Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common problem categorized as discomfort in the neck area. Symptoms of neck pain can include:

  • Difficulty moving the head
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms/tightness
  • Pain after keeping the head in one position for too long
  • Popping or clicking in my neck
  • Pain with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Because the neck is flexible and supports the weight of the head, it can be susceptible to injuries or conditions that restrict motion or cause pain.

Common causes of neck pain can include:

  • Degenerative disc disease or disc herniation, which is the deterioration of the vertebral discs of the neck and spine that can compress or impinge (pinch) the nerves in the neck.
  • Injury from a sport or motor vehicle accident causing soft tissue damage
  • Muscle strains may result from issues such as an overuse of the muscles, poor posture, causing pain in the neck
  • Spondylosis, arthritic changes in the cervical spine.

How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

After taking a look at your medical history, Dr. Shanti will perform a detailed physical exam and diagnostic images maybe obtained. Diagnostic testing can include x-rays, CT, MRI, or Electromyography (EMG).

How Is Neck Pain Treated?

Dr. Shanti will customize a treatment plan for your neck pain based on his expertise opinion and knowledge. He will work with you to alleviate your pain through nonsurgical care and if needed advanced minimally invasive surgery.

What are my nonsurgical treatment options for Neck pain?

Dr. Shanti and his outstanding clinical team at Cary Orthopaedic Spine Center are able to provide patients with access to various nonsurgical treatments that can include:

  • Medications
  • Physical therapy that an include traction, massage therapy, and dry needling
  • Acupuncture
  • Soft collar for short-term immobilization of the neck to take pressure off the structures in the neck
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) where electrodes are placed on the skin in the painful areas to relieve pain.
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Epidural steroid or facet injections near the nerve roots or the joints to relieve pain

What are my surgical treatment option for Neck Pain?

A board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Shanti specializes in minimally invasive spine surgeon. A renowned researcher and educator with a strong passion for continuing the advancement of spine surgery, Dr. Shanti has published multiple papers and authored multiple chapters with an emphasis on disk replacement surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Ready for relief from neck pain? Request an appointment with Dr. Shanti at (919) 297-0000 to learn more.