Neck Pain Specialist

What causes neck pain?

While a relatively small area of your body, your neck is a complex structure that performs numerous functions. Not only does your neck house and protect your spinal cord, esophagus, trachea, and thyroid gland, it also plays a critical role in head movement. 

The neck also houses your cervical spine, including the uppermost vertebrae, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. A problem with any of these joint components can lead to serious neck pain. 

Some of the things that can cause or contribute to neck pain include:

• Traumatic injury
• Sports injuries
• Muscle strain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Nerve compression
• Joint degeneration
• Whiplash
• Poor posture

These are just a few of the issues that can cause neck pain. In some cases, there is no clear cause, even though you might experience significant pain in your neck. 

When should I see a doctor for neck pain?

Occasional neck pain is nothing to be concerned about. But when pain is severe or persists over time, it’s important to come in for a diagnostic exam and treatment. 

Neck pain can make it difficult to get through your normal daily routines. Over time, chronic pain can also interfere with your mental health, increasing your risk of depression and emotional distress. 

If you experience neck pain that continues after a few days of rest and self-care, consider scheduling a visit at OrthoMed Pain & Sports Medicine. A quick diagnostic assessment can be the first step in starting a path toward lasting relief. 

What kinds of treatments can help resolve neck pain?

The first step is determining the source of your neck pain. In cases where traumatic injury or sports injury leads to pain, the damage may be easy to detect using advanced imaging and a physical exam. In other cases, more in-depth techniques are needed to identify the causal factors behind your discomfort. 

When spinal misalignment is present, gentle osteopathic manipulation techniques can help resolve neck pain. This hands-on therapy seeks to restore optimal alignment of your cervical spine. Great care is taken to avoid placing undue pressure on any component of your neck, and relief is sometimes achieved immediately. 

Additional treatments that can improve neck pain include:

• Cervical facet joint injections
• Cervical epidural corticosteroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Trigger point injections
• Physical therapy

In many cases, habits like poor posture or even holding your phone between your cheek and shoulder can lead to serious neck pain. In those instances, you may need to improve the ergonomics of your work space or alter your habits to treat neck pain. 

When you’re ready to get started, call the office to set up a visit. Online booking is also available and takes very little time to complete.