Proper treatment of neck pain begins with a thorough diagnosis. When you visit our clinic, we will gather your medical history and perform a detailed examination of your neck, shoulder, and other parts of your spine. During the test, your doctor will check for your ability to move your head in all directions as well as the presence of numbness or weakness in your muscles.
Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests to get a more detailed picture of the underlying cause of the pain in your neck. These tests include:
- MRI: This will create detailed images of soft tissues and spinal bones as well as nerves branching from the spinal cord.
- X-ray: This will show the areas of your neck where your spinal cord or nerves may be pinched by degeneration or bone spurs.
- CT scan: This uses x-ray images from different directions to create a detailed cross-section of the structure of your neck.
- Electromyography: This will reveal any presence of pinched nerves.
Most mild-to-moderate cases of neck pain will respond to self-care. But if pain persists, your doctor will recommend:
- Medication: You may need to use muscle relaxants as well as strong pain-relieving medications and tricyclic antidepressants.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop the correct posture and realign and strengthen your neck muscles through exercise.
- Traction: This utilizes pulleys, weights, and an air bladder to stretch your neck muscles.
- Immobilization: You may need to wear a soft collar that supports your neck, reduces the pressure on it, and relieves pain.