Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic Neck Pain: What Condition is Causing My Neck Pain?
By: John Heller, MD

       There are many conditions that can cause chronic neck pain. The following information describes symptoms of some of the more common causes of chronic neck pain.

Neck pain that radiates down the arm

        Pain that radiates down the arm, and possibly into the hands and fingers, is frequently caused by a cervical herniated disc or foraminal stenosis pinching a nerve in the neck. The pain may be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arms and/or hands. The symptoms may start suddenly or develop over time.
The approach to treatment for a cervical disc herniation is guided by how long the pain lasts, pain intensity and the degree to which the cervical nerve and/or spinal cord are affected. Most commonly, the symptoms are temporary and can be treated successfully with conservative care (such as medication, physical therapy, manipulations). If the pain does not respond within 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatments, then surgery may be recommended.