/assets/production/practices/e58872dbb16b3da1d87cbd9314fa60cf641c1470/images/2622660.png)
Everyone experiences neck pain occasionally, but if your symptoms keep you up at night or affect your routine, it’s time to seek treatment. At Integrated Pain Consultants in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, Nikesh Seth, MD, and his team boast years of experience diagnosing and treating neck pain. Call the nearest office today to schedule a neck pain consultation, or book your visit online.
Neck Pain Q & A
Is neck pain serious, or will it go away on its own?
Your neck has seven vertebrae, six ligaments, and over 20 muscles. These hard and soft tissues support your skull and enable you to look up and down or scan your surroundings.
Though tough, your neck experiences general wear-and-tear. If you sleep in an awkward position or tweak a muscle working out, you might experience swelling or stiffness. At-home treatments usually provide relief, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week, contact Integrated Pain Consultants.
What causes neck pain?
Integrated Pain Consultants diagnoses and treats neck pain caused by various factors, including:
- Poor posture
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint arthritis
- Cervical bulging disc
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve)
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Work injuries
- Structural abnormalities (for example, kyphosis and scoliosis)
Many people experience neck pain after car accidents. For example, being rear-ended might cause your head to snap back and forth, causing a whiplash injury.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
Your Integrated Pain Consultants provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They look at your neck and shoulders, checking for redness, swelling, or bruising, and gently press your skin to pinpoint sensitive areas.
Next, your provider assesses your ability to turn your head, touch your chin to your chest, and move your arms and hands. They also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to check for underlying issues, like fractures or herniated intervertebral discs.
How is neck pain treated?
Integrated Pain Consultants takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to neck pain treatment. They might recommend:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Medial branch blocks (facet injections)
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Medication management
- Botox® injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Physical therapy
It may take more than one type of treatment, depending on the cause of your neck pain. Your provider develops a personalized care plan and monitors your progress over time.
What’s the outlook for someone with neck pain?
Most causes of neck pain are easy to treat and improve within a week or two. To ensure optimal results, follow your provider’s instructions, take any medication as prescribed, and practice good posture.
Call the nearest Integrated Pain Consultants office today to receive treatment for neck pain, or book your appointment online.