Cervical spine issues can be a real pain in the neck. These conditions can limit your mobility, cause headaches, and generate a constant feeling of tightness and tension. Our expert team is recognized as one of the top neck pain specialists and cervical spine doctors in NYC.
From whiplash to degenerative disc disease, neck pain can have a variety of root causes. It’s our job to help you identify the problem, fix your pain, and ensure you can get back to living the life you want.
We are a patient-focused practice, and we prioritize non-surgical treatments but also offer advanced surgical options when needed.
So, let’s find out a little more about neck pain and why we’re the right people to help you fix yours.
What are the symptoms of neck and cervical pain?
The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is composed of seven vertebrae. These bones are connected by joints on each side and separated by soft discs that provide cushioning and support.
Ligaments and muscles attach to and support this structure, enabling a wide range of head movement.
When these ligaments and muscles are damaged, problems can arise.
Neck pain and cervical spine issues can present in a variety of ways. People may even experience different symptoms, depending on their lifestyle, hobbies, and level of physical activity.
Common symptoms can include:
- Dull pain
- Sharp pain when moving the neck in a particular direction
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Spasms
- Headaches
- Tension
- Pain in the upper back or shoulders
What are the causes of neck and cervical pain?
Muscle strains and tension are the most frequent causes of neck pain. These muscles can be injured during routine daily activities.
Some of the most common causes of neck and cervical pain include:
- Sitting at a desk for too long
- Improper posture
- Sleeping without a supportive pillow
- Overuse of muscles during exercise
- Strains and sprains
- Pinched or trapped nerves
- Lifting or pulling heavy objects
The upper spine is made up of delicate vertebrae and small muscles that are susceptible to injury. Dislocations and fractures can occur, damaging the cushioning discs around the upper spine or causing issues with the small bones of the cervical spine.
Hard, fast motions are usually the culprit when it comes to the root cause of neck and cervical spine problems. Some common examples include:
- Whiplash, often a result of car, motorcycle, or biking accidents
- Contact Sports, such as football tackles or martial arts
- Repetitive motions, such as those from some sports
- Jerking of the head, such as accidental sprains and strains
In less common instances, neck pain can originate from diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. These diseases require medical treatment from a neck pain doctor:
- Degenerative Disc Disease – The cushion between the cervical vertebrae degenerates, causing the bones to grind together.
- Osteoarthritis and Arthritis – Conditions that cause the joints to wear down and grind together over time.
- Herniated Disc – One of the cushioning discs within the spine tears or bursts.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis – Pressure in the spinal cavity compresses and irritates nerve roots, causing pain.
- Spinal Cord Compression – Compression of the cervical spinal cord due to aging or poor posture.
Specialists in Neck Pain: What conditions do we treat?
Our offices are spread across New York, meaning you’re never too far away from help with your neck pain. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs and targets both your pain and the root cause.
Below are some of the issues our expert neck pain doctors in New York often treat:
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck)
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Muscle Spasm
- Sprains & Strains
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Whiplash
How do our neck pain doctors identify conditions?
We use a range of testing technologies to help us identify issues and conditions that might be causing your neck pain. Such as:
- X-Ray – We use X-rays to identify structural injuries and abnormalities in the bones of the neck. With X-rays, we can see clear images of fractures, breakages, and dislocations. X-ray scans are quick and painless.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – An MRI provides a detailed view of the neck and upper spine’s soft tissues. This painless procedure involves using an MRI scanner, a cylindrical machine employing magnets and radio waves. A follow-up appointment may be required to complete the scan.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound – Diagnostic ultrasound scans show clear pictures of the muscles. This procedure is painless and uses an ultrasound scanner, similar to the tool you might have seen used for pregnancy scans.
- EMG (Electromyogram)– This procedure involves inserting a needle electrode into the neck muscle to record the electrical activity of the nerves. The recordings can help us identify nerve damage. The procedure is mostly painless, though you may feel a small prick from the needle.
What are the treatment options for neck pain?
Mild neck pain can usually be treated at home under the guidance of an orthopedic neck pain specialist. Other, more serious or long-term conditions may require more extensive treatment options.
Some common methods of treating and preventing further pain are:
- Alternately icing and heating the neck
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Resting or taking a break from strenuous activity
- Exercise within limits
- Sleep with your neck supported
- Improve posture
Persistent neck pain may require further treatment and a longer course of action. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be required to provide longer-lasting pain relief.
Our neck pain doctors in NYC try to treat most conditions without the need for intrusive surgery, though 10% of extreme cases may require more in-depth procedures.
Some of the ways our neck and cervical spine doctors treat pain include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to strengthen muscles, increase mobility, and boost immunity. Our NYC neck doctors can guide you through both active and passive physical therapy treatments.
Active forms of physical therapy can include exercises, like muscle strengthening and stretching. These can help improve pain, stiffness, and flexibility issues.
Passive forms of physical therapy include joint manipulation, massage, and electrical stimulation techniques. These treatments are best for loosening muscles, relieving tension, and promoting the body’s natural healing.
Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management is a medical subspecialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions through minimally invasive procedures and techniques. It combines diagnostic methods with therapeutic interventions to target the specific source of pain rather than just masking symptoms with medication.
Our specialists in neck pain may perform targeted procedures such as nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. These interventions are designed to interrupt pain signals, reduce inflammation, or modify how pain presents in the body.
Why are we among NYC’s top-rated neck and cervical pain specialists?
New York Bone and Joint Specialists is counted among the top-rated neck and cervical pain specialists in the Big Apple. Patients have been working closely with us for decades. Here’s why:
- Your joints are crucial for a long and healthy life, and we prioritize their preservation and healing.
- Our world-class joint specialists offer compassionate and comprehensive care for various conditions, guiding you from diagnosis through recovery.
- Over 90% of our orthopedic cases are successfully resolved without surgery.
- We provide complete recovery for every patient through conservative treatments and, when necessary, expert surgical interventions.
Read our patient reviews below.
Our top-rated neck and cervical doctors in NYC
New York Bone & Joint Specialists prioritizes patient well-being through a dedicated care team of physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, and support staff. We are committed to delivering outstanding care and reassurance to each patient, ensuring the long-term health and function of their joints.
Our nationally recognized neck pain doctors are supported by extensive accreditations, publications, and knowledge. Meet our in-house neck pain specialists and cervical spine doctors below.
