Neck pain, or cervical spine pain, refers to discomfort or stiffness in the upper portion of the spine—including muscles, joints, nerves, or discs. It can be localized to the neck or radiate to the shoulders, arms, upper back, or head. Neck pain is common and can result from injury, poor posture, spinal degeneration, or nerve irritation.
In some cases, it may be acute and self-limited, while in others, it may become chronic and interfere with sleep, concentration, or daily activities.
Common Causes of Cervical Pain
Muscle strain or poor posture - Common with prolonged desk work, smartphone use, or poor sleeping positions.
Cervical disc herniation - Displaced disc material compresses nearby nerve roots, leading to radicular pain.
Degenerative disc disease - Age-related wear and tear that reduces disc height and increases joint stress.
Facet joint arthritis - Inflammation or degeneration of the small joints in the spine.
Cervical spinal stenosis - Narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause nerve compression.
Whiplash injuries - Rapid acceleration-deceleration of the neck, often due to car accidents.
Cervicogenic headaches - Referred pain from the neck that presents as headaches or scalp tenderness.
Symptoms of Cervical Spine Pain
Aching or sharp pain in the neck
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or hand
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the upper extremity
Muscle spasms or tension
Headaches originating at the base of the skull
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation and pain
Muscle relaxants for spasms
Neuropathic agents (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) for nerve pain
Topical analgesics
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises for mobility, posture correction, and core stabilization
Manual therapy, cervical traction, and myofascial release
Ergonomic Modifications
Proper desk setup, supportive pillows, and posture training
Heat and Cold Therapy
Used to reduce inflammation or soothe muscle tension
Interventional Pain Management Options
When conservative treatments fail to relieve cervical pain, image-guided interventional procedures can provide precise, longer-lasting relief:
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Reduces inflammation and nerve root irritation in cases of disc herniation or stenosis
Cervical Medial Branch Block
Diagnoses and treats pain coming from arthritic facet joints in the neck
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Used after successful medial branch blocks to disrupt pain signals from cervical facet joints
Can offer 6–12 months of relief
Trigger Point Injections
For muscle-related pain, tension, or myofascial trigger points
Stellate Ganglion Block
Used for sympathetically maintained pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or certain types of facial pain and PTSD
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
In select chronic cases involving neuropathic cervical pain, SCS may be used to modulate pain signals
When to See a Specialist
You should seek evaluation if you experience:
Neck pain that lasts more than a few weeks
Pain radiating into the arm or hand
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the upper extremity
Headaches triggered by neck movement or posture
Pain that interferes with sleep, work, or daily function
Personalized Neck Pain Solutions
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in diagnosing and treating neck pain at its source—whether from degenerative changes, nerve irritation, or injury. We offer comprehensive, non-surgical and minimally invasive options to reduce pain and restore your quality of life.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to explore safe, effective treatments for neck pain and cervical spine disorders.