Neck Pain Treatment in Edison, NJ | Spine Surgeon Dr. Alok Sharan

Neck pain treatment at the Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, NJ starts with a conservative-first approach. Most neck pain comes from strained muscles or irritated joints and gets better within a few weeks with simple care. Neck pain that lasts longer than about six weeks, follows an injury, or comes with arm pain, numbness, weakness or hand clumsiness should be checked by a spine specialist, because it can signal a pinched nerve or pressure on the spinal cord.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Spine and Performance Institute, Edison, NJ.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Muscle strain and posture: long hours at a desk or looking down at a phone, sleeping awkwardly, or sudden movements
Whiplash and other injuries, such as car accidents and sports injuries
Degenerative disc disease and cervical spondylosis: age-related wear of the discs and joints. See degenerative disc disease.
Herniated disc pressing on a nerve. See herniated disc treatment.
Facet joint arthritis in the small joints at the back of the spine
Cervical spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal that can press on the spinal cord. See spinal stenosis.

When to See a Spine Specialist for Neck Pain

Pain that lasts more than about six weeks despite rest and home care
Pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm or hand, or numbness and tingling in the arm (cervical radiculopathy)
Weakness in the arm or hand
Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons or handwriting, or problems with balance (possible cervical myelopathy)
Neck pain after a fall, accident or other injury

Warning Signs — Seek Immediate Care

Get urgent care for neck pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, severe pain after trauma, rapidly worsening weakness, trouble walking, or new bladder or bowel problems.

Diagnosis

A spine specialist starts with your history and an exam of your neck movement, strength, sensation and reflexes. Imaging is not needed for most short-term neck pain. X-rays, MRI or CT are used when pain persists, after injury, or when nerve or spinal cord symptoms are present.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Physical therapy for posture, mobility and strength
Anti-inflammatory and other pain medications
Heat, ice and changes to your workstation and sleep position
Injections for selected patients

Most people with neck pain never need surgery.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for neck pain alone. It is considered when a specific problem, such as a herniated disc, bone spurs or stenosis, is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord and symptoms don’t respond to non-surgical care, or when spinal cord compression threatens function. Options include:

See neck surgery for more.

Seeing a Spine Surgeon in Edison, NJ

Dr. Alok Sharan treats neck pain and the conditions that cause it at the Spine and Performance Institute, 35-37 Progress St, Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. He is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, and the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Learn more about our Edison spine practice or Dr. Sharan’s background.

If you have an MRI or CT scan, you can upload your images before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does neck pain usually last?

Most neck pain from strain or posture improves within a few days to a few weeks. Pain lasting more than about six weeks should be evaluated.

When is neck pain serious?

See a doctor promptly for neck pain with arm weakness, numbness, hand clumsiness or balance problems, and get urgent care for neck pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, severe injury or new bladder or bowel problems.

Should I see a spine surgeon or a pain doctor for neck pain?

Many people start with their primary care doctor or physical therapy. A spine surgeon’s evaluation is helpful when pain persists, when you have arm symptoms or weakness, or when imaging shows a disc herniation, stenosis or spinal cord compression.

Do I need an MRI for neck pain?

Usually not for short-term neck pain. An MRI is typically ordered when pain persists despite treatment, after a significant injury, or when there are signs of nerve or spinal cord compression.

Can poor posture cause neck pain?

Yes. Long periods looking down at a phone or screen strain the neck muscles and joints. Adjusting your workstation, taking breaks and strengthening exercises often help.