How Can I Tell If My Neck Pain Is Muscular or Nerve-Related? Advice From Our Neck Specialists

Waking up with a stiff neck or feeling an ache after a long day isn’t unusual, but when neck pain lingers or worsens, it’s time to take a closer look. Understanding whether your pain is coming from tight, overworked muscles or an irritated nerve can make all the difference in finding the right treatment. We help patients throughout Lake Geneva and Kenosha, Wisconsin, pinpoint the source of their discomfort and explore the best options for relief.
 

Understanding Muscular Neck Pain

Muscle-related neck pain is usually caused by tension, strain, or overuse. It often results from poor posture, stress, or repetitive movements. You might experience:

• A dull, aching pain that spreads across your shoulders and upper back

• Tenderness or tightness in the muscles, especially when massaged

• Pain that worsens with movement but improves with rest

• Limited range of motion due to muscle stiffness

• No tingling, numbness, or shooting pain
   

If you’ve been working long hours at a desk, carrying heavy bags, or sleeping in an awkward position, your neck pain is likely muscular.
 

What is Nerve-Related Neck Pain?

Pain stemming from nerve issues is often due to a pinched nerve, herniated disc, or spinal condition like cervical radiculopathy. This type of pain is typically more intense and has additional neurological symptoms, such as:

• Sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arms or into the hands

• Tingling or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or fingers

• Muscle weakness in the arms or hands

• Burning or electric shock-like sensations

• Pain that worsens when tilting the head or holding certain positions for too long
   

If you’re noticing numbness or weakness in addition to pain, it’s a sign that a nerve may be compressed or irritated—something that won’t go away with a simple massage or rest.
 

Effective Neck Pain Treatments

At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, we believe in personalized treatment plans that match your specific condition and lifestyle. Neck pain can affect everyone differently, and finding the right approach to relief depends on understanding the root cause of your discomfort.
 

If your pain is nerve-related, we offer several effective treatment options. Cervical steroid injections can help reduce inflammation around the affected nerve, relieving pain and numbness. This minimally invasive treatment is often an excellent option for patients experiencing nerve compression or irritation.
 

For longer-term relief, cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be recommended. This procedure targets irritated nerve endings, using controlled heat to disrupt pain signals. Many patients experience significant pain reduction, allowing them to regain mobility and function.
 

Additionally, medication management can play a crucial role in controlling nerve-related pain. Our specialists carefully prescribe and adjust medications to suit your specific needs, helping to alleviate discomfort while minimizing side effects. By tailoring your treatment plan, we aim to provide lasting relief so you can return to your daily activities with confidence.
 

Get Back to Living without Limits

If you’re in Lake Geneva, Kenosha, or the surrounding areas, Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine is here to help you find the right treatment for your neck pain. Whether your discomfort is muscular or nerve-related, Dr. Philip offers personalized, non-surgical solutions designed to restore your mobility and quality of life.
 

Don’t wait until your neck pain worsens, schedule a consultation with Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine and get back to living without limits. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment today.