(646) 779-0995
palviamd@physiologicnyc.com
409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYNeck Pain
Neck Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Neck pain can arise from the cervical spine, joints, nerves, muscles, or surrounding soft tissues. Because symptoms often overlap and may radiate into the shoulders or arms, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, neck pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.
Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine care.
What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain refers to discomfort originating from structures in the cervical spine, including intervertebral discs, facet joints, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and supporting soft tissues. Symptoms may range from localized stiffness or aching to sharp pain, muscle spasm, or pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
Neck pain may be:
Acute
Short-term pain following strain, injury, or sleeping in an awkward position.
Subacute
Pain persisting beyond normal healing time, often indicating underlying inflammation.
Chronic
Lasting longer than three months or recurring over time, often due to degenerative changes.
Understanding the underlying cause is critical to selecting appropriate treatment.
Common Symptoms
Neck pain often presents as a complex set of sensations. Identifying the specific nature of your symptoms is the first step toward accurate treatment.
"Because symptoms often overlap, a physician-led evaluation is required to pinpoint the root cause."
Localized neck pain or deep stiffness
Reduced range of motion or difficulty turning head
Muscle tightness or protective spasm
Headaches originating from the base of the skull
Pain radiating into the shoulders or down the arm
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands
Common Causes We Evaluate
Neck pain often involves more than one structure. Our diagnostic process evaluates these common contributors:
Disc Degeneration
Wear and tear or herniation of the cervical discs affecting cushion and spacing.
Facet Joint Arthritis
Inflammation in the small joints of the spine that guide movement.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Nerve irritation or compression typically radiating pain down the arm.
Muscle Strain
Overuse, spasm, or myofascial pain from tension or injury.
Postural Stress
Cumulative strain from "tech neck" or poor ergonomics over time.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina, often age-related.
"Imaging findings alone do not always explain symptoms. Clinical correlation is essential for diagnosis."
How Neck Pain Is Evaluated
Evaluation focuses on identifying the primary pain generator, rather than treating symptoms alone. A physician-led assessment may include:
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detailed medical history and physical examination
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review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available
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neurological assessment for nerve-related symptoms
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image-guided diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to confirm pain sources
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Neck Pain
Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and patient goals. Non-surgical options may include:
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.
When a Specialist Evaluation May Help
You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:
Neck pain has lasted longer than expected
Symptoms radiate into the arms or hands
Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief
Imaging shows degenerative changes, but surgery is unclear or undesired
Pain interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities
Schedule a Neck Pain Evaluation
If neck pain is limiting your movement, comfort, or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.