Neck pain can stem from poor posture, sports injuries, trauma, nerve compression, and degenerative changes. It often presents with stiffness, muscle spasm, radiating pain, or headaches.
At the Performance Medicine Institute, our scientific-based, multidisciplinary approach includes advanced diagnostics, posture and movement assessments, dry needling, neuromuscular re-education, interventional injections, and regenerative therapies to reduce pain and restore optimal neck function. We provide comprehensive care for a variety of neck and cervical spine issues, including:
Cervical Strain and Sprain
Cervical strains affect the muscles and tendons of the neck, while sprains involve overstretched or torn ligaments. These injuries often result from sudden movement, prolonged poor posture, or overuse. Symptoms typically include localized pain, stiffness, and reduced neck mobility. Treatment focuses on manual therapy, targeted stretching, and postural correction.
Cervical Disc Herniation or Bulge
A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a cervical disc pushes outward and compresses nearby nerves. This can cause neck pain, arm numbness, or weakness. It often develops from aging, repetitive strain, or trauma. Conservative care includes gentle spinal mobilization, neuromuscular rehabilitation, laser, and anti-inflammatory therapies.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated, commonly due to a herniated disc or degenerative changes. It presents as pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the neck into the arm or hand. Treatment may include nerve mobilization, spinal traction, strengthening, and ergonomic adjustments.
Cervical Spondylosis / Arthritis
Cervical spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including disc wear and facet joint arthritis. Symptoms range from neck stiffness and grinding sensations to nerve-related pain or weakness. Management emphasizes mobility restoration, stabilization exercises, and image-guided interventions when necessary.
Whiplash-Associated Disorders
Whiplash results from a sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, often due to rear-end collisions. It can affect muscles, ligaments, discs, and even brainstem function. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and visual or cognitive changes. Care involves gradual movement reintroduction, vestibular support, and motor control retraining.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headache originates from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, usually involving C1–C3. The pain often radiates from the base of the skull to the forehead, temples, or eyes and is aggravated by neck movement or sustained posture. Treatment includes manual therapy, suboccipital release, and deep neck flexor retraining.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome involves compression of the brachial plexus or nearby blood vessels between the neck and first rib. Symptoms can include arm numbness, weakness, swelling, or coolness in the hand. Causes range from muscle tightness to anatomical anomalies. Treatment focuses on nerve gliding, postural correction, and muscle release techniques.
Tech Neck / Forward Head Posture
Tech neck is caused by prolonged forward head posture from device use or poor ergonomics. It leads to chronic neck tension, postural imbalance, and sometimes nerve compression. Over time, this can contribute to pain, fatigue, and disc stress. Management includes postural training, ergonomic education, and neck muscle reactivation.
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Facet joints in the cervical spine guide movement and provide stability. When these joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause localized pain, especially with rotation or extension. Pain may also refer to the shoulder or upper back. Treatment includes mobilization, cervical stabilization, and injections when conservative care isn't sufficient.