Neck Pain Specialist
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Grant D. Shifflett, M.D.
Spine Surgeon located in Marina Del Rey, CA & Newport Beach, CA
Your neck consists of a variety of structures that all work together to support your head and provide a wide range of motion. Neck pain can occur in any of these structures. Renowned spine surgeon, Grant D. Shifflett, MD, understands neck function and strives to diagnose and treat your condition. If you have neck pain that doesn’t go away on its own, contact the fellowship-trained spine specialist. If you live in or near Newport Beach or Marina del Rey, California, book your appointment with Dr. Shifflett online today or call the office to schedule.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Your neck, also called the cervical spine, consists of vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments. Working together, they stabilize your head and provide you with the mobility required to look in multiple directions.
Due to its range of motion and the strain of holding your head up, the neck is vulnerable to pain and injury. Some common ailments that cause neck pain include:
- Soft tissue injury
- Cervical disk degeneration
- Herniated discs
- Arthritis
When should you see a doctor for neck pain?
Many cases of neck pain improve on their own. If you treat your neck pain at home and don’t see improvement after 7-10 days, Dr. Shifflett recommends scheduling an appointment.
If you sustain an injury or get in an accident and have neck pain, seek immediate medical care and immobilize your neck using a brace. Seek emergency medical care if you have radiating pain down your arms and legs that accompanies the neck pain.
When your neck pain isn’t related to an injury, contact the office if your pain becomes so severe it impacts your daily functioning.
How is neck pain treated?
The cause of your neck pain determines the course of treatment. If your pain relates to soft tissue damage, Dr. Shifflett suggests resting and immobilizing your neck for part of the day.
When your neck pain results from a spinal issue, such as a fracture or herniated disc, he opts for evidence-based treatments.
Starting with the least invasive, Dr. Shifflett may use facet injections to determine the best course of pain management. This procedure allows him to discover whether a bone or nerve issue is causing your pain.
If nerves create your pain, he may advocate for a rhizotomy. This microsurgical technique uses a live X-ray, called a fluoroscopy, to guide an electrode to your nerve. After Dr. Shifflett identifies the correct nerve, he uses the electrode to heat and deaden it.
When your neck pain doesn’t go away, call Dr. Shifflett’s office to schedule your appointment or book online.
