Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
Chronic neck pain can keep you from working, pursuing outdoor activities, and can even lead to issues like chronic dizziness, headaches and nausea. But you don't have to suffer. Hoag can help you heal. Hoag Spine Center is Orange County's choice for treatment of the spine. From innovations in physical therapy to the latest non-invasive treatment and pain-management options, there's a reason why Southern California trusts Hoag for treatment of the neck and back.
What is neck pain?
The neck (cervical spine) is comprised of vertebrae that start at the skull and move down to the upper torso. The cervical spine supports your head, protects your spinal cord and allows you to move your head and neck from front to back and side to side. However, it’s less protected than other areas of the spine and is therefore susceptible to injuries and disorders that can cause considerable pain and limited mobility. Painful symptoms in the neck can be caused by anything from poor posture to medical conditions like osteoarthritis or a pinched nerve.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and talk to you about your medical history. Diagnostic imaging tests will be used to confirm your diagnosis. These can include:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- X-rays
- Nerve testing (EMG)
- Myelogram
- Blood tests
What are the risk factors for neck pain?
Neck pain can result from a variety of issues, including those involving soft tissue. Poor posture, meningitis, muscle strain, emotional stress and certain job-related physical factors can cause neck pain. It can also result from conditions affecting the bones and spinal discs, or from sudden impact forces or trauma caused by a car accident or sports injury.
I’ve been diagnosed with neck pain. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for neck pain?
There are several treatment options available for neck pain, but the best option for each patient will depend on their specific symptoms and any conditions related to the pain. Patients will receive a customized treatment plan for neck pain relief that may begin with non-surgical care, such as medication, plenty of rest and physical therapy. If non-surgical treatments aren’t successful after a certain period of time, surgery may be required to relieve pain and improve mobility. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, surgery options include:
- Cervical fusion
- Cervical artificial disc replacement
- Posterior cervical fusion
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What is neck pain?
The neck (cervical spine) is comprised of vertebrae that start at the skull and move down to the upper torso. The cervical spine supports your head, protects your spinal cord and allows you to move your head and neck from front to back and side to side. However, it’s less protected than other areas of the spine and is therefore susceptible to injuries and disorders that can cause considerable pain and limited mobility. Painful symptoms in the neck can be caused by anything from poor posture to medical conditions like osteoarthritis or a pinched nerve.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and talk to you about your medical history. Diagnostic imaging tests will be used to confirm your diagnosis. These can include:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- X-rays
- Nerve testing (EMG)
- Myelogram
- Blood tests
What are the risk factors for neck pain?
Neck pain can result from a variety of issues, including those involving soft tissue. Poor posture, meningitis, muscle strain, emotional stress and certain job-related physical factors can cause neck pain. It can also result from conditions affecting the bones and spinal discs, or from sudden impact forces or trauma caused by a car accident or sports injury.
I’ve been diagnosed with neck pain. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for neck pain?
There are several treatment options available for neck pain, but the best option for each patient will depend on their specific symptoms and any conditions related to the pain. Patients will receive a customized treatment plan for neck pain relief that may begin with non-surgical care, such as medication, plenty of rest and physical therapy. If non-surgical treatments aren’t successful after a certain period of time, surgery may be required to relieve pain and improve mobility. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, surgery options include:
- Cervical fusion
- Cervical artificial disc replacement
- Posterior cervical fusion
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.