Your neck is the only part of your spine with a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to injuries and pain. In most cases, neck pain improves with pain relievers, but if it deteriorates over time, you may need medical intervention. Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic has cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and uses advanced technology to give you long-lasting relief from neck pain.
An overview of neck pain
Everyone experiences neck pain occasionally due to poor posture when hunching over a bench or working on a computer. The discomfort often resolves with over-the-counter medications and rest. However, if your pain doesn’t respond to pain relievers or worsens over time, you may need medical attention. Neck pain rarely signifies a severe medical condition, but it is advisable to see your doctor for a diagnosis. If you experience neck pain with loss of strength, numbness in your arms, or pain that radiates down your arm, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Medical conditions that lead to neck pain
Several factors can lead to neck pain, including medical disorders and injuries. Causes of neck pain include:
- Trauma
Injuries from sporting activities, auto accidents, falls, and work can result in neck pain. Whiplash, an injury in which your head violently moves back and forth, is the most reported traumatic neck injury. Overexerting yourself during physical exercises or at work can also cause muscle strains in your neck, leading to neck pain.
- Nerve irritation
Irritation or nerve compression in the cervical vertebrae near your neck can also result in neck pain. Nerve compression can occur if you have cervical stenosis or herniated disk. Your doctor may use surgery to address these disorders, relieving nerve compression and neck pain.
- Being physically unfit
Weak stomach muscles due to poor posture and obesity can cause neck discomfort. Chronic stress exerts surmountable tension on your neck muscles, causing them to tighten.
- Chronic conditions
Chronic conditions like degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic pain. If left untreated, these disorders can deteriorate, resulting in irreversible damage and severe persistent neck pain.
Factors that rarely lead to neck pain include tumors, infections, and spinal fractures. If you experience neck pain that doesn’t improve over time, don’t hesitate to inform your most trusted specialist at the practice.
Available treatments for neck pain
During your initial appointment, your provider discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and performs a detailed medical exam. Your exam may include checking for muscle weakness, tenderness, and numbness. Your provider may also asses how far you can move your neck side to side, backward and forward. The team may also use MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays to identify the cause of your discomfort.
After diagnosis, the team may recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Advil to alleviate the pain. Your doctor may also suggest therapy to correct posture and strengthen your neck muscles. If your neck pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, your provider may recommend steroid injections or surgical intervention.
If your neck lowers your quality of life, call the practice or tap the online scheduling button to create an appointment.