Neck Pain

Neck Pain Care at UVM Health

You probably know what neck pain feels like. Simply staring at your computer for too long or twisting your neck too quickly can cause pain. Usually, the discomfort goes away with rest and some simple stretches. But when neck pain persists and interferes with your day-to-day activities, it’s time to seek help.

University of Vermont Health is home to the largest spine program in Vermont and northern New York. Our team of experts provides a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for neck pain. We aim to bring you relief so you can participate in all the activities you love.

A medical provider checks a patient's neck.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Team-based, specialized care: Our orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons with fellowship training in spine surgery collaborate with pain management physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, dedicated spine physical therapists and advanced practice providers — to bring you comprehensive care.
Patient-centered approach: We personalize each treatment to your needs, turning to surgery only when it’s the most effective option. Nurses and physical therapists spend extra time educating you on your treatment plan, giving clear instructions and helping you understand what to expect if you do need surgery.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers at the forefront of orthopedic care.

Types of Neck Pain

Your spine is a column of bones (vertebrae) that extends from your neck to your lower back. Your cervical spine is made up of the vertebrae that run through your neck.

There are many different causes of neck pain. Sometimes you’ve simply slept in an uncomfortable position or twisted your neck the wrong way. Other types of neck pain stem from chronic (long-lasting) problems affecting your cervical spine, such as:

Arthritis: The spongy cushioning (cartilage) between the joints of your spine wears down over time.
Cervical myelopathy: Wear and tear in your spine leads to spinal cord compression.
Cervical radiculopathy: One of your nerves gets compressed in the area where it leaves your spinal column.
Herniated discs: You have a rubbery pad (disc) between each of your spinal bones. Sometimes, the gel-like center of a disc breaks through its exterior, irritating surrounding nerves.

Diagnosing Neck Pain

Your provider will examine you and ask questions to understand your neck pain. They’ll want to know when your symptoms started, what worsens them and what relieves them. Then they’ll use a variety of tests to make a diagnosis, such as:

X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create images of your bones to examine the alignment in your cervical spine (the portion of your spine running through your neck)
MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to get a close look at your soft tissues, which can help identify herniated discs or other disc problems
Electromyography (EMG): Measure the electrical signals between your muscles and nerves
Injections: Deliver pain medicine to a specific area along your spine to see if it relieves your symptoms
Single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT) CT scans: Use a contrast dye and a series of specialized X-rays to better identify the source of your pain

Neck Pain Treatment

Some neck pain and stiffness goes away after a few days. But in some cases, pain continues and disrupts your daily activities.

Our team personalizes your care plan, always starting with a nonsurgical approach. We only offer surgery when we believe it’s the most effective treatment for you. Treatment for neck pain may include:

Medications for Neck Pain

Your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids. These medications help decrease swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You may also take over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle-relaxing medicines.

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

A physical therapist teaches you exercises that help improve your range of motion and increase strength. They may also use hands-on techniques to gently stretch your neck muscles and joints.