What is neck pain?
Neck pain refers to any discomfort, stiffness, or aching that affects your seven cervical vertebrae or surrounding structures. These hard and soft tissues support the weight of your head, allowing you to look up, down, and from side-to-side.
Neck pain occurs for various reasons. In some instances, it’s a result of poor posture or weak muscles. Other times, it occurs due to an underlying health problem like osteoarthritis or a herniated disc. If your neck pain lasts for a week or longer, or it spreads into your shoulders or arms, make an appointment at Nova Interventional Pain Management right away.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Common symptoms of neck pain include:
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Stiffness
- General discomfort
You might also notice that your neck pain gets worse if you have to hold your head in a certain position for a lengthy period, either at work or while driving.
What can I do to prevent neck pain?
If you want to lower your risk of neck pain, the team at Nova Interventional Pain Management recommends practicing good posture, taking frequent breaks throughout the workday, and using an ergonomically friendly chair and desk.
You might also benefit from quitting smoking and sleeping on a comfortable, supportive mattress. Avoid carrying heavy purses or backpacks with a single strap. Heavy bags can place additional strain on your neck.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
The team at Nova Interventional Pain Management diagnoses neck pain by conducting a physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and asking questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. During the initial consultation, your provider checks for tenderness and muscle weakness and asks you to move your head from side to side.
If these steps don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, the team orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These advanced tools allow the team to see detailed pictures of your vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
How is neck pain treated?
The team at Nova Interventional Pain Management typically recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments to relieve neck pain. If you have a mild case of neck pain, you might benefit from bracing, physical therapy, or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
For serious neck pain, the team might recommend:
- Trigger point injections
- Nerve root injections
- Facet injections
- Medial branch blocks
If your pain interferes with your ability to work or perform other routine tasks, the team might recommend an intrathecal pain pump.
To learn more about treatment for neck pain, schedule an appointment at Nova Interventional Pain Management. Call the nearest office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff today.
