What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain is pain or stiffness anywhere from the base of the skull to the tops of the shoulders. The neck, or cervical spine, is made of seven small bones with cushioning discs between them, small joints that let the head turn and tilt, and layers of muscle that hold up the weight of your head all day. Nerves leave the spine here on their way to the shoulders, arms and hands, which is why a neck problem is sometimes felt far from the neck.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Muscle Strain and Posture
Long hours at a desk, looking down at a phone, driving or sleeping in an awkward position can overload the neck muscles and leave them sore and tight. Jaw clenching linked to TMJ disorders can add to the tension.
Trigger Points
Tight, tender knots in the neck and upper back muscles can cause aching, limit movement and send pain toward the head or shoulder blades.
Wear and Tear
With age, the discs and small joints of the neck change, which may cause stiffness and aching that come and go.
Pinched Nerve
A bulging disc or narrowing around a nerve can irritate it as it leaves the spine, causing pain, tingling or numbness that travels into the arm.
Injury
A car accident or fall can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Symptoms sometimes appear a day or two later.
Occipital Neuralgia
Irritation of the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the neck over the back of the head, can cause sharp, shooting or electric pain at the base of the skull.
Neck Pain Symptoms
Initial Symptoms Include:
- Stiffness and difficulty turning the head
- Aching or tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
- Pain that is worse after sitting at a desk or driving
Over Time, Additional Symptoms Include:
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain spreading to the shoulder blades or upper back
- Tingling, numbness or pain running down one arm
- Disturbed sleep
If the pain sits mainly in the shoulder joint rather than the neck, see shoulder pain treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Book a visit if neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with headaches or arm symptoms.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if neck pain:
- Follows a serious fall, car accident or blow to the head
- Comes with fever, a severe headache, confusion or sensitivity to light
- Comes with new weakness or clumsiness in the arms or hands, trouble walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, which can be signs of a heart problem
Why Choose Dr. D’Alessio for Neck Pain
- Physician-Led Care
Dr. Donna D’Alessio is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, a medical specialty focused on restoring movement and function for people with muscle, joint and nerve conditions. - Muscle, Nerve or Joint
Neck pain from a tight muscle and neck pain from an irritated nerve need different care, so the first step is working out which you have. - Close to Home
Our office is on Main Road in Towaco, in Montville Township, and is convenient for patients from Kinnelon, Lincoln Park and Denville.
Learn More About Dr. D’Alessio
How Dr. D’Alessio Evaluates Neck Pain
Dr. D’Alessio starts by asking how and when the pain began, what your work and daily routine involve, and whether you have headaches or symptoms in your arms. She then looks at your posture and how your neck moves, feels for tender muscles and trigger points, and checks the strength and feeling in your arms and hands. If she needs more information before recommending treatment, she will explain what and why.
Neck Pain Treatment Options in Montville, NJ
Every plan is built around the cause of your pain. Non-surgical options offered through our pain management practice include:
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections place a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, into tight muscle knots. They may relieve muscle-related neck pain and tension headaches.
Nerve Blocks and Occipital Neuralgia Care
The practice offers ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, which aim to interrupt pain signals from an irritated nerve. For occipital neuralgia, precise injections near the irritated nerves may calm sharp pain at the back of the head.
Botox for Migraines
If neck pain comes with chronic migraines, Botox for migraines may reduce how often they happen. It is intended for adults who have migraines on 15 or more days a month.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage, including deep tissue massage, can ease tight neck and shoulder muscles and may complement your other care.
What to Expect
Injections are done during a short visit to our Montville office, and most patients return to their usual activities soon afterwards. Mild tenderness where the needle went in is common and usually passes quickly. You will receive aftercare instructions, and Dr. D’Alessio will explain how long relief may last and whether follow-up visits are likely to help.
Interested in Finding Out More?
If neck pain, stiffness or headaches are wearing you down, our team in Montville is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my neck pain cause headaches?
Tight muscles and irritated nerves at the top of the neck can send pain into the head. Tension headaches and occipital neuralgia are two common examples, and each is treated differently.
Can neck pain cause arm pain or tingling?
Yes. When a nerve in the neck is irritated, pain, tingling or numbness can travel into the shoulder, arm or hand. New weakness in the arm or hand should be checked promptly.
What are trigger point injections for neck pain?
They are small injections of local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, into tight muscle knots. They may relieve muscle-related neck pain and tension headaches.
When is neck pain an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for neck pain after a serious injury, neck pain with fever and a severe headache, new weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or neck pain with chest pain or shortness of breath.
How long does it take for neck pain to improve?
It depends on the cause. A simple muscle strain often eases within days to weeks, while nerve-related or long-standing pain can take longer. Dr. D’Alessio will explain what to expect from your treatment plan.
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