Neck Pain

Persistent neck pain can affect every part of your daily life from sleeping comfortably, driving safely to working, exercising, or simply turning your head without discomfort. At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, our experience spine specialists and pain management doctors provide comprehensive care for patients struggling with acute and chronic neck pain.

Treat Your Neck Pain Without Surgery

Whether your symptoms began after an injury, poor posture, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or a herniated disc, our team focuses on identifying the pain source and developing a treatment plan to restore mobility and improve your quality of life.

If you are searching for a neck pain doctor, a spine specialist near you, or a chronic pain specialist in Elizabeth, NJ who offers advanced, non-surgical treatment options, Spine and Pain Specialty Care provides evidence-based solutions tailored to your condition and goals.

Dr. Edward Shen is a Harvard-educated, double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and serves as Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. For cervical spine procedures he uses live image guidance (fluoroscopy and ultrasound) so treatment reaches the exact source of your neck pain with precision and safety.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain can range from mild stiffness to severe pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or upper back. In many cases, neck pain develops gradually over time due to wear and tear on the cervical spine while other patients experience sudden pain after an accident or injury.

Common neck pain causes include:

  • Herniated or ruptured discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Facet joint syndrome
  • Arthritis of the cervical spine
  • Pinched nerves
  • Poor posture or repetitive strain
  • Muscle tension and inflammation
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Sports or auto accident injuries
  • Chronic pain conditions

Since several spinal disorders can produce similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential for long-term neck pain relief.

Symptoms of Chronic Neck Pain

NJ Patients experiencing chronic neck pain may notice symptoms that worsen with movement, prolonged sitting, or physical activity. In some cases, pain may radiate beyond the neck into surrounding areas.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent neck stiffness
  • Sharp or burning neck pain
  • Pain that radiates into the shoulders or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
  • Muscle spasms
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Headaches originating from the neck
  • Weakness in the upper extremities
  • Pain when looking up, down, or turning the head

If your symptoms interfere with daily life or activities, our NJ neck pain specialists can help determine the underlying cause and recommend effective options.

Non-Surgical Neck Pain Treatment Options in New Jersey

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, we focus on conservative and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. Many patients can achieve significant improvement without requiring neck surgery.

Our neck pain treatment options may include:

  • Facet Injection Treatment
  • Epidural Steroid Injections
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Medication Management
  • Physical Therapy Recommendations
  • Lifestyle and Wellness Support

Orthopedic Spine Care for the Neck

Neck pain care at Spine and Pain Specialty Care is part of the orthopedic and interventional spine services Dr. Shen offers. After pinpointing whether your pain is coming from a disc, a facet joint, or an irritated nerve, he delivers targeted, image-guided treatment precisely where it is needed, all within our dedicated in-office procedure suite.

When to See a NJ Neck Pain Specialist

You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:

  • Neck pain lasting longer than several weeks
  • Pain that radiates into the arms or shoulders
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in the arms or hands
  • Severe headaches associated with neck pain
  • Reduced mobility or stiffness
  • Symptoms after an accident or injury
  • Chronic pain that disrupts daily activities

Early diagnosis and treatment can often help prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Espanol – our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Schedule a Neck Pain Consultation

If you are searching for effective neck pain relief, chronic pain management, slipped disc treatment, or a trusted spine specialist near Elizabeth, NJ, Dr. Edward Shen is here to help. Our team provides advanced treatment for chronic neck pain, facet syndrome, spinal disorders, and herniated disc conditions. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases.

Call Spine and Pain Specialty Care at (908) 818-1600 now to schedule a consultation. We are ready to help you find neck pain relief and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis – including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging – and treatment in a single visit, so you can start getting relief without waiting.

How do you find out what’s causing my neck pain?

It starts with a careful exam and a review of your history and imaging. Dr. Shen works to identify whether your pain is coming from a disc, a facet joint, an irritated nerve, or muscle, because the right treatment depends on the true source.

Can neck pain be treated without surgery?

In most cases, yes. The minimally invasive options offered here, including facet and epidural injections, are designed to relieve pain and improve mobility, and many patients get lasting relief without needing surgery.

Can neck problems cause my headaches?

Yes. Pain from the upper cervical spine and facet joints can refer into the head, producing what are known as cervicogenic headaches. Treating the neck source often eases these headaches as well.

Do you treat neck pain from a car accident or work injury?

Yes. Dr. Shen regularly treats whiplash and other neck injuries from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation, handling the documentation these claims require.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: Cervical disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, cervical facet syndrome, pinched nerves, whiplash, and chronic neck pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol)
Phone: (908) 818-1600

"I owe a lot to Dr. Shen and how he helped me."

Ron

"He explains to me in detail the approach he's going to take to help me get better."

Deisy

"Every time I call, they're going above and beyond for me no matter what it is."

Carla

"He doesn't let you go out with pain, I should've found him sooner."

Charles

"I'm so grateful I found him because he gave me my life back."

Barbara