Neck pain can make it difficult to work, sleep, drive, or simply turn your head comfortably. While many cases improve with rest and conservative care, persistent or recurring neck pain may be a sign of an underlying cervical spine condition that should be evaluated.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the cervical spine using a conservative, patient-first approach. Whether your symptoms began after an injury or have developed over time, your spine specialist will work to identify the source of your pain and recommend the least invasive treatment to help you recover.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from muscle strain to more complex spine conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward lasting relief.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strains are one of the most common causes of neck pain. They can occur after lifting, exercising, sleeping in an awkward position, or from repetitive movements. Overuse can overstretch the muscles and soft tissues of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
Poor Posture
Spending long hours looking down at a phone, working at a computer, or sitting with poor posture places extra stress on the muscles and joints of the neck. Over time, this can lead to chronic neck pain and muscle tension.
Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Arthritis)
As we age, the discs and joints in the cervical spine naturally wear down. This age-related arthritis, called cervical spondylosis, can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy)
A herniated or bulging disc can place pressure on a nearby nerve, causing pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Many patients also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Whiplash
Whiplash commonly occurs after a motor vehicle accident or other sudden impact that forces the neck back and forth quickly. Prompt evaluation can help determine the severity of the injury and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
If your injury occurred at work, our experienced workers’ compensation team can also help coordinate your treatment and claim.
Other Spine Conditions
Less commonly, neck pain may be caused by conditions such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumors
- Other cervical spine disorders
Your spine specialist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the source of your symptoms.
When Should You See a Spine Specialist?
Many cases of neck pain improve with rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter medications. However, you should schedule an evaluation if your symptoms:
- Last longer than a few weeks
- Continue to return
- Interfere with work, sleep, or everyday activities
- Radiate into your shoulder, arm, or hand
- Cause numbness or tingling
- Cause weakness in your arm or hand
- Limit your ability to turn your head comfortably
- Develop after an injury or accident
Loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden weakness, difficulty walking, or severe numbness should be evaluated immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
Every treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Your spine specialist will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a comprehensive physical examination. Depending on your condition, additional testing may include:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- A neurological evaluation
- Review of previous injuries or treatments
Once the underlying cause has been identified, your provider can develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and helping you return to your normal activities.
Treatment Options for Neck Pain
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda emphasizes conservative, non-operative treatment whenever appropriate. Your spine specialist will recommend the least invasive treatment that will help you recover before considering surgery.
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Activity modifications
- Image-guided spinal injections
- Epidural steroid injections
When surgery is the best option, Dr. Sanda offers advanced minimally invasive and motion-preserving procedures designed to reduce tissue disruption and speed recovery. Depending on your diagnosis, surgical options may include:
- Endoscopic spine surgery
- Cervical disc replacement
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Robotic-assisted spine surgery when appropriate
Schedule Your Neck Pain Consultation
You don’t have to live with persistent neck pain.
Whether your symptoms are caused by arthritis, a pinched nerve, whiplash, or another cervical spine condition, our team will work to identify the cause and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda provides comprehensive spine care, from conservative treatment through advanced minimally invasive surgery, helping patients throughout Central Alabama return to work, family, sports, and the activities they enjoy.
If your neck pain began after a recent injury, Urgent Ortho, our walk-in orthopedic clinic, offers same-day orthopedic evaluation and can seamlessly connect you with our spine specialist if additional care is needed.
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons proudly serves patients in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and Tallassee. Request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule your consultation today.