Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby does not have a serious neck injury but instead is suffering from a soft tissue injury that could be causing his neurological symptoms, according to the findings of an independent specialist who reviewed Crosby’s recent medical tests.

According to a statement issued Tuesday by the Penguins, the diagnosis was made by Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, a spinal trauma expert at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and co-director of the Spinal Cord Center at Thomas Jefferson University. He is past president of the American Spinal Injury Association.

The Penguins disclosed that Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, along with Penguins co-owner Mario Lemieux and CEO David Morehouse traveled Monday morning to Philadelphia, where Vaccaro reviewed a CAT Scan and MRI taken last week by Dr. Robert S. Bray in Los Angeles. Bray diagnosed the previously undisclosed neck injury.

Bray treated Crosby with an injection to alleviate swelling in the C1-C2 joint of the neck and will be overseeing his work with therapists.

Doctors say the symptoms of a soft-tissue neck injury are similar to concussion symptoms. Crosby has been limited to eight games in the last 13 months due to concussion-like symptoms.

The Penguins said that Vaccaro, Bray and UPMC doctors all agree that Crosby is safe, that his injury is treatable, and he will return to action when he is symptom-free.

Earlier Tuesday, Crosby skated with two other injured Penguins teammates for the second successive day, working out with defenseman Simon Despres, forward Jordan Staal and conditioning coach Mike Kadar before the Penguins’ pregame morning skate. Staal and Despres are healing from knee injuries.

Crosby first complained of neck pain after absorbing a hard hit from forward David Steckel, then of the Capitals, in the Washington-Pittsburgh outdoor game at Heinz Field on Jan. 1, 2011.

He returned on Nov. 21 and played eight games — but hasn’t played since Dec. 5 and last went through a full practice on Dec. 7 before experiencing a recurrence of the concussion symptoms that sidelined him for 41 games last season and the first 20 games of this season.

After being cleared to skate again, he worked out with the Penguins during a Florida road trip in mid-January. He skated on his own for two weeks before taking part in a 45-minute workout Monday at Consol Energy Center, also with Staal and Despres.

While Crosby is not yet close to being cleared for contact, according to coach Dan Bylsma, Penguins general manager Ray Shero is hopeful that the former Art Ross Trophy and Hart Trophy winner can play again this season.

Crosby had two goals and 10 assists in eight games from Nov. 21 through Dec. 5 before his concussion-like symptoms returned.