Neck Pain

• May involve muscles, nerves, bones or disks between the bones
• Can result from poor posture, twisting or turning, injuries such as whiplash, fractures and pinched nerve
• Treatment depends on diagnosis

Many people experience neck pain including discomfort or stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Strained neck muscles are often caused by poor posture. Arthritis can also cause neck pain. Neck pain can also be a symptom of a more serious problem, especially if the pain is coupled with numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.

Our Treatment Approach

Our neck pain specialists use a variety of treatment options depending on your specific diagnosis. Generally, neck pain responds well to conservative care such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers, prescription medications such as muscle relaxers, moist heat or ice packs, slow range-of-motion exercises, gently massaging the painful areas or temporary immobilisation of the neck with a soft collar. If the pain is from nerve compression caused by herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or a fracture, surgery may be the best course of treatment. Because our focus is on minimally invasive approaches, recovery times are generally quicker and patients often experience pain relief sooner rather than later.

Causes

Neck pain can result from:

• Muscle strains from poor posture
• Arthritic joints in your neck
• Nerve compression from herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck
• Injuries such as whiplash or fractures from accidents or falls
• Diseases such as meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis or cancer.

Symptoms

• You may experience neck pain as soreness or stiffness.
• If you have a fever, headache and an acutely stiff neck
• If you have shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting or arm pain or jaw pain, seek medical help immediately.
• If your neck pain causes numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm, hand or elsewhere you should immediately seek medical help.