Neck Pain
Neck pain is incredibly common, affecting millions of people every day. If you’re experiencing pain that impacts your daily activities or affects your level of comfort, you’re not alone. At Procura Pain & Spine, we know that finding the right support and effective treatments for your neck pain is the key to getting back to doing what you love. Most neck pain can be properly managed without surgery, and our team is here to help you find the lasting relief you deserve.
Key Indicators of Neck Pain
Neck pain can vary greatly depending on the cause. Some people might experience a mild, dull ache, and others might feel sharp or shooting pain, especially with movement.
Here are some of the most common neck pain symptoms that our patients report:
- Stiffness or soreness in your neck
- Sharp or stabbing pain when moving your head
- Pain that goes down into the shoulders, arms or even hands
- Headaches that start from the neck or back of the head area
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Limited range of motion in your neck
In most cases, neck pain can be managed without emergency care. However, if you experience severe symptoms such as sudden loss of control over your limbs, extreme pain following an injury, or neck pain with a fever, we recommend seeking immediate medical attention.
Who’s Most at Risk for Neck Pain?
- Age. As you get older, wear and tear on the spine can make neck pain a lot more common.
- Poor posture. Sitting or standing in positions that strain your neck can increase your discomfort over time.
- Work habits. Jobs that require prolonged computer use, phone calls, or other neck-straining activities can contribute to neck pain.
- Physical strain. Carrying or lifting heavy objects and repetitive motion can affect your neck.
- Sedentary lifestyle. A lack of physical activity can weaken your muscles, making it easier to hurt the neck.
- Stress. High stress levels can lead to tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Sleep Position. Sleeping in certain positions or without neck support can lead to stiffness and soreness when you wake up.
Understanding What Causes Neck Pain
- Herniated Disc in the Neck. The discs between the bones of your spine can become damaged or bulge, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain.
- Pinched Nerve in the Neck. Nerves in the neck can become compressed, leading to pain in the arms or shoulders.
- Spinal Stenosis in the Neck. This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal cana. When this occurs, it can compress the nerves in the neck and lead to neck pain.
- Neck Arthritis. Arthritis in the neck can cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the spine.
- Whiplash or Neck Strain. This is often caused by sudden movements or trauma, like car accidents. Whiplash can strain muscles and ligaments in the neck.
- Muscle Spasms in the Neck. Tight or contracted muscles can lead to spasms, limiting your ability to move freely.
The good news is that most neck pain can be effectively treated without surgery. At Procura Pain & Spine, we take a whole-body approach to pain management, focusing on treatments that target the root source of your pain without doing more than necessary.
Your Treatment Options for Neck Pain:
- Medication & Coping Techniques - We often begin treatment with medications and techniques that help to immediately minimize your pain levels and help you manage your discomfort in daily life. These may include things like pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation, hot or cold therapy to soothe sore muscles, light stretching and strengthening exercises, and mind-body techniques like relaxation training or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Nerve Blocks & Injections - In cases where nerve pain is a primary symptom, nerve blocks or steroid injections can provide our patients with a great deal of relief. These treatments involve injecting anesthetic or steroid medication into the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Facet joint injections. Targeting the small joints along the spine to relieve pain.
- Epidural steroid injections. Delivering anti-inflammatory medication near the spinal nerves.
- Stellate Ganglion Block. An injection near the base of the neck that targets the nerves responsible for pain signals.
- Cortisone Injections. Steroid medications like cortisone can be injected directly into the painful area to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief.
- Radiofrequency Ablation - For people with chronic neck pain, radiofrequency ablation(RFA) can provide longer-lasting relief. During this procedure, a small needle is inserted under the skin. Radio waves are passed through the needle to heat and disrupt pain signals from the nerves. This can be an excellent treatment option for those who have not responded well to other methods.
- Regenerative Medicine - Regenerative medicine taps into your body’s natural healing ability to relieve neck pain. Certain tissues in your body contain anti-inflammatory properties and growth factors that can help reduce pain and boost healing. This approach can be especially helpful for anyone looking to manage chronic neck pain or who needs help recovering from injury.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery - If other treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, minimally invasive surgery may be an option for addressing your neck pain. Surgery can target specific issues like pinched nerves, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis that haven’t responded to other treatments, with smaller incisions and much faster recovery times.
Common Questions about Neck Pain
We generally recommend trying non-invasive treatments for at least three months. This time allows us to explore different treatment options and adjust them to find what works best for you. Surgery is usually only considered when the pain becomes unmanageable or if your symptoms significantly worsen.
Yes! There are several adjustments that can help manage and even prevent neck pain. For example: Using ergonomic equipment, especially if you work at a desk. Practicing good posture throughout the day. Taking frequent breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders. Staying active to strengthen the muscles that support your neck
Neck pain can sometimes be a sign of a more severe issue. If you experience symptoms such as sudden weakness in your arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or extreme pain after an injury, it is important that you get medical care immediately. For ongoing pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks, a consultation with a specialist can help you determine the cause of the pain and better understand your treatment options.
During your visit, we’ll take the time to understand your unique symptoms and concerns. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits both your lifestyle and personal goals, whether you’re looking for immediate relief or long-term pain management options.
Your Treatment Options for Neck Pain
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life, contact Procura Pain & Spine today. Our team is here to help you explore your treatment options and discover the right approach to managing your neck pain. Schedule your consultation by calling 936-758-7169 or book an appointment online. We look forward to helping you tackle your neck pain and get the relief you need.
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