Neck Pain

The neck can be easy to injure because of its location and range of motion in the neck. See a doctor for pain that is debilitating or that affects your daily life.

Call 801-585-7575 to schedule an evaluation

Causes of neck pain

Neck pain can range from mild or irritating to severe and long-lasting.

Conditions that commonly cause neck pain include:

Arthritis
Break down of the discs in your neck
Herniated discs
Injured ligaments, tendons, or muscles
Poor posture
Strains
Stress
Tumors

Treatment

It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor for neck pain. If your pain is making daily tasks difficult or is caused by something that makes future reinjury more likely, you reach out to your primary care doctor.

If you have numbness or lose strength in your hands or arms, or if you have shooting pains in your shoulders or arms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

1 / At-home treatment

Many people have neck pain that doesn't need treatment or that can be managed at home. including applying ice and heat to the area, taking over-the-counter pain medications, or stretching.

If you are still experiencing pain after a few weeks, you should speak with your primary care doctor.

2 / Conservative treatment

Your primary care doctor may offer conservative treatment options if your pain continues. These options may include prescription medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or other therapies (like massage therapy or acupuncture).

3 / Surgical treatment

If your neck pain is severe and long-lasting, your primary care doctor may recommend surgery.

The type of surgery you undergo will vary depending on what's causing your pain. Our specialists will help you decide which treatment option(s) will best meet your needs.

Prevention

You can take steps to lower your likelihood of developing the underlying conditions that cause pain.

Exercise you upper back muscles. Everyone loses upper back strength as they age, which may push your shoulders and head forward. Exercises that strengthen the area can help prevent pain and injury.
Maintain good posture. Your posture when sitting, standing, or sleeping can affect your risk of developing neck pain. Keep your shoulders aligned and your back straight so you don't strain your neck. Position electronic devices so you don't have to strain or slouch when using them.
Maintain good sleeping posture. Use a pillow to keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body. Sleeping with a pillow under your knees (if you sleep on your back) can take additional pressure off of your spine.
Quit or avoid using tobacco products (including vaping). Nicotine lowers the supply of blood to your bones, which can weaken your spine.
Stay active. Core strength and flexibility can help to decrease the likelihood of injuring yourself or developing severe pain. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, take occasional breaks to stretch and move around.

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and train residents, fellows, and other physicians.