That ache in your neck that never quite leaves.
Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see us — a stiff, achy, or throbbing neck that limits how you move, sleep, and work. The good news is that most neck pain has a clear, treatable cause, and most people improve well without surgery.
Your doctor may call this cervicalgia or an axial neck complaint.
Often seen within a few days — sometimes as soon as tomorrowRequest your first visit
Pick a day and time that works at a NASPAC office near you — we'll call you right back to lock it in.
No referral needed. We verify your insurance before you arrive.
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A NASPAC team member from a NASPAC office near you will reach out to confirm your visit and answer any questions.
What neck pain really is.
The neck — or cervical spine — is made up of seven vertebrae, the discs between them, surrounding muscles, and a web of nerves that run from the brainstem all the way down to your fingers. It is one of the most mobile regions of the spine, which is exactly why it is also vulnerable: years of repetitive movement, sustained postures, or a single sudden strain can all irritate the structures inside it.
Neck pain can come from muscles and ligaments (the most common source), from discs that have bulged or degenerated, from facet joints that have worn down, or from nerve roots that have become compressed. Figuring out which source is responsible is the first and most important step — because an inflamed muscle and a pinched nerve need very different treatments.
The good news
The large majority of neck pain episodes resolve with the right care — usually a combination of targeted physical therapy, activity modification, and, when needed, a precisely placed injection to calm the irritation. Surgery is rarely necessary and is never the starting point.
Axial neck pain vs. radiculopathy
We distinguish pure axial neck pain — pain that stays in the neck and shoulders — from cervical radiculopathy, where nerve irritation sends symptoms into the arm. The two share an origin but call for different workups and different treatment pathways. A careful exam and imaging usually clarify which is present within the first visit.
Common signs we treat.
Stiffness and reduced motion
Difficulty turning your head to check a blind spot, or waking with a neck that feels locked in place — a hallmark of cervical muscle or joint involvement.
Aching at the base of the skull
A deep, persistent ache at the junction of your neck and skull, often worse after sitting at a screen or looking down at a phone for extended periods.
Pain into the shoulder
Pain that spreads from the neck across the top of the shoulder — a sign the cervical muscles or upper facet joints are involved, distinct from the arm pain of a pinched nerve.
From hurting to healed.
We work from the least-invasive options upward, escalating only if you need it. Most patients improve well before surgery is ever discussed.
Diagnose the cause
A physician examines you and, if needed, reviews imaging to pinpoint exactly what's driving the pain.
Calm it down
Targeted physical therapy, activity guidance, and medication to settle the irritation and reduce inflammation.
Image-guided injections
If pain persists, a precisely targeted injection delivered to the source under imaging.
Advanced options
For the few who need more, minimally invasive interventional procedures — with surgery as a last resort.
Treatment is matched to your specific diagnosis at your visit. The options shown reflect NASPAC's general approach and should be confirmed against the practice's verified procedure list.
Still have questions?
Chronic neck pain most often stems from degenerative changes in the cervical discs or facet joints, sustained posture habits, or recurring muscle tension. Less commonly it comes from prior injury that never healed fully. Because the causes differ, lasting relief usually requires identifying the specific source rather than treating the neck as a single problem.
Seek prompt evaluation if neck pain follows trauma, comes with weakness or numbness in your arms or hands, is accompanied by difficulty walking or balance problems, or doesn't improve after a few weeks. Fever with neck stiffness and a severe headache warrants emergency care. Most neck pain is not serious, but those red flags are worth ruling out quickly.
Yes. The upper cervical joints and muscles refer pain directly into the head — this is called a cervicogenic headache. It typically feels like a one-sided ache starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward. Treating the neck problem often resolves the headaches as well.
Treatment depends on the cause. Muscle and joint pain often responds well to physical therapy, posture correction, and, when needed, image-guided facet injections or medial branch blocks. Nerve-related pain may call for a cervical epidural. We start with the least-invasive options that fit your diagnosis and escalate only if needed.
Stop living with the neck pain.
Book with a board-certified pain physician near you — most patients are seen within days.
Book an appointment → Or call (855) 862-7767