Chronic neck pain can come from the small facet joints of the cervical spine, the discs, the muscles, or irritated nerves. Posture, prior injuries such as whiplash, and age-related changes are frequent contributors.
Neck pain that lingers for weeks, limits how far you can turn your head, or radiates into the shoulder or arm deserves evaluation rather than another round of waiting it out.
Common symptoms
- Stiffness that doesn’t ease up in a day or two
- Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position
How interventional pain physicians treat it
Interventional pain physicians typically identify whether joints, discs, nerves, or muscles are driving the pain, then treat that source directly. Care may include:
- Physical therapy
- Cervical epidural injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Trigger point injections
Treatment is always determined by a physician based on individual evaluation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes. Irritation of the upper cervical joints and nerves commonly causes headaches that start at the base of the skull, called cervicogenic headaches. Treating the neck often relieves them.
What are facet joints?
Facet joints are the small paired joints at the back of the spine that guide movement. Like other joints they can become arthritic or injured, and they are a common, treatable source of chronic neck pain.
When is neck pain serious?
Neck pain with progressive arm weakness, numbness, problems with coordination, or following significant trauma should be evaluated promptly. Most neck pain, however, is not dangerous and responds to treatment.
Independent, physician-owned practices in the DxTx network provide this kind of care across 11 states. One call connects you to the practice closest to you.