Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado

Tests for Neck Pain

History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will ask you questions about your daily activities and previous injuries and illnesses. He or she will also test your range of motion and feel the area that is painful to locate the source.

X-rays

An x-ray examination helps to show breaks or defects in the bones of the neck.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan shows damage to muscles and other soft tissues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI test shows three-dimensional pictures of the muscles and other soft tissues.

Electromyogram (EMG)

An EMG is a test used to record the electrical activity in the muscles. It detects any nerve damage that may be causing back pain.

Myelogram

A myelogram uses an injection of liquid dye into the spinal column. The dye allows doctors to see the spine and the nerves. The test reveals bulging disks, tumors or bone spurs that may be putting pressure on the nerves of the neck.

Treatments for Neck Pain

Your primary care doctor will treat your neck pain conservatively. Conservative treatments include:

• Rest
• Ice packs to control swelling
• Medications to reduce inflammation and control pain
• Exercise to strengthen the neck muscles
• A cervical collar to provide neck support

Rarely, neck pain requires surgery. Surgical treatments may include:

Discectomy

A discectomy is the removal of a portion of the disc that has bulged, or herniated, between the vertebrae. The bulge can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is used to relieve pressure on the nerves caused by narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal. The procedure removes bone and soft tissue that creates the pressure.