Understanding Neck Pain

Determining the Cause of Neck Pain

The most common form of neck pain is musculoskeletal pain, or pain related to the muscles and tendons that move and stabilize the head and neck. It is commonly caused by a strain or sprain of those muscles and tendons. A more chronic issue that can occur over time is the wear and tear of the skeletal structure of the neck, including the disc and the facet joints, or the small joints in the back of the neck. This can relate to arthritis and present as a deeper, aching pain.

Unlike musculoskeletal pain that tends to be more focused to one area and exacerbated by movement, radiating pain is the hallmark of nerve-related issues in the neck, such as nerve impingement. This pain may radiate from one side of the neck, up into the head, behind the ear, or down into the arm, anywhere from the shoulder muscles all the way down to the fingers.

Pain that is also accompanied by dysfunction of your arms or other parts of the body, such as persistent numbness in a region of your arm or hand, weakness or a lack of dexterity that may cause you to frequently drop things, or balance issues are all red flags indicating a more serious problem, possibly involving the spinal cord, and should be assessed by a medical professional quickly.

Finding Relief for Neck Pain

Most often, if your neck pain isn’t accompanied by nerve dysfunction, all you need to do is give your neck a period of rest and recuperation. It will usually resolve on its own, even if that takes a week or two. However, if you are concerned or if the pain is not resolving on its own, speak with your primary care provider. They might refer you to physical therapy or a chiropractor, both of which are great places to start.

If your neck pain is persistent or if it is associated with symptoms going into the arm, you might fall into a treatment path that involves further investigation through an MRI and potentially seeing other specialists who can provide more advanced treatment to alleviate your neck pain.

Ian Dorward, MD, is a Washington University neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Dorward by calling 636.916.7140.