What causes neck pain?
Some of the leading causes of neck pain are:
Injuries
If you can pinpoint the incident that triggered your neck pain (like a car accident), you’re probably dealing with a soft-tissue injury.
Joint problems
The joints along the base of your neck undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. This can result in osteoarthritis, which causes pain in the affected joints.
Nerve problems
You rely on the upper part of your spine — called your cervical spine — to support your head. When this part of your spine gets compressed, it puts pressure on the discs that cushion your vertebrae. This can cause the discs to bulge into the nerves along your neck, resulting in pain.
Muscular strain
Poor posture puts extra strain on the muscles in your neck. In our modern age, we spend many hours hunched over a computer and our cell phones, making these types of neck problems very common.
Other conditions
Your neck pain could be a symptom of a separate condition like meningitis or rheumatoid arthritis.
When should I see a doctor about my neck pain?
If you wake up with a crick in your neck, monitor it. In many cases, this neck pain is caused by sleeping with your neck muscles in improper alignment. The neck pain will resolve itself within a few days.
But contact Dr. Doherty if your neck pain is:
- Causing recurring headaches
- Limiting your ability to turn your head
- Severe
- Causing any numbness or tingling
- Spreading down your arms or legs
Come to Yale Neurosurgery New London to get started with personalized, highly effective treatment for your neck pain.
How is neck pain treated?
At Yale Neurosurgery New London, Dr. Doherty and his team, composed of an additional surgeon and two physician assistants, work together to give you continuous care to resolve your neck pain. First, they explore your nonsurgical treatment options, including:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Pain-relieving injections
- Posture correction
If these are ineffective, the team offers minimally invasive robotic neck surgery. This way, you can get the surgery you need to resolve your pain with less downtime, fewer risks, and better results.
To learn more about your neck pain treatment options, call Yale Neurosurgery New London or schedule an appointment online today.
