Age-related deterioration and accidents that cause whiplash injuries are the most common causes of neck pain. If you’ve had neck pain for several days and it’s not improving, contact board-certified pain expert Asher C. Goldstein, MD, and his team at Zephyr Medical in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. They use the most advanced nonsurgical treatments for neck pain, including epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation. Call Zephyr Medical today or book an appointment online to discover how their specialized care can reduce even the most persistent neck pain.

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What causes neck pain?

Your neck is made up of seven bones (cervical vertebrae) stacked on top of one another. Spongy discs sit between each pair of bones to protect and support them. Connective tissue holds the bones and muscles together. You also have many nerves coming from your spinal cord.

Any of these structures can be a source of pain if damaged. Common neck pain causes include:

  • Sports injuries
  • Falls
  • Automobile accidents
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated discs
  • Bone spurs
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
  • Facet joint arthritis (wear on the spinal joints)
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
  • Failed neck surgery syndrome
  • Poor posture

Whiplash (stretched neck muscles and connective tissues) is a frequent injury in auto accidents and some sports.

These problems can all result in pinched nerves (cervical radiculopathy). Nerve compression or damage is often responsible for more severe neck pain. You might also develop numbness or weakness in your arms and sensations like burning, prickling, or tingling.

Mild neck pain often improves with a day or two of rest. But if your neck pain is moderate to severe or gets worse, visit Zephyr Medical for an expert diagnosis.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Neck pain diagnosis begins with your doctor reviewing your medical history and evaluating your symptoms. They do a physical exam, testing your range of motion and feeling the structures in your neck.

Diagnostic imaging procedures can be invaluable for seeing what‘s happening under the surface. Your doctor might recommend:

  • X-rays
  • Myelogram
  • Bone scan
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Discogram
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test
  • Electromyography (EMG)

NCV and EMG testing usually happens at the same time. These tests measure your nerve responses and how well specific nerves control your muscles. They’re invaluable for determining if you’ve suffered nerve damage.

How is neck pain treated?

Zephyr Medical prepares a customized treatment program for you that addresses the root cause of your neck pain and your symptoms. You might benefit from:

  • Anti-inflammatory pain-killing medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Acupuncture
  • Medical marijuana
  • Nerve block injections
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Spinal cord stimulation

The Zephyr Medical team first uses the least invasive but highly effective methods for many people. If your pain doesn’t improve, they use more advanced treatments.

Call Zephyr Medical today or book an appointment online to find the cause of your neck pain and receive exceptional treatment.