Neck Pain Treatment

As common as neck pain might be, you don’t need to suffer through it. No matter the cause of your pain or discomfort, our neck specialists are ready to get you the care you need, when you need it.

Signs and Symptoms of Neck Conditions

We say that life’s stressors are a “pain in the neck” for a reason. Neck pain is one of the most common – and the most frustrating – reasons that Americans visit orthopedic doctors year after year.

Whether caused by an injury or by sustained muscle strain, neck conditions can progress and cause further damage if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to seek professional care when your neck pain becomes an issue.

Get in contact with a Virtua neck doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Pain that impacts your daily life
• Pain that radiates to the arm or hand 
• Weakness of the arm or hand
• Sensitivity or sensory disturbance of the arm or leg 
• Clumsiness or deteriorating coordination of the arm or hand

Types of Neck Conditions

The neck is a complex system of muscles, nerves, and vertebral bones confined in a small space, so it’s no wonder why it’s so prone to damage and injury. Neck pain can be caused by factors that range from chronic to acute, from abnormalities in the bones or joints to degenerative diseases.

Our neck doctors are trained to quickly and accurately diagnose your neck pain symptoms, delivering care that will address your unique needs. Virtua Orthopedics and Spine  diagnose and treat conditions including:

• Herniated cervical discs
• Brachial plexus injury, which occurs when the nerves are stretched, compressed or torn
• Cervical Spondylosis (age-related “wear and tear”)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord)
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures and sprains
• Spinal tumors (malignant and benign)
• Synovial cysts (fluid-filled sacs that develop along the spine)
• Whiplash

Our Approach to Neck Pain

Your initial consultation is an opportunity for our neck specialists to thoroughly examine your individual symptoms to make a proper diagnosis. This might involve checking for tension or pain in the neck muscles, measuring your range of motion, and feeling for warmth and tenderness. Our team of specialists includes both orthopedic spine surgeons as well as Penn neurosurgeons through the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program.

After making these observations, your specialist might recommend further testing where needed, including:

• X-ray: This common test can detect a variety of spine conditions that can cause neck pain including arthritis, fractures, degenerative disc disease, cervical scoliosis, and more.
• MRI or CT scan: These tests will capture clear images that can show herniated discs or issues affecting your bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• Blood tests: We might order this screening to see if an infection is causing you pain.
• Electromyography (EMG): This nerve study measures the pressure on your nerves which can identify a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Neck Pain Treatment

Structural neck problems in the vertebrae, disks, and nerves of the neck may present as neck pain, headaches, and paresthesia. These symptoms can be very disruptive to your daily life, especially when left untreated for long periods.

That’s why our team of talented specialists are trained to find the best treatments that fit your needs. Depending on the specific nature of your condition, here’s how we might design your treatment plan:

• Physical therapy: Our team of therapists will develop strength-building exercises and activities that can improve motion and flexibility in your neck.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections could help with pain and arthritis-related symptoms in your spine. We can also help manage and modify prescriptions as needed.
• Surgery: If nonsurgical treatment methods are not helping, surgery might be the best option. Through our team of orthopedic spine surgeons and collaboration with Penn Medicine neurosurgeons from the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program, you'll gain access to the region's best spine surgeons and services.