Neck pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek spine care. It can range from mild stiffness to severe, debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities. At our spine clinic serving Parker, Lone Tree, and the surrounding Denver metro area, we evaluate and treat the full spectrum of neck pain, from acute injuries to chronic conditions.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain has many potential causes. The most common include:

Muscle strain and spasm from poor posture, prolonged computer or phone use, sleeping in an awkward position, or sudden movements. This is sometimes called mechanical neck pain or cervical strain.

Cervical disc problems including disc bulges, herniations, and degenerative disc disease. When discs lose height or push outward, they can cause localized neck pain or refer pain into the shoulder blades.

Facet joint arthritis, also called cervical spondylosis. The facet joints are small joints in the back of the spine that can develop arthritis over time, leading to stiffness and pain, particularly with looking up or turning the head.

Cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve is compressed and causes pain radiating into the arm. [Internal link: Learn more about cervical radiculopathy]

Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents or other trauma. These injuries can affect the muscles, ligaments, discs, and facet joints of the neck.

Less commonly, neck pain can result from inflammatory conditions, infections, or other systemic causes.

Symptoms

Neck pain can present in many ways depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

Aching or stiffness in the neck that may worsen with certain positions or activities.

Pain that radiates into the shoulder blade, upper back, or base of the skull.

Headaches, particularly at the back of the head, which can originate from the upper cervical spine.

Limited range of motion, with difficulty turning the head or looking up.

Muscle tightness or spasm along the sides or back of the neck.

If neck pain is accompanied by arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, this may indicate nerve involvement and warrants further evaluation.

How Neck Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Your provider will ask about the onset, location, and character of your pain, as well as any aggravating or relieving factors. The examination includes assessment of your posture, range of motion, areas of tenderness, and neurologic function in your arms.

Imaging is not always necessary for neck pain, particularly when symptoms are mild and recent. When imaging is indicated, X-rays can evaluate alignment and arthritic changes, while MRI provides detailed information about the discs, nerves, and soft tissues.

Treatment Options

Most neck pain improves with conservative treatment. Initial measures include activity modification, postural correction, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and ice or heat application.

Physical therapy is often beneficial, focusing on stretching, strengthening, postural training, and manual therapy techniques. A home exercise program is an important part of long-term management.

If a specific pain generator is identified, targeted treatments may be helpful. Facet joint injections or medial branch blocks can address pain originating from the facet joints. [Internal link: Learn more about facet joint injections] Trigger point injections may help with persistent muscle spasm.

For neck pain associated with disc problems or nerve compression, epidural steroid injections may be considered. [Internal link: Learn more about epidural steroid injections]

Surgery is rarely needed for neck pain alone without significant nerve compression or instability.

What to Expect

The majority of neck pain episodes improve within a few weeks with appropriate conservative care. Recurrence is common, and maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and an ergonomic workstation can help reduce the likelihood of future episodes. Chronic neck pain may require ongoing management with periodic therapy, activity modification, and occasionally injections for flare-ups.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing persistent or severe neck pain, or neck pain with arm symptoms, our spine specialists can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation.