Neck Pain Treatment

Medically reviewed by Joshua L. Hare, DO, Founder & Medical Director

Neck pain from injury, arthritis or wear

Neck pain can range from a mild, temporary annoyance to a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of daily life. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and allows for a wide range of motion, making it vulnerable to injury, arthritis, and degenerative changes. At IPC, our specialists evaluate neck pain with thorough clinical assessments and advanced imaging to determine whether the source is muscular, disc-related, facet joint arthritis, nerve compression, or a combination. Treatment options include cervical epidural steroid injections, cervical facet joint blocks, radiofrequency ablation, trigger point injections, and for appropriate candidates, spinal cord stimulation.

Symptoms of neck pain

• Aching or stiffness across the neck and the tops of the shoulders, typically worse at the end of the day or after sustained desk, driving or phone posture
• Reduced movement — difficulty checking a blind spot, or turning fully to one side
• Headache starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward
• Pain, numbness or tingling traveling into the shoulder, arm or hand, which suggests nerve involvement rather than muscle or joint alone
• Muscle spasm, and tenderness to pressure along the neck or upper shoulder

Most short-lived neck pain settles within a few weeks. Pain that has outlasted that, or that is producing arm symptoms, is the pattern that benefits from a precise diagnosis.

When to see a pain specialist about neck pain

Arrange an evaluation when neck pain has persisted beyond about six weeks, when it is disturbing sleep or limiting work, when it recurs in flares, or at any point when it is radiating into the arm.

Cervical facet joints and cervical nerve roots are both common and treatable sources, and they are distinguished by diagnostic blocks[1] under live X-ray guidance rather than by imaging alone. Cervical epidural injections, medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation all follow from that answer.

Some symptoms need prompt assessment rather than a routine appointment: new clumsiness in the hands, dropping objects, buttons and keys becoming difficult, a change in balance or walking, or weakness in an arm. These can indicate pressure on the spinal cord itself. Neck pain following a significant accident, or with fever, should also be assessed promptly.

Treatment options for neck pain

The options below treat different sources of neck pain — the nerve root, the facet joints, the occipital nerves, and the muscle itself. Several of them require a driver for the trip home, which is worth planning for.

References

Clinical sources for this page.

1. Hurley RW, et al. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2022;47(1). Back to first citation ↑