Neck pain is extremely common — especially in today’s technology-driven world. As phones, tablets, and laptops continue to be part of everyday life, more and more patients are experiencing neck discomfort related to posture and prolonged device use. Even though neck pain (in the cervical spine) is less common than low back pain, millions of people will deal with it at some point.
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are struggling with persistent neck pain, the board-certified specialists at Texas Spine Associates are here to help. Our spine surgeons are members of the North American Spine Society and have extensive training in accurately diagnosing and treating conditions of the neck and spine.
Common Symptoms of Neck Pain
Neck pain can show up in different ways — depending on the underlying cause, severity, and how long symptoms have been present. Many patients report:
- Neck pain that radiates down one or both arms
- Pain triggered by certain positions or activities
- Arm pain or reduced coordination
- Pain that lingers for months or tends to fluctuate
- Discomfort that is worse in the morning or toward the end of the day
How Neck Pain Is Diagnosed
Because the spine is complex, pinpointing the exact source of pain requires a careful evaluation. At Texas Spine Associates, our first step is always a detailed conversation with each patient — reviewing medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any prior treatments.
A physical exam of the spine guides our next steps. If needed, advanced imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan may be used to confirm what’s causing the pain.
Personalized Treatment Options
Our team — Dr. Neil Shah, Dr. Vishal Patel, and Dr. Christopher Happ — uses a multidisciplinary approach to care. We work closely with neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and radiologists to create customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient.
Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication management, posture modification, and activity changes. Surgery may be considered in select cases when symptoms do not improve or when nerve compression becomes severe.
When Neck Pain Is an Emergency
While most neck pain is not dangerous, certain symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical care if there is:
- Progressive weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of coordination or sensation
- Sudden weight loss, fever, chills, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
These signs may indicate nerve damage, infection, tumor, or severe spinal cord compression — and should not be ignored.
Schedule a Neck Pain Consultation
You don’t have to live with neck pain. If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and need expert evaluation or treatment, contact Texas Spine Associates today. We provide top-level spine care at convenient locations in Arlington, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Granbury, Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.