What Type of Doctor Should I See for Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common condition that many people experience, often caused by poor posture, stress, or injury, and it can seriously affect daily life. If you’re struggling with persistent or severe neck pain, you may be wondering, “What type of doctor should I see for effective relief?” 

Identifying the right specialist is key to getting a proper diagnosis and finding the best treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort. In this article, the pain management experts from Advanced Pain Care will help you understand the types of doctors who treat neck pain, the treatment options available, and when to seek medical help. You can also book an appointment with our experts for a one-on-one consultation. Schedule your consultation today!

When to See Our Doctors for Neck Pain?

Your neck pain could be a temporary muscle strain or a more consistent condition that may not resolve easily. Acute neck pain typically lasts less than six weeks and is often caused by injuries like strains. This type of pain is usually sharp and goes away quickly with rest and proper care. However, if the pain persists, it may require further attention to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.

Chronic neck pain lasts three months or more, often due to ongoing issues like arthritis or bad posture. It feels dull and may come and go, requiring more treatment for relief. Our neck pain doctor will carefully check your symptoms to understand your pain and the best treatment for it.

There are many reasons you might have discomfort in your neck. Here are some common causes:

• Muscle Strain: This often happens due to bad posture, like leaning over your computer or phone for a long time.
• Injury: Whiplash from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to neck pain.
• Degenerative Conditions: As we age, our neck joints can wear down. Conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can cause chronic neck pain.
• Herniated Disc: This happens when the cushioning discs between your vertebrae get damaged, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.
• Nerve Compression: A pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Knowing what is causing your pain is important in searching for the right type of “neck pain doctor near me.” Depending on the cause, various specialists may help you find neck pain relief.

Types of Doctors Who Treat Neck Pain

Several types of healthcare professionals can help treat neck pain. The right doctor for you will depend on what’s causing your pain, how long you’ve had it, and how bad it is.

• Primary Care Physicians (PCP): Your primary care doctor is usually the first stop for neck pain. They can perform an initial exam and suggest simple neck pain management like medication or stretches. If the pain is more serious or lasts longer, they’ll refer you to a specialist for focused neck pain treatment.
• Chiropractors: Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust your spine and relieve neck pain.
• Physical Therapists: They help relieve neck pain through exercises and posture correction. They work with other specialists to create a pain management plan.
• Orthopedic Surgeons: These doctors focus on bones, joints, and muscles. If your pain is due to issues like arthritis or herniated discs, they can offer treatments like physical therapy, medications, or surgery in severe cases.
• Neurologists: If your pain comes with numbness or weakness, a neurologist might be needed. They specialize in nervous system disorders and can recommend advanced treatments, including nerve blocks or surgery if necessary.
• Pain Management Specialists: For chronic neck pain, these specialists provide long-term relief through medications, injections, and alternative therapies. They develop plans for lasting relief.

If your pain persists despite other treatments, our pain management doctor can help create a plan personalized to your needs.

How to Choose the Right Doctor

Getting the right care for neck pain starts with choosing the right doctor.

• Consider Your Symptoms:
  • If you have nerve pain (like numbness or tingling), think about seeing a neurologist.
  • For muscle strain or stiffness, a primary care physician or orthopedic doctor might be best.
• Seek Specialists for Serious Issues:
  • If your pain is persistent or severe, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist. They can offer targeted treatment options and a complete plan for relief.

Not sure which pain management expert to consult? Get in touch with our team, and we will help you find the right specialist for your needs.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you see a doctor for neck pain, they may suggest tests to find out what’s causing it. Common tests include:

• X-rays: These show bone issues like fractures or arthritis.
• MRIs: MRIs provide clear images of soft tissues, helping to find problems like herniated discs.
• CT Scans: CT scans combine X-ray images for a detailed view of the neck.

To diagnose your pain, the doctor may ask about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• When did your neck pain start?
• What activities make it better or worse?
• Do you feel any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands?
• Have you had any neck injuries or surgeries before?
• Are you experiencing other symptoms, like headaches or dizziness?

These questions help the doctor understand your condition and create the best treatment plan.

Treatment Options by Specialists at Advanced Pain Care

Once you’ve found the right specialist, they will recommend a neck pain treatment plan based on what’s causing your pain. Some common treatment options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Physical Therapy: A personalized exercise plan to make your neck stronger and more flexible.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
• Chiropractic Care: Manual adjustments by chiropractors to fix spine misalignments and relieve neck pain.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or nerve block injections for targeted relief.

Surgical Treatments

• Discectomy: Surgery to remove a herniated disc that presses on nerves to reduce pain.
• Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and lessen pain.
• Laminectomy: Removing a part of a bone in the spine to ease pressure on the spinal cord.

Alternative Treatments

• Acupuncture: Using needles at specific points on the body to relieve pain.
• Massage Therapy: Hands-on techniques to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
• Yoga and Pilates: Gentle movements and stretches to increase flexibility and strength in your neck.

Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your pain is and what’s causing it, but the goal is always the same: long-term neck pain relief and a better quality of life.

Conclusion

When neck pain affects your daily life, finding the right treatment is the first step to getting relief and living pain-free. At Advanced Pain Care, we specialize in helping patients with chronic neck pain and other related conditions. Our team of specialists offers personalized neck pain treatment focusing on relieving pain and restoring function. Contact us today to find out how we can help!