What is neck pain?
Neck pain is pain that originates in the neck. The pain may be mild or severe and radiate into the head, upper back, or shoulders.
Neck pain is common and not usually the result of a serious health condition. However, if you have ongoing neck pain that fails to improve with at-home care, you may benefit from an evaluation at Southern Pain and Spine.
The skilled pain management team provides treatments that focus on the root cause of your neck pain to ease symptoms and prevent a recurrence.
What causes neck pain?
You can develop neck pain from any number of causes, including your daily routine, repetitive movements, overuse, or an injury. Common causes of neck pain include:
- Sprains and strains
- Herniated disc
- Pinched nerve
- Degeneration of vertebrae
- Degenerative disc disease
- Muscle tension or spasms
- Arthritis
- Trauma or injury
- Whiplash
- Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal
Though less common, you can also develop neck pain from an infection or cancer.
What can I expect during a neck pain evaluation?
You can expect a patient-focused evaluation when you visit Southern Pain and Spine for help with neck pain. The team performs a detailed history and physical so they can find the root cause of your pain and create the most effective treatment plan.
Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and the treatments you’ve tried to ease your neck pain. They perform a physical, paying close attention to your spine, looking for areas of tenderness that might explain your symptoms.
Southern Pain and Spine also conducts diagnosting testing such as blood work, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to better understand the internal pathology of your body and diagnose the source of your pain.
How is neck pain treated?
The Southern Pain and Spine team customizes treatment for your neck pain based on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. The team utilizes minimally invasive, non-narcotic pain relief options to ease your symptoms and improve quality of life.
Neck pain treatment might include:
- Posture therapy
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Medication management
- Trigger point injections
- Epidural steroid injections
The team takes a comprehensive, yet conservative approach to pain management. Providing treatments that help you take control of your pain.
For a functional approach to neck pain, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for an evaluation at Southern Pain and Spine. Schedule or book appointments online.
