Neck Pain

Did you know that neck pain affects nearly one-third of adults—and becomes a chronic, debilitating condition for half of them? Prompt treatment from Alexis Tracy, DO, at Somerset Spine & Nerve can relieve neck pain and help prevent or manage long-term issues. Dr. Tracy offers advanced, nonsurgical treatments that are effective even when traditional care has failed. Call the Medford, Oregon, office or request an appointment online today.

 

What causes neck pain?

 

Acute neck pain occurs suddenly and typically heals over time. It may begin from muscle strain or a traumatic injury.

The most common traumatic neck injury—whiplash—often results from car accidents or sports injuries, where a sudden blow causes the head to snap back and forth. In more severe cases, trauma can lead to a neck fracture.

Chronic (long-lasting) neck pain usually develops due to age-related tissue degeneration, leading to conditions such as:

• Herniated discs

• Spinal arthritis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis

• Pinched nerves

• Radiculopathy (pinched nerve root)

• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)

 

Spondylolisthesis may be caused by arthritis or disc degeneration but can also result from trauma.

 

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What other symptoms accompany neck pain?

 

Neck pain often limits head and neck movement. It may also lead to headaches.

When a nerve is pinched, it can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates into the shoulder and arm. In some cases, nerve damage may lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.

 

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How is neck pain diagnosed?

 

Diagnosing neck pain begins with a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam. Your Somerset Spine & Nerve provider may order diagnostic imaging or perform electrodiagnostic testing.

Two common electrodiagnostic tests include:

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of muscles.

• Nerve conduction study (NCS): Evaluates how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves.

 

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How is neck pain treated?

 

Severe neck injuries or fractures may require more intensive treatment. However, most cases of acute neck painimprove with conservative care such as activity modification, medication, and physical therapy.

For chronic neck pain, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can help. If these methods aren’t effective, your Somerset Spine & Nerve provider may recommend one of the following:

 

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Interventional Procedures

 

Dr. Tracy specializes in a range of minimally invasive interventional treatments that reduce inflammation or disrupt pain signals from the nerves. Examples include:

• Epidural steroid injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the space around the spine.

• Nerve blocks: Delivering anesthetic directly to the affected nerve.

• Radiofrequency ablation: Using targeted heat to stop the nerve from sending pain signals.

 

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Regenerative Procedures

 

These injections contain platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells. They work by promoting healing, repairing damaged tissues, and reducing inflammation.

Call Somerset Spine & Nerve to schedule an appointment and find relief from neck pain. You can also request an appointment online at any time.