01 Mar A Real Pain in the Neck
The specialists at Integrated Pain Consultants often see patients complaining of neck pain. It’s one of the most common complaints (right up there with back pain), and can stem from a host of diseases, disorders, or traumas. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include degenerative disc disease, neck strain, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and trauma such as whiplash.
What Causes Neck Pain
Neck pain can also be caused by viral infections in the throat, which can lead to swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases, neck pain comes from rare infections like tuberculosis. Spine bone infections like septic discitis can also cause neck pain. From fibromyalgia to meningitis, there are countless reasons why you might be suffering from a serious pain in the neck. The good news is there are solutions.
In severe and short-term cases, such as trauma to the neck that’s expected to heal, some doctors may prescribe opioids for pain management. There are also alternative therapies better suited for longer treatments or for those prone to addiction. These therapies may include radiofrequency ablation, and others. Working with your trusted pain management doctor to discuss medial branch block facet injections or epidural steroid injections can help put you on the right track to treating that neck pain for good.
In today’s sitting and slouching culture, neck pain may be caused by poor sleeping and sitting posture. Neck pain, also called cervical pain, doesn’t always feature a cause and effect that seem to “line up.” The neck is part of the spine, and is largely responsible for holding up your head. Holding up between eight and ten pounds, we ask a lot of our necks and spines daily. It’s no wonder they could use a little soothing by spinal cord stimulation.
Of course, some lifestyle choices can also increase the risk of neck pain. Contact sports are strongly linked to neck pain, and precautions should be implemented. Utilizing neck strength training exercises or wearing a brace occasionally can help keep your neck strong while ensuring proper rest.
Get Help For Neck Pain at Integrated Pain Consultants
Most often, neck pain is described as a dull ache. It can be exacerbated by movement. Sometimes, it’s coupled with numbness, sharp pain, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, swelling, or tingling. No matter what kind of neck pain you have or the cause, a solution is available. Contact Integrated Pain Consultants today and get on the path to pain relief. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.