Neck Pain

With the average American spending more than five hours a day with their head tilted down to scroll through their phone, it’s no wonder that neck pain is such a prevalent complaint. Neck pain, often referred to as cervical pain, is a common discomfort affecting the soft tissues, muscles, and structures surrounding the neck region. It can arise from various factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or underlying medical conditions like arthritis or herniated discs. Symptoms may range from localized soreness and stiffness to radiating pain, and management typically involves a combination of rest, gentle exercises, pain medication, and in some cases, physical therapy or other interventions prescribed by Dr. Weisbein.

What are the common causes of neck pain?

In addition to poor posture and spending too much time on your phone, many other injuries and conditions contribute to neck pain. Other common causes include:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Herniated discs

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Osteoporosis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Injuries like whiplash

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

In many cases, neck pain subsides on its own. But many of the above conditions can only be treated or managed by a medical professional like Dr. Weisbein.

When should I talk to Dr. Weisbein about my pain?

Almost everyone has woken up at least once with a stiff, sore neck. Most of the time, you can take a couple of over-the-counter painkillers and apply ice or a heating pad to relieve your pain. However, if these at-home treatments don’t work and your neck pain either doesn’t go away or gets worse, call Dr. Weisbein to make an appointment. Additionally, if you’re unable to turn or nod your head or you have weakness or electric sensations in your shoulders or arms, you should schedule a consultation.

How is the cause of neck pain diagnosed?

Dr. Weisbein provides gentle but thorough exams to identify the cause of your neck pain. She talks to you about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle and asks if you’ve had any recent injuries or situations that could have triggered your pain.

She feels your neck and asks you to make some movements so she can look for signs of nerve damage and gauge your pain and range of motion. Dr. Weisbein may also order diagnostic imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs or perform nerve function tests.

What type of treatment options are available?

Dr. Weisbein provides customized treatment plans that combine several therapies to relieve your neck pain. Everyone has a unique experience with pain, and your treatment plan is designed to address your specific needs. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Medication

  • Physical therapy

  • Facet joint injections

  • Medial branch blocks

  • Occipital nerve blocks

  • Interlaminar epidural steroid shots

  • Radiofrequency ablation

If neck pain is interfering with your quality of life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Weisbein. To schedule a new patient appointment, please call (707) 254-7117 or submit an Online Appointment Request here: New Patient Intake Form. If you are an existing patient, please call (707) 603-1078.