Usually, a medical history and a physical exam are enough for a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause of neck pain. A healthcare provider will first eliminate serious causes of neck pain, like pressure on your spinal cord, myelopathy, an infection or cancer.

• Medical history
• Physical exam
• Imaging tests
• X-rays:
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan

In rare instances, your provider may order additional tests, including:

• Electrodiagnostic tests
• Lab tests

How is neck pain managed or treated?
Treatment aims to relieve your pain and improve movement in your neck. Most causes of neck pain eventually improve and can be managed at home. Your provider will suggest treatments to manage your symptoms, including:

• Pain medications and muscle relaxers: Medicines, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease neck pain and inflammation, and muscle relaxants to help your neck muscles heal, are common first-line treatments for neck pain.
  
  
• Physical therapy: You may work with a physical therapist or a fitness trainer to learn exercises and movements that strengthen the muscles and tendons in your neck and improve flexibility.
  
  
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit: A TENS unit applies a low-level electrical current to your skin near your nerves to disrupt the pain signal causing discomfort.
  
  
• Steroid injections: A shot near the nerve roots can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  
  
• Alternative therapies: Your provider may recommend acupuncture to relieve pain, or massage to help loosen tightened muscles contributing to your discomfort.
  
  
• Surgery: Most causes of neck pain don’t require surgery. Still, you may need surgery if one or more of the vertebrae in your spine has shifted out of place or is putting pressure on your nerves.