DIAGNOSIS
Initial testing
Neck pain is usually evaluated with a medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, injuries or illnesses, any previous treatment, and habits and activities that may be causing your neck pain. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your neck’s range of motion and check for pain caused by movement. He or she will look for areas of tenderness and any nerve-related changes, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
Blood tests may be done to check for an illness or infection.
Imaging tests
This helps the doctor to identify and get a picture of the cause of your neck pain.
- X-rays. Reveals areas in the neck where nerves or spinal cords may be pinched by bone spurs or other degenerative disease.
- CT scan. Shows a detailed cross-sectional views of the internal structures of the neck.
- MRI. This creates a detailed image of the bones and soft tissues, including the spinal cord and its nerves.
Other tests:
- Electromyography. This determines whether the nerves are functioning properly by measuring the speed of nerve conduction.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
Medicines can relieve neck pain and reduce inflammation of the soft tissues. Pain relief will allow you to move your neck gently, so you can begin easy exercises and start the healing process.
Nonprescription pain relievers include:
- Creams or gels, such as Bengay, that are rubbed into the neck.
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, which reduces pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen (such as Advil) or naproxen (such as Aleve), that can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Prescription pain relievers include:
- Muscle relaxants, which are used to treat severe neck pain and spasms when neck pain begins (acute neck pain).
- Narcotic pain relievers, which are used to treat severe short-term (acute) neck pain.
- Antidepressants, which are used to treat long-lasting (chronic) pain.
- Corticosteroid injections. These are rarely used for neck pain. But they may be tried if you also have symptoms such as pain or numbness in your arm that suggests a nerve root is pinched or irritated (radiculopathy).
Therapy
- Physical therapy. A therapist can teach you correct posture, alignment and neck exercises, and uses different methods to ease pain.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Electrodes send tiny electrical impulses to relieve pain.
- Traction. This therapy uses weights, pulleys or an air bladder, provide relief to some neck pain, especially those caused by nerve root irritation.
- Short-term immobilization. A soft collar supports neck and may relieve pain by taking pressure off the structures of the neck.
Surgical intervention
- Steroid injection. This is used to help ease pain.
- Surgery. This is a rare treatment option and is only used for relieving nerve root or spinal cord compression.
