Neck pain is one of the most common health concerns worldwide. In 2020 alone, neck pain affected more than 200 million people across the globe. These numbers are only expected to rise, with projections suggesting that by 2050, 269 million people will be living with neck pain. That’s a whopping 30% increase over the next 30 years.

Dr. Hooman Melamed specializes in helping patients uncover what causes pain in the neck and offers customized treatments to provide lasting relief. If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from neck pain, read on to learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatments available.

Understanding Neck Pain

The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven small vertebrae, the discs in between the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, spinal cord, and nerves. It’s designed for strength, mobility, and flexibility. However, its complex structure and large range of motion also make it susceptible to injury and strain.

Neck pain can present itself in many ways: a dull ache, sharp stiffness, muscle tightness, headaches, or even radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and shoulder blade, and occasionally radiating to the front of your chest. It’s common for neck pain and tension to arise gradually, but in some cases, symptoms can appear suddenly following an injury or trauma. Women tend to experience significantly higher rates of neck pain than men. Among both women and men, the highest prevalence tends to occur between 45 and 74 years of age. 

Beyond the physical discomfort, neck pain places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, too. In the United States (U.S.), it’s the second leading cause of workers’ compensation claims after low back pain. Musculoskeletal disorders related to the cervical spine account for about one-quarter of all outpatient physical therapy patients in the U.S.

Causes of Neck Pain

Several conditions can contribute to or cause neck pain and tension. Common causes of sore neck and shoulders include:

• Muscle sprain/strain: Overuse from repetitive activities, such as spending long hours at a computer or on a smartphone, can strain neck muscles.
• Poor posture: Slouching and poor ergonomics at workstations often contribute to muscle imbalances and neck tension.   Tech neck syndrome
• Whiplash or other injuries: Sudden movements, such as those sustained during a car accident, can injure soft tissues in the neck.
• Degenerative diseases: Arthritis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis can wear down the cervical spine, leading to chronic neck pain.
• Stress and tension: Emotional or psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms in the body, causing neck and shoulder muscles to tighten.
• Aging: Natural wear and tear of the cervical spine can lead to more neck pain over time. Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, where the joint cartilage is worn down over time, can also contribute more with increased age.

These are just a few of the most common sources of neck and shoulder pain. Other conditions, such as infections, arthritis, tumors, and congenital abnormalities, while less common, can also contribute in some cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing neck pain requires a comprehensive approach. Dr. Hooman Melamed begins by taking a detailed medical history and performing a careful physical examination. He’ll assess range of motion, strength, reflexes, and areas of tenderness or numbness.

Common diagnostic methods may include:

• Physical examination: Neck flexibility, muscle strength, reflexes, and nerve function will be evaluated.
• Imaging tests: X-rays can reveal issues with spinal alignment, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can provide detailed images of soft tissues like discs and nerves.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test can assess nerve function and determine if a pinched nerve or nerve damage is part of the underlying problem.

Neck Pain Treatment and Relief in Beverly Hills

No matter how long you’ve been dealing with neck pain and tension, effective solutions are available. Dr. Hooman Melamed tailors every treatment to your unique situation and needs. He generally prefers to take a conservative approach, reserving surgical intervention for more severe or persistent cases. Your treatment plan might include:

• Physical therapy: A structured rehabilitation can improve strength, flexibility, and posture to reduce neck pain and tension.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be prescribed in some cases to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
• Lifestyle changes or activity modification: Adjustments to workstations, posture training, and ergonomic improvements can relieve strain on the neck.
• Complementary therapies: When combined with evidence-based medical approaches, complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy can provide additional relief. Studies show that about half of the people with neck pain use complementary health approaches as part of their treatment plan.

If conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, Dr. Melamed may recommend minimally invasive surgical techniques ,but not limited to, such as:

• Cervical surgery: Dr. Melamed may choose this procedure to relieve pressure on nerves in the neck and upper back. It can improve spinal alignment, increase range of motion, and stabilize the cervical spine.
• Ultra-minimally invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery or microscopic decompression: This procedure allows for better visualization and flexibility during surgery. It preserves normal spinal structures, treats a wider range of conditions, offers faster recovery, and reduces complication rates compared to traditional approaches.
• Artificial cervical disc replacement surgery: A newer alternative to spinal fusion, this involves removing a damaged cervical disc and replacing it with an artificial one to restore disc height, maintain natural motion, and relieve nerve pressure.

When To See a Doctor

In some cases, acute (short-term) neck pain may resolve on its own or with lifestyle adjustments, rest, or time. If your neck pain persists or worsens over a period of weeks or begins to interfere with your usual daily activities, it may be time to see a doctor. If you experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms or hands, or pain following an injury, please seek immediate evaluation. 

Make an Appointment With Dr. Melamed

You don’t have to accept neck pain as your “new normal.” Whether your symptoms are recent or something you’ve been dealing with for years, Dr. Hooman Melamed is here to help you reclaim your life, pain-free.

Ready to turn your health around? Request an appointment online today. Your neck — and your future — will thank you.