Neck Pain Treatment

Living with persistent neck pain is uncomfortable. The neck is an anatomically complex, mobile part of the body, and it is unfortunately susceptible to injury. Neck pain is any discomfort or suffering in the shoulders and/or cervical region of the spine. Sometimes the pain can radiate into the arms or hands. It is important to identify the underlying cause of your neck pain. Neck pain is a broad category, and many causes can be treated by a wide variety of treatments, from doctor-prescribed physical therapy to minimally invasive surgery.

What are common causes of neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain include:

Muscle strains
Cervical degeneration (arthritis)
Herniated cervical disks resulting in nerve or spinal cord compression (radiculopathy/myelopathy)
Trauma from sports, motor vehicle accidents
Non-specific

Symptoms of neck pain include:

Headaches
Tightness / Spasm
Limited range of motion / stiffness
Poor Posture

Diagnosing Neck Pain

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, expect a personalized treatment plan designed for your specific type of neck pain. Our approach to neck pain therapy focuses on detailed evaluations and advanced diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of a patient’s pain and the most effective neck injury treatment. Your physician will take a complete medical history and perform a detailed physical and neurologic evaluation. This will help identify the source of your pain. To better understand your condition state-of-the-art diagnostic tests may be ordered.

X-rays: Cervical x-rays to evaluate the bony structures and alignment of your neck
MRI: Cervical MRI to evaluate your spinal cord, discs, and ligaments.
CT: CT scan may pre-ordered to further evaluate the bony structures. This is more commonly a preoperative study.

EMG: Nerve conduction velocity/EMG may be used in patients who also have radiating pain or weakness in their arms or legs. EMG can help to determine whether the pain in your arms or legs is secondary to compression of your cervical nerve root. Sometimes the nerve pain is the result of the nerve being pinched as is seen in your extremity. Nerve pain may be caused by diseases such as vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, and alcoholism. This study helps sort that out.

Specialized Neck Pain Treatment

Living with persistent neck pain is unpleasant and debilitating. The neck is an anatomically complex, mobile part of the body. Causes of neck pain are many. It can be treated with a variety of treatments depending on the underlying condition causing the neck pain. Some examples are:

Physical Therapy
Acupuncture
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Spinal injections - steroids
Muscle relaxants - short term
Short term immobilization with a soft collar neck brace

Surgery is rarely necessary but is an option for relieving nerve root pain or spinal cord compression. If surgery is considered, your neck surgeon may recommend a cervical discectomy, cervical fusion or cervical disc replacement depending on the severity of the condition and other factors such as lifestyle and your general health.

What to Expect During Neck Pain Treatment

What to expect during neck pain treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and pain level. Our spine and neck doctors have extensive experience in treating a wide range of conditions affecting the cervical spine. Feel confident that you are in the very best of hands. Feel free to ask any questions, as it is critical that patients understand the nature of their neck pain and all treatments.
Our goal is always to help patients regain mobility and engage in activities they enjoy.

Find a Spine Doctor

Find a Neck Pain Specialist

To consult with one of our board-certified cervical spine surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, please call us at (949) 890-0464 or visit our physician directory.

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.

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