What are the most effective treatments for neck pain?

The answer is: It depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In this post, we’ve explored some common causes of neck pain and provided an overview of possible treatment options ranging from simple, at-home interventions to minimally invasive surgery.

To receive an accurate diagnosis for your neck pain and move forward with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, schedule an initial consultation with our world-class spine specialists today!

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition that affects more than 200 million people around the globe every year. It can occur for numerous reasons and may impact various structures within the neck, including the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones (vertebrae), joints, and/or nerves.

Neck pain is often classified as acute or chronic:

• Acute neck pain usually has a rapid onset and resolves within a short period of time (days or weeks).
• Chronic neck pain usually develops more slowly, and symptoms may remain for an extended period of time (months or even years).

Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

• Poor Posture – Slouching, slumping, sitting or sleeping with an improperly aligned spine/neck
• Physical Trauma – Sports injuries, falls, car accidents (whiplash)
• Age-Related Deterioration – Osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, pinched nerve
• Strain – Overuse, repetitive stress, carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, sudden movements that twist the neck
• Back Problems – Scoliosis, kyphosis, other conditions that affect the spine and neck
• Other Diseases – Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis

The first step in resolving your neck pain is understanding its underlying cause. Book an appointment at the New Jersey Spine Institute today to get an accurate diagnosis from our leading specialists!

At-Home Relief And Lifestyle Changes

If you’ve woken up with a stiff neck, have a “crick” in your neck, or are experiencing mild neck pain after a sudden, unexpected movement, there’s a good chance you can resolve the issue on your own. More often than not, these types of neck issues are caused by muscle strain and respond well to at-home treatments:

Rest, Ice/Heat, Gentle Movement

Ice – Ice can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the neck. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first day or two after the initial onset of symptoms.

Heat – If symptoms have improved after the first 1 to 2 days, heat may be applied to further relax the muscles and relieve neck stiffness.

Pain Relief – Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used as needed to reduce inflammation and alleviate neck pain.

Gentle Exercises – Gentle exercises like neck rotations, neck tilts, and shoulder rolls can help lengthen the neck muscles and ease built-up tension in the shoulders and upper back.

Posture & Sleep Adjustments

Maintaining good posture throughout the day and while sleeping can be instrumental in resolving neck pain stemming from a wide variety of causes. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we recommend making the following adjustments:

• Keep all screens at eye level and set up an ergonomic work station.
• Sit and stand with the back long, the shoulders back, and the head centered over the spine (chin not jutting forward or tucked back).
• Take frequent movement breaks, especially if your job requires long periods of sitting.
• Invest in a high-quality mattress and use a pillow that supports the natural curvature of the neck.
• Sleep on your back or side instead of your stomach.

Professional Non-Surgical Treatments

If neck pain is affecting your quality of life and hasn’t resolved with at-home treatments, it’s time to seek a professional opinion. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we’ll work closely with you to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and explore non-surgical treatment options, including the following:

Physical Therapy & Rehab

Working with a physical therapist can have a wide range of benefits for neck pain, such as:

• Reducing pain
• Restoring range of motion and improving mobility
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Improving posture
• Helping to prevent neck pain in the future

While each patient’s physical therapy rehabilitation plan will vary according to their needs, treatment techniques may include targeted stretches and neck pain exercises, manual therapy, and/or modalities like ultrasound or TENS for pain reduction.

Medications & Injections

Depending on the circumstances, our doctors may recommend prescription medications, such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants, for neck pain. In other cases, targeted injections may help reduce symptoms and improve mobility:

• Cervical Epidural Injections deliver corticosteroid medication directly in the epidural space around the spinal cord and are often used in cases involving nerve pain.
• Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections deliver medication into the neural foramen – the area where nerve roots exit the spinal canal.
• Facet Joint Injections deliver anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into affected neck joints and are often used in cases involving arthritis or injury.

Advanced Medical Options

If you are experiencing severe, persistent pain in your neck that is affecting your quality of life and has been unresponsive to more conservative treatment approaches, our award-winning team of spine surgeons may recommend a surgical intervention.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we’re known for our minimally invasive surgical techniques and groundbreaking two-surgeon approach. Surgeries we commonly perform to relieve neck pain include:

• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
• Microdiscectomy
• Artificial disc replacement

When To See A Specialist In New Brunswick

If neck pain is severe, ongoing, or preventing you from doing the things you love in New Brunswick, NJ, it’s time to have it evaluated. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we work with all types of neck pain and are always available to help you regain pain-free function and mobility in your cervical spine.

Start Your Path To Lasting Neck Pain Relief Today

Ready to relieve pain in your neck and get back to living life to the fullest in New Brunswick? Contact the New Jersey Spine Institute today to learn more about our neck pain treatment options and schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you!