What causes neck pain?
Acute neck pain that lasts less than six weeks is often the result of an injury to your muscles from trauma or overuse. You may be prone to occasional neck pain if you sit at a desk for an extended period of time, have poor posture, or if you are frequently bent over your phone or other electronic devices.
Chronic neck pain describes pain that lasts for six months or longer. This type of pain may be the result of more serious injuries or degenerative diseases, like arthritis, in your cervical (neck) spine.
Some of the most common causes of chronic neck pain include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues due to a forceful back-and-forth movement of your neck. Falls and car accidents are a leading cause of whiplash-related pain.
Herniated cervical discs
Between your spinal vertebrae are protective, gel-like discs that absorb the shock of your movements. Age-related spine changes and degenerative disc disease can cause the breakdown of the discs, forcing the disc’s center outward. The damaged cervical disc can press on nearby nerves and cause persistent neck pain and limited spinal mobility.
Pinched nerves
Conditions like chronic inflammation or a herniated disc in your cervical spine can press on nearby nerves. This additional pressure can lead to chronic neck pain that also radiates down into your shoulders, arms, and hands. A pinched nerve might also cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in these areas.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
To uncover the cause of your chronic neck pain, Dr. Brennan and the Coastal Pain Medicine team offer on-site diagnostic testing. They begin your evaluation with a review of your medical history, your current health, and information about your lifestyle and job.
During a physical exam, Dr. Brennan checks your neck’s range of motion and flexibility. He may ask you to move in certain ways to evaluate the origin of your pain. To get a better look at the structures of your cervical spine, you may need an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging test.
Once he confirms your diagnosis, Dr. Brennan customizes a treatment plan to reduce your pain and increase mobility in your cervical spine.
How is neck pain treated?
The Coastal Pain Medicine team offers several minimally invasive procedures to treat chronic inflammation and pain in your neck.
If over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to manage your pain, you may be a candidate for:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Radiofrequency (RF) lesioning
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Coastal Pain Medicine also offers holistic therapies like acupuncture to treat neck pain and promote better blood circulation for natural pain relief.
To find out which treatment is right for your chronic neck pain, call Coastal Pain Medicine or request an appointment through the online booking feature today.
