Most of us have experienced neck pain from time to time. Acute neck pain starts suddenly and generally subsides after a few weeks. Chronic neck pain persists longer than three months. Depending on the cause of the pain, the condition may necessitate seeing a neck pain doctor.

The neck is the uppermost part of the spinal column, called the cervical spine. The structure comprises bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons that support the neck and allow a wide range of motion. Neck pain, also known as cervical pain, can occur in any area of the structure because of inflammation, injury or other abnormalities.

Neck pain causes

Neck pain that goes away after a few weeks is usually due to a cervical strain that occurs when the muscles become tense or spasm. You can develop a sore neck from exercise, working at a desk for long periods or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. A whiplash injury from a car accident, sports activity or fall can also cause neck pain.

Chronic neck pain can be caused by other conditions, such as:

Cervical spondylosis

Wear and tear of the soft disks between the neck vertebra occurs as the spinal disks dehydrate and shrink, often because of age.

Cervical radiculopathy

A pinched nerve from a compressed nerve root in the neck can cause radiating pain, weakness and numbness.

Cervical myofascial pain

This disorder causes tight muscles and tender areas that are sensitive to pressure due to physical trauma or physiological conditions like depression, stress and anxiety.

Osteoporosis

A degenerative disease, osteoporosis causes weakening of the bone structure in the neck and can result in fractures or collapsed vertebrae.

Symptoms of neck pain

Both chronic and acute neck pain can cause mild discomfort or be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Symptoms of neck pain can include:

  • Muscle tightness or “stiff neck”
  • General soreness
  • Stabbing pains
  • Radiating pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Arm pain
  • Headache
  • Decreased range of motion

At-home remedies for neck pain

You can try several methods for neck pain treatment at home, especially if your sore neck is from a minor strain or injury. If you do not feel comfortable trying at-home remedies, consult your orthopedic physician.

Heat or Ice

In the first 24 to 48 hours after you feel neck pain, you can use an ice pack on the area to reduce inflammation. After ice therapy, use heat to increase blood flow to encourage healing and relieve neck pain. You can use a heating compress or take hot showers.

Rest

When you have an injury, sometimes the best treatment is a day or two of rest. If your neck pain was caused by sports or exercise, it is best to avoid the activity until your neck muscles feel better.

Stretches

A simple way to ease neck pain is to release muscle tension with gentle stretching. Slow range of motion movements like nodding up and down, turning your head side to side and bringing your ear to your shoulder can loosen the muscles. The exercises should be done slowly and gently to prevent further damage.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relief usually involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help with pain and inflammation. Follow the directions on the medication for the proper dosage.

Massage

The pressure of a massage can help promote blood flow and release muscle tension. You can ask a friend or partner for a neck and shoulder massage, book an appointment with a professional or use a massaging tool.

When you should see a neck pain doctor

If your neck pain has worsened or is interfering with your daily activities, you should schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic spine doctor. You may have a more complex problem that needs medical treatment, prescribed medications or physical therapy.

See a doctor immediately if you experience a traumatic fall or accident. Pain and stiffness are normal, but your physician can evaluate you for fractures or other serious conditions.

In addition, if you experience the symptoms listed below, along with neck pain, seek medical attention.

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Light sensitivity
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle weakness in your arms or legs

Medical treatments for neck pain

If your neck pain has not subsided or has worsened, your doctor may recommend one of these medical interventions to alleviate pain and restore movement in your neck.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can show you how to strengthen the neck and help stretch the muscles to relieve tension and pain. PT exercises can also restore movement and help you learn how to protect yourself from future issues with neck pain.

Injection therapy

If over-the-counter drugs and physical therapy do not relieve neck pain, steroid injections can help. Your orthopaedists will inject the steroid cortisone directly into the affected area of your neck to reduce inflammation. It generally begins to work in two to three days.

Electric stimulation therapy

Electric stimulation therapy is a non-surgical spine treatment that reduces neck pain and muscle weakness. The treatment uses electric impulses to create muscle contractions to increase circulation and control inflammation.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the last option in treating neck pain because non-surgical methods are generally effective. However, a physician may recommend surgery if your spinal cord is compressed, you have neurological issues, or you have difficulty walking. There are two forms of neck surgery: decompression to remove the tissue pressing against a nerve and stabilization through spinal fusion to limit the motion between vertebrae.

Neck pain doctors in Raleigh and Cary

If you are experiencing neck pain that has not subsided with time or after trying at-home treatments, call Cary Ortho to make an appointment with one of our spine specialists. Our expert team of neck doctors will diagnose and treat your neck pain.