Neck Pain

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is common and can make everyday activities more difficult. Normal wear and tear, scoliosis or injury can irritate the structures in your neck over time and cause discomfort and pain. Getting an early evaluation and treatment can relieve symptoms and help prevent long-term problems.

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Illustration comparing a healthy cervical spine to one with spondylosis, labeled with bulging disk, bone spurs, and narrowed disk space.

How the cervical spine works

The neck (cervical spine) is made up of seven small bones separated by discs that cushion movement. Facet joints, ligaments and muscles provide support and flexibility. The spinal cord and nerves pass through the center of the spine and branch out to your shoulders, arms and hands.

When discs, joints or muscles become strained, worn or misaligned, you may have pain, stiffness or nerve-related symptoms.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of spine-related neck conditions include:

Aching, sharp or burning pain in the neck
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm or hand
Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand
Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
Difficulty with balance or coordination in more advanced cases

If you have sudden weakness, trouble walking or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek emergency care immediately.

Causes

Several spine conditions can cause neck pain including:

Degenerative disc changes: Age-related disc wear that reduces cushioning and may lead to bone spurs
Facet joint arthritis: Inflammation in the small joints of the neck, often worsening with movement
Muscle strain: Overuse, poor posture or scoliosis-related imbalance
Cervical radiculopathy: A pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc or bone spur
Spinal stenosis or cervical myelopathy: Narrowing around the spinal cord that can affect the arms and legs

Diagnosis

Our spine specialists begin with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, daily activities and medical history and a physical examination of your neck to assess strength, reflexes, alignment and movement.

Your specialist may recommend advanced imaging including X-ray, MRI or CT to evaluate discs, joints, scoliosis curves or pressure on nerves and the spinal cord. In some cases, nerve testing can be used to help identify the source of your symptoms.

Why treatment matters

Treatment for neck pain focuses on easing pain, improving mobility and protecting long-term spine health. For many people with neck pain, conservative options such as guided exercise, physical therapy, posture education and medication may improve their condition. If your condition does not respond to this treatment, advanced options including targeted injections or surgery may be recommended.