Chronic neck pain is pain in the neck over a long period of time. It usually lasts more than three months. The pain can range from mild to severe. Chronic neck pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including problems with the muscles, nerves, or bones.

Chronic Neck Pain Symptoms

Chronic neck pain may also cause you to have neck stiffness. Pain may be worse when moving your neck. The pain can be any type of pain including burning, sharp, dull, and tingling. The pain may spread to other parts of the body such as the shoulders and arms.

Concerned about neck pain? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of chronic neck pain include having:

  • Muscle strains and muscle tension
  • Poor posture
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Disk degeneration
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Prior spine surgery
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tumors (rarely)

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. Orthopedists specialize in bones and joints. A neurologist or neurosurgeon specializes in the nerves and spinal cord.

Images of your spine may be needed. This can be done with:

  • X-rays
  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • Myelography

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:

Activity and Exercise

You may be able to decrease your pain by staying active and exercising. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist. A therapist may work on strength exercises and stretching.

Medications

There are many different medications that may be used the help you manage your neck pain.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)—to treat the pain and reduce inflammation
  • Acetominophen—to treat pain
  • Certain antidepressant medications—sometimes used for neck pain
  • Certain antiseizure medications
  • Corticosteroid injection—to treat the pain and reduce inflammation caused by disk disease

Other Treatments

There are other treatments that might be helpful for neck pain.

  • Low-level laser therapy— a light source is directed on the painful area
  • Electrotherapy treatments, such as repetitive magnetic stimulation, and nerve and muscle stimulation
  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture
  • Intermittent traction (pulling on the neck)
  • Massage

Surgery

Most cases of neck pain are treated medically. In some cases surgery is needed. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of pain.

Still concerned about neck pain? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.