Neck pain is common and may affect up to 20% of adults. However, the root cause of neck pain can vary greatly. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we carefully assess your condition to determine which conservative or minimally invasive treatment options for neck pain are best for you. 

Causes of Neck Pain 

There can be numerous causes of neck pain that can stem from aging, injury, physical strain, or other underlying health conditions. When it comes to symptoms of neck pain that interfere with your ability to do everyday activities, it could indicate another underlying condition, like the following:

Cervical Spondylosis 

Like other parts of the body, the discs and joints in the neck slowly degenerate as we grow older. Cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck, causes pain and stiffness in the neck and is extremely common, with 85% of people over the age of 60 affected. In most cases, cervical spondylosis responds to conservative treatment methods, such as physical therapy and medication. 

Disc Degeneration 

When disc degeneration develops in the cervical spine, neck pain may become chronic due to the loss of efficient function caused by normal wear and tear from aging. Patients may often develop bone spurs that reduce movement and lead to nerve compression. 

Cervical Stenosis 

If the spaces in your cervical spine narrow, you may suffer neck pain from cervical stenosis due to nerve compression in your spinal cord. A narrowed space in the cervical spine may also lead to other conditions, such as sciatica. Conservative treatment options may relieve neck pain, depending on your condition.

Herniated Disc 

A herniated disc is a ruptured, slipped, or bulging disc that may cause neck pain if it develops in the cervical spine. Herniated discs are a leading cause of neck pain typically caused by aging, excessive weight, repetitive motions, or sudden strain injuries. 

Neck pain treatments begin with conservative methods, aiming to relieve pain and improve movement in the neck. Depending on the severity of your condition or injury, our highly experienced team of spinal specialists may recommend one of the following treatment options for your neck pain: 

• Medication management 
• Physical therapy
• Injections 
• Surgery

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we offer expert diagnosis and treatment using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to bolster a faster recovery. To eliminate serious causes of neck pain, we will conduct a series of tests, such as a physical examination and imaging tests, to understand the root cause of your neck pain before creating a personalized treatment plan. 

Schedule an Appointment at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

If your neck pain has inhibited your ability to live your daily life, the award-winning spinal surgeons and spinal specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic offer the latest in research, technology, and treatments for conservative and minimally invasive treatment options. We are dedicated to providing a personalized approach to spinal care to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes. 

Our experienced and board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, spinal specialists, and physicians are ready to help you. Schedule an appointment today by calling (866) 553-0612 or filling out our contact form.