Your doctor might order a cervical spine x-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, or other imaging methods if you had trauma, other concerning symptoms, or if the neck pain is not improving with conservative treatments.
Not all causes of neck pain require imaging. If the pain persists, pain medications and physical therapy may be helpful. Physical therapy may include teaching you how to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles and scapular muscles (i.e. muscles of the shoulder blade), improve neck range of motion and improve posture and workstation ergonomics.