Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints; it affects an estimated 30 – 50% of the population each year! Of course, not all cases of neck pain are the same. In some instances, the discomfort is due to a pinched nerve, while other cases are the result of injured muscles or other tissues. How can you tell the difference between muscle and nerve pain in the neck? This blog post provides some helpful guidance.
Symptoms of Nerve Pain
A pinched or compressed nerve is one of the most common causes of nerve pain in the neck. It occurs when nearby tissues become inflamed or displaced and result in too much pressure on a nerve. Potential symptoms include:
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the neck
- Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling sensations along the nerve pathway
- Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
- Decreased sensation in the affected area
- Worsening pain with certain neck movements
Symptoms of Muscle Pain
A common source of muscle pain in the neck comes from a pulled (strained) muscle. Symptoms of this problem tend to be different from what you might experience with a pinched nerve. You may notice:
- Dull, aching pain localized to the neck muscles
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck
- Muscle spasms or tightness
- Tenderness to touch in the affected area
- Swelling or mild bruising around the strained muscle
- Pain that worsens with certain neck movements or activities
- Difficulty holding the head upright for extended periods
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Finding Relief
Neck pain can have many different causes, and sometimes nerve and muscle pain can occur simultaneously (this may happen with whiplash or other types of injuries).
To receive an accurate diagnosis, you should visit a qualified doctor. They can use advanced imaging devices to understand what is happening in your neck. For example, they may use ultrasound to observe your neck as you move it. After a thorough examination, they may be able to pinpoint the cause of the problem and recommend your next steps.
There are a broad range of potential treatments for neck pain, from simple home remedies to complex professional therapies. Your doctor can advise you on the steps that may be best for your unique situation. You might qualify for regenerative medicine therapies, such as stem cell injections or PRP, which can encourage damaged tissues to heal. If you have a pinched nerve, you might need a relatively simple procedure known as nerve hydrodissection.
Ongoing neck pain can seriously impact your life! Talk to a doctor to find out why you are suffering and how you can find relief.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, is a board-certified specialist in regenerative medicine. He works alongside Dr. Tad DeWald and our skilled staff to provide a range of treatments for neck pain and other orthopedic problems. If you are struggling with neck pain or would simply like to learn more about our practice, contact the New England Stem Cell Institute in Glastonbury at 860-430-2821.