Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)

The neck (cervical spine) is comprised of vertebrae that start at the skull and move down to the upper torso. Although the cervical spine, ligaments, and muscles are essential to stabilizing the spine and allowing for the motion of the head, it is less protected than other areas of the spine and is, therefore, susceptible to injuries and disorders that can cause considerable neck pain and limited mobility.

Neck Pain at a Glance

Neck pain is a common symptom that may result from conditions affecting the cervical spine. Most cases improve with conservative, nonsurgical treatment.

Symptoms include: Cervical neck pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm with numbness, tingling or weakness may indicate a pinched nerve.
Causes include: Muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis, herniated discs or other cervical spine conditions.
Reduce the risk of cervical neck pain by: Maintaining good posture, taking frequent screen breaks and exercising to keep your neck and core muscles strong.
When to see an orthopedic specialist: Symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening and limit daily activities.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we offer state-of-the-art neck pain treatment. After a proper neck pain diagnosis, our neck and spine specialists will determine the best treatment for relieving your neck discomfort.

Common Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain can result from a variety of issues, including those involving soft tissue, spinal and disc conditions, or trauma from impact in car accidents and sports injuries.

Common Neck Conditions Resulting in Neck Pain:

Orthopedic conditions – Neck pain can result from orthopedic disorders affecting the cervical spine, with cervical disc degeneration or spondylosis as a leading cause. This natural aging process can result in disc deterioration, occasionally causing protrusions that press on nerves or the spinal cord. This is referred to as a herniated cervical disc, although it is also referred to colloquially as a slipped disc, bulging disc, or ruptured disc. Other conditions that may cause neck pain include cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spinal stenosis, and cervical foraminal stenosis.
Injuries – Neck injury occurs frequently from hyperextension (when the neck extends backward beyond normal limits) or hyperflexion (forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits). Severe injuries involve fractures or dislocation, which can damage the spinal cord and potentially cause disability or paralysis.

Types of Neck Pain

The most frequent types of neck pain include:

Axial pain: This neck pain is limited only to the cervical spine. Also known as mechanical neck pain, this type of neck pain is generally acute but does not last a long time.
Muscle spasms: If this tightening of the neck muscles occurs regularly, the neck pain may result from cervical or spinal disc problems.
Nerve pain: A pinched nerve, formally known as cervical radiculopathy, is very painful. Such pain occurs not only in the neck but may spread to the lower back and other areas of the spine. There is often a “pins and needles” feeling with a pinched nerve.
Referred pain: While referred pain is felt in the neck, it actually starts in another part of the body. For instance, headache pain can “refer” to neck discomfort.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of a neck injury are not confined to neck pain and stiffness. Other common neck injury symptoms include:

Headache
Swelling
Bruising
Nausea
Insomnia
Limited range of motion
Arm and shoulder pain
Dizziness
Jaw pain
Fatigue
Weakness

Some neck pain symptoms are red flags, indicating the need for emergency treatment. These include:

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Loss of coordination
Any form of paralysis

Neck Pain Diagnosis

When making a neck pain diagnosis, the doctor performs a complete physical evaluation and takes a medical history, focusing on when the injury occurred and its causes. Diagnostic tests are run, including X-rays to see if there are any fractures in the neck and CT scans or MRIs to view soft tissue injuries. In addition to the neck, these imaging tests may involve the spinal cord, nerve roots, or discs.

If it is suspected that a pinched nerve is causing neck pain, the doctor will order an electromyography or EMG. This nerve conduction test is designed to show whether nerves are working correctly.

Any sign of fever or infection accompanying the neck pain means a blood test is performed to identify any infectious agents. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment begins.

Find a Spine Doctor

When to See a Doctor for Neck Pain

If you experience ongoing neck pain, limited mobility, or neck discomfort after an injury, consider visiting a doctor if the pain does not improve within a few weeks. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our board-certified spine doctors have extensive experience treating a range of conditions affecting the cervical spine.

By leveraging the expertise of fellowship-trained neck and cervical doctors and a team of experienced medical professionals, we offer comprehensive care that focuses on the unique needs of our patients. We can help you get back to daily tasks and activities you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

Articles Related to Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)

1 /

View All Neck Pain (Cervical Pain) Blogs