Neck Pain Specialist
New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center
Ajay Kumar, MD
Interventional Spine and Pain Physician & Interventional Pain and Regenerative Therapies located in Hackettstown, NJ, Warwick, NY and Matamoras, PA
Many people experience neck pain, which may occur from muscle strain from poor posture or an underlying condition such as arthritis. In most people, the pain resolves within a few days. However, if you have ongoing neck pain, Ajay Kumar, MD, at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, and Warwick New York can help. He’s an interventional spine and pain physician and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Your neck is the most flexible part of your spine and supports the weight and mobility of your head. The structure and function of your neck make it susceptible to injury and pain.
Common causes of neck pain include:
- Sprains and strains
- Arthritis
- Herniated disc
- Spinal nerve compression
- Spinal stenosis
Many people also experience neck pain after a rear-end auto accident. These types of car crashes force the head to jerk back and forth, which may strain the soft tissue. This injury is known as whiplash.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Neck pain symptoms may vary depending on the cause. Typically, with neck pain, you may have:
- Pain that worsens when you hold your head in certain positions
- Headaches
- Pain that radiates to the arms or upper back
- Neck stiffness
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle spasms
For most people, neck pain symptoms resolve over time with at-home care. However, if your neck pain is an ongoing problem or develops after an acute injury, such as an auto accident, contact New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center for an evaluation.
What happens during a neck pain evaluation?
Dr. Kumar conducts an in-depth exam when you come in for a neck pain evaluation. He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, the type of pain you feel, and the activities that make your pain better or worse.
He reviews your medical history and performs a physical, paying close attention to the structure and movement of your neck. Dr. Kumar may request diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies, to confirm or rule out the cause of your neck pain.
How is neck pain treated?
Dr. Kumar takes a conservative approach to care and develops individualized treatment plans for neck pain based on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.
Your neck pain treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Pain medication
- Anticonvulsants to treat nerve pain
- Physical therapy
- Ergonomic therapy to improve workplace posture
- Steroid injections
Dr. Kumar also performs minimally invasive spine procedures for certain conditions when conservative treatments fail to alleviate your pain. He also offers spinal cord stimulation for chronic neck pain.
Don’t let your neck pain keep you from enjoying your life. Call New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, or book an appointment online today.