Neck pain is a common complaint that most people experience occasionally. However, when it lasts for days, worsens in intensity, or recurs frequently, there could be an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Leia Rispoli, MD, is a double board-certified pain management and physical medicine specialist who focuses on solving pain at its source. She starts by diagnosing the cause of your discomfort and then creates a personalized treatment strategy to get you moving pain-free again.
Read Dr. Rispoli’s insights regarding neck pain, what causes it, and when to schedule a visit.
A variety of issues or combination of problems can lead to neck pain, including:
Neck muscles are vulnerable to strain related to overuse, poor posture, chronic stress, inappropriate lifting techniques, or even an awkward sleeping position.
Herniated discs or bone spurs can “pinch” and irritate nerves branching out from the cervical spine (neck), leading to pain that may involve the neck, head, shoulders, or upper back.
Trauma sustained during auto accidents, falls, or sports injuries can stretch and tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to whiplash-type injuries. Neck pain and other symptoms may develop hours to a few days later, sometimes making it challenging to identify the triggering incident.
Osteoarthritis can lead to neck pain due to joint damage and other degenerative changes that may occur with aging or overuse.
Dr. Rispoli recommends an evaluation whenever you’re concerned about neck pain or want to avoid future problems.
It’s also critical to seek urgent medical care if you develop neck pain, stiffness, and fever since these symptoms could indicate a severe viral or bacterial illness such as meningitis.
Otherwise, Dr. Rispoli suggests scheduling a visit for:
Neck pain that persists beyond a few days or doesn’t respond to typical pain relief measures (i.e., rest, over-the-counter medication) requires medical attention.
Additionally, recurrent pain could indicate degenerative disc disease (DDD), chronic muscle strain, or another underlying issue requiring further care.
Pain traveling (radiating) from the neck to the head, shoulders, arms, or fingers could indicate a pinched nerve. Other signs of nerve involvement include tingling, numbness, or weakness that may affect your shoulders, arms, etc.
Always schedule a visit if you develop neck pain after a fall, physical assault, car accident, or any other injury. Traumatic injuries like whiplash can lead to long-term complications if not treated properly.
Dr. Rispoli also encourages an appointment if neck pain interferes with your ability to rest, work, or complete daily activities.
Dr. Rispoli starts with a thorough physical exam and a detailed discussion of your symptoms. She may also recommend X-rays or other imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis.
Depending on the underlying cause, your strategy could include:
Dr. Rispoli may also recommend injection-based therapies such as epidural steroid injections or regenerative medicine therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) to reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility.
You don’t have to live with neck pain. Schedule an evaluation with Leia Rispoli, MD, in Newport Beach or Marina Del Rey, California. Call the office today or request an appointment online.
