Causes of neck pain
- Muscle strain, poor posture and "tech neck"
- Cervical spondylosis (age-related disc and joint arthritis)
- Cervical herniated disc
- Pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy)
- Cervical myelopathy from spinal cord compression
- Whiplash and other traumatic injuries
Symptoms that need a specialist
- Pain, numbness or tingling into the shoulder blade, arm or fingers
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttons or writing
- Balance problems or a change in how you walk
- Neck pain after a car accident or fall
Diagnosis and treatment
Dr. Ferachi examines strength, reflexes and sensation in the arms and legs, and looks for signs of spinal cord involvement. X-rays show alignment and arthritis; MRI shows discs, nerves and the spinal cord.
Most neck pain and many cases of radiculopathy respond to physical therapy, posture correction, medication and, when needed, cervical epidural or facet injections. When arm pain or weakness persists, or when the spinal cord is compressed, cervical spine surgery such as ACDF can decompress the nerves and stabilize the spine.
Common questions
Can a pinched nerve in the neck cause hand numbness?
Yes. Compression of the C6 or C7 nerve roots commonly causes numbness in the thumb, index or middle fingers. Numbness can also come from carpal tunnel syndrome, so a careful exam is important.
Is neck surgery safe?
Anterior cervical surgery is one of the most common and well-studied spine operations, with high success rates for arm pain. As with any surgery there are risks, which Dr. Ferachi reviews in detail before any decision.