Neck pain

Neck pain is extremely common. In fact, around 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have neck pain at any given time. Straining to look at your computer, using the wrong pillow or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can all contribute to neck pain. Sometimes, neck pain develops because of an underlying problem with the bones, joints or muscles in your neck.

At Aurora Health Care, we believe that neck pain shouldn’t hold you back from the activities you love. Our spine specialists offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for neck pain. We help find the cause of your symptoms and offer a range of therapies to help you find relief.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain, also called cervicalgia or cervical pain, refers to pain or stiffness in the upper part of your spine (cervical spine). It often develops because of wear and tear in the structures of your neck. Problems with the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the area can also contribute to cervical pain or a stiff neck.

Your lifestyle choices, health history and occupation can all affect your risk of developing cervical pain. Many people find that a few simple steps can help prevent neck pain.

Expert treatment for neck pain

Our cervical pain treatment makes a difference in your life because our approach keeps you involved. We explain all your options and help you reclaim your life.

• Care that’s focused on you: We work hard to find the treatment solution that works best for you. You may benefit from a customized physical therapy plan or you may need a minimally invasive surgical procedure. We consider your health goals, personal preferences and lifestyle when creating a care plan. Together, we’ll help you get back to enjoying your life.
• Collaborative orthopedic and neurosurgery care: Our multidisciplinary teams include both orthopedic and neurosurgery experts. We’re one of the only centers in Wisconsin that offers this kind of integrated care. Working together, we provide comprehensive, coordinated care that treats your cervical pain and other symptoms while protecting your spine’s health.
• Minimally invasive techniques: If you need spine surgery, our orthopedic and neurosurgery experts use minimally invasive techniques, including utilizing a miniature robotic camera that’s more powerful than a microscope. These methods deliver more precise surgery, with less damage to healthy tissue than conventional open surgery. Patients usually have a more comfortable, faster recovery and better long-term results.

Symptoms and causes of neck pain

Chronic cervical pain can cause different symptoms in different people. You may have pain that lasts for only a few days or weeks (acute pain), or you may have pain lasting for three months or longer (chronic pain). The type of symptoms you have may also vary depending on the underlying cause of neck pain.

Neck pain diagnosis

When you see one of our doctors for neck pain, they’ll conduct a complete medical history, examine your spine and ask you about how your symptoms developed. They’ll also check your reflexes, muscle strength and range of motion.

Depending on your symptoms, they’ll usually take X-rays or order an MRI to get an inside look at what is going on with your neck. Once your provider has a clear diagnosis, they create a treatment plan personalized to your preferences and needs.

Neck pain treatment

Sometimes, at-home treatments and lifestyle changes can help relieve neck pain. Your doctor may also recommend nonsurgical treatments, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Physical therapy

If none of these options relieves cervical pain, your care team may recommend surgery. Your surgeon uses the latest advances in minimally invasive surgery. This approach uses smaller incisions, typically leading to less pain and a shorter recovery. Find out more about treatment for neck pain.

Find a spine specialist

Use our search tool to find the doctor who’s right for you.

Find a spine specialist near you