Overview

how the neck works

Your neck moves more than any other part of the spine, which is why it is a common source of pain and stiffness. Most neck pain comes from the muscles, discs, and small joints, and is rarely dangerous. The key question in every visit is whether the pain is mechanical, or whether a nerve is being pinched and sending pain, tingling, or weakness down the arm.

What Usually Causes Neck Pain

the usual suspects

Mechanical neck pain

Stiff, aching neck from muscles, discs, and joints. Common, and rarely a sign of anything dangerous.

Pinched nerve in the neck

A nerve pinched in the neck sends pain, tingling, or weakness down the arm.

Herniated disc

A disc in the neck bulges and presses on a nerve, with neck pain and symptoms running down the arm.

Spinal stenosis

The spinal canal in the neck narrows with age, which can affect the nerves and, over time, balance and the hands.

Whiplash

Neck strain from a sudden back-and-forth jolt, most often after a car wreck. Painful, and usually settles with time.

When to Come In

timing and warning signs

Most neck pain settles over days to a few weeks with staying active, over-the-counter pain relievers, and time. Come in sooner if the pain runs down the arm with numbness or weakness, follows a real injury, or comes with fever or unexplained weight loss. New trouble with balance or coordination, or rapidly spreading weakness, needs same-day emergency care.

What Your Visit Looks Like

exam first, imaging second

Your visit starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam, including a careful check of your nerves: strength, feeling, and reflexes. Most neck pain does not need an MRI; we order one when the answer would change the plan. Nearly all of it gets better without surgery: staying active, physical therapy, and time. When an injection is the right next step, OSI refers you to a pain management specialist for that treatment. When an operation is needed, OSI refers you to a spine surgeon and stays involved in your non-operative care.

How We Treat Neck Pain

non-operative first, surgery when it counts

Nearly all neck pain gets better without an operation. The usual path is staying active, a structured course of physical therapy, simple pain relievers, and time. OSI provides this first-line conservative care. When a pinched nerve calls for an injection to calm the pain, OSI refers you to a pain management specialist for that treatment.

Surgery is uncommon, and most people improve without it. It is reserved for specific problems: a nerve being compressed with worsening weakness, narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, or instability between spine bones. When an operation is needed, OSI refers you to a spine surgeon and stays involved in your non-operative care. Browse non-operative care, or see how we handle low back pain.