Rheumatology’s role: Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can involve the neck. A rheumatologist can help when neck pain comes with other joint symptoms.
For full details on this condition, see our main page: Neck Pain.
Overview
Neck pain is common and often related to posture, muscle strain or arthritis in the cervical spine. It can also come from a pinched nerve, which may cause symptoms in the arm.
Most neck pain improves with conservative care. Persistent pain may be evaluated for facet joint, disc or nerve sources and treated with targeted injections or other procedures.
Watch and learn
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Common symptoms
- Stiffness or aching in the neck
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Pain spreading to the shoulder blade
- Arm pain, tingling or weakness
Causes and risk factors
- Muscle strain or posture
- Cervical facet arthritis
- Disc degeneration or herniation
- Whiplash injury
- Cervical stenosis
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, your clinician may order X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, or nerve tests. Imaging findings are interpreted together with your exam, because many people have changes on an MRI that do not cause pain.
Treatment options
Self-care and lifestyle
Keep your neck moving gently, adjust your desk and phone habits, and use heat for stiffness.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy with neck and upper-back strengthening is often helpful. Short-term medicines may be used if they are safe for you.
Injections and nerve blocks
Cervical facet injections or medial branch blocks, trigger point injections for muscle knots, or a cervical epidural injection for arm symptoms may help.
Minimally invasive procedures
Radiofrequency ablation may provide longer relief for confirmed facet joint pain.
Surgical evaluation
Surgical evaluation is considered for spinal cord or nerve compression, especially with weakness, clumsiness or balance changes.
Frequently asked questions
When should neck pain be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for neck pain after significant trauma, with fever, or with new weakness, balance problems or loss of coordination.
Can posture cause neck pain?
Prolonged screen use and poor posture can contribute. Regular breaks and exercises often help.
Are injections used for neck pain?
Yes. Cervical facet injections, medial branch blocks and epidural injections may be considered depending on the cause.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.