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Neck Pain Tests

If you have neck pain that lasts more than a few days or is so severe and involves other symptoms such as arm pain you should make an appointment to see a doctor, most likely a spine specialist. This can be a likely recommendation after you have seen your primary doctor.

Spine Specialist

During your visit, the spine specialist will ask questions and perform some tests to identify the cause of your neck pain. They are going to create a plan of action that manages the pain as well as rehabilitates or corrects the source of the pain.

Questions About Your Neck Pain

Be prepared to speak with the spine specialist as they will probably ask you questions such as the following:

When did you first experience the pain?

Were you doing an activity when it first occurred?

Is there anything that you do now that makes the pain worse?

Is it a sharp pain or dull pain, constant or intermittent?

What have you done so far to reduce the pain?

Have you done anything rehabilitation wise?

Does the pain travel to other parts of your body like your arms or hands?
If yes, arm or hand are you experiencing weakness, numbness or tingling?

Have you done anything that results in reduced pain?

Physical & Neurological Tests

The spine specialist will perform both physical and neurological tests. In the physical exam, they will observe your posture, your bodies' range of motion, and your physical condition.

You may be asked to bend or twist in different directions as well as move your head, arms and legs. You may do some of these tests while standing and others while lying on a table. They will inspect and feel your spine, noting its curvature and alignment.

They are looking for any movements that cause you pain.

The neurological tests check your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve changes that may signal pain spread.

You may also need to have some imaging tests.

Imaging Tests

X-Rays. An X-ray test can help the doctor see the bones in your spine and can show fractures, bones spurs, osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.

CAT Scan. Also known as the CT Scan is short for Computerized Axial Tomography scan.

MRI. An MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Both MRI AND CT Scan are very effective for showing the soft tissues in your spine and thus can detect bulging or herniated discs.

Bone scan. Bone scans can detect osteoarthritis, fractures, or infections.

Discogram. This test confirms whether or not a disc or discs are the source of your pain.

Myelogram. Tests to determine if you have a spinal canal or spinal cord disorder.

A combination of various tests may have to be performed to determine the cause of your neck pain and determine if you need neck surgery.

Only A Doctor Can Diagnose The Source of Your Neck Pain