What caused my neck pain?
You could be experiencing neck pain for any number of reasons, even something as small as straining your muscles while you read in bed or grinding your teeth as you sleep at night.
Common causes of neck pain include:
- Joint pain from osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc causing nerve compression
- Muscle strain
- Diseases such as meningitis and cancer
Injury is also a common cause of neck pain. Whiplash, for example, is caused by the sudden rapid movement of your head and can lead to neck sprain or strain. Car accidents and sports injuries are common causes of whiplash.
When should I see a doctor for my neck pain?
After an injury, your neck pain could resolve on its own with rest, specialized stretching and exercise, and conservative care at home. But if your neck pain persists despite your home-care efforts or the pain is severe enough that it’s affecting your ability to do your usual activities, it’s time to call Pinnacle Pain Management Specialists to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jain.
Other symptoms that warrant calling Dr. Jain for expert care include:
- Tingling or numbness your arms or hands
- Pain that travels down your arms or legs
- Headaches that coincide with your neck pain
If you’re not sure of the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Jain can recommend diagnostic testing to determine the reason you are experiencing discomfort.
How is neck pain treated?
Treatment for your neck pain will depend on the cause. Dr. Jain will develop an individualized treatment plan to help reduce your discomfort and improve your overall function.
Dr. Jain will likely first recommend conservative therapies to relieve your neck pain, such as physical therapy, to improve strength and function. He might also suggest using oral pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatories.
If conservative treatments fail to relieve your pain, Dr. Jain will recommend more invasive therapies such as:
- Joint injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
Although rarely needed, if Dr. Jain can’t relieve your pain with conservative treatments, he will recommend a surgical consult.
To get relief from your neck pain, call Pinnacle Pain Management Specialists today, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.
