Many patients seek orthopaedic care for neck pain.  Orthopaedists are specifically trained in the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. 

The most common causes of neck pain are caused by:

• Injury to the neck
• Prolonged wear and tear
• Infection
• Tumors
• Degenerative and inflammatory diseases (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Cervical Disk Degeneration

When severe neck pain occurs following an injury that causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms radiating pain or numbness in your arms causing weakness in the arms - immediate medical care should be sought.  If there has not been an injury and you have continuous, persistent pain which is severe and radiates down the arms accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling or weakness - immediate medical care should be sought.

Determining the source of the pain is essential for an orthopaedist to diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend the correct method of treatment and rehabilitation.  In order for the orthopaedist to do this he will have to perform a examination to include evaluation of the neck, function of the nerves and muscles in your arms and legs. The orthopaedist may have to order one or more than one of  the following to assist him in making the proper diagnosis:

• X-Rays
• MRI
• CT Scan
• Myelogram
• EMG

The treatment of neck pain will depend on what the diagnosis reveals.  Most patients are treated successfully with rest, medication, immobilization, physical therapy, exercise, and activity modifications. Some patients may require surgery to relieve their neck pain.