Persistent neck pain can result due to strain in muscles, arthritis, disc complications, pinched nerves, poor postures, or previous injury to the neck region. If the pain persists and affects the shoulder, arm, or hands as well, there is likely some problem with the cervical spine or nerves.
It can be as simple as starting out stiff in the mornings, having an ache where you worked, or a sharp pain when you turn your neck.
But what if that pain persists? There is likely something else at hand.
When coming to see us at Laser Pain Center, we examine the cause of your pain before offering any treatments. Why? To get you moving again!
Why Won’t Neck Pain Go Away?
The condition of neck pain might continue if an underlying issue keeps aggravating the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves. Degenerative disc disease, arthritis, cervical radiculopathy, prior surgery, and repetitive strain could cause continual or recurrent pain in the neck.
Some cases of neck pain simply require time for the neck to heal itself.
In other instances, the cause is more complicated.
Conditions such as poor posture, repetitive motions, trauma, excessive screen time, and a worn-out or injured disc may increase the burden placed on the neck.
This is why reoccurring neck pain should not always be viewed as a case of stiff neck.
Common Causes of Persistent Neck Pain
Muscle Strain
Long hours at a desk can keep your neck in one position. Sleeping awkwardly, lifting something incorrectly, or repeating the same movement can also strain the muscles.
Arthritis
Neck arthritis can affect the joints and cause stiffness, tenderness, and reduced movement. Symptoms may become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The discs between the vertebrae can change over time. These changes may contribute to neck pain and stiffness.
Cervical Nerve Problems
A compressed or irritated nerve can cause more than neck pain. Symptoms may travel through the shoulder, arm, or hand.
When Neck Pain May Involve a Nerve
Neck pain may involve a nerve when symptoms include shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the neck toward the shoulder, arm, or hand. These symptoms can occur with conditions such as cervical radiculopathy and may require professional evaluation.
This type of pain can feel different from ordinary muscle soreness.
You might notice burning, pins and needles, or an electric-like sensation. Turning or extending the neck may also make symptoms worse.
If weakness or significant numbness develops, seek medical attention promptly.
How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose persistent neck pain by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, movement, strength, and neurological signs. Depending on the suspected cause, additional testing such as imaging or electromyography and nerve conduction studies may help identify problems affecting the spine or nerves.
At Laser Pain Center, evaluation can help guide the next step.
EMG/NCV testing may be used to assess nerve and muscle function. The right evaluation depends on your symptoms and medical history.
Neck Pain Treatment Options
Treatment should match the cause.
Laser Pain Center offers several options for patients dealing with neck and nerve-related pain. These may include medication management, physical medicine, injection therapy, and other interventional pain procedures.
Treatment options listed by the practice include:
- Epidural injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Physical therapy and neuromuscular therapy
- Bracing therapy
- EMG/NCV testing
- Medication management
- Regenerative medicine options
- Spinal cord stimulation for selected conditions
Not every treatment fits every patient. A personalized plan can help determine which option makes sense.
FAQs
Can neck pain cause arm pain?
Yes. Neck problems can cause pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand when a cervical nerve becomes irritated or compressed. This can also produce numbness, tingling, or weakness, depending on the affected nerve and underlying condition.
When should we see a doctor for neck pain?
Consider medical evaluation when neck pain persists, repeatedly returns, limits normal activities, or comes with numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain traveling into the arm. Sudden severe symptoms or significant weakness should receive prompt medical attention.
What treatments are available for neck pain?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include physical therapy, medication management, injections, nerve-related procedures, or other pain management approaches. Laser Pain Center offers several options that can be considered after evaluating the patient’s symptoms and condition.
Conclusion
Neck pain that won’t go away shouldn’t be brushed aside.
The cause could be muscular. It could involve the joints, discs, or nerves. Finding the source can help determine the right treatment path.
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