Overview:
Neck Pain Doctor in Austin, TX
Each year, over 30% of adults in the United States experience some type of neck pain.
It is usually due to poor posture, sudden jerky movements, the strain caused by exercise, an increase in activity or sport, an injury, or even using the wrong pillow. The neck supports the head, allows movement, and protects nerves that send signals to the body. It also carries blood to the brain and holds important parts like the jugular veins, voice box, and vocal cords.
In most cases, the pain experienced in the neck region can abate with no treatment at all or with some self-care remedies such as a light massage, neck exercises, or OTC (over-the-counter) pain relief medication.
But in other cases, the pain may persist, and self-care remedies or OTC pain relievers may not work. In such situations, getting help from a neck pain specialist can offer effective treatments planned out specifically for your needs.
Common Causes Of Neck Pain
There are various causes of chronic neck pain that manifest as pain, soreness, or stiffness. They include:
- Poor Posture (e.g., “Tech Neck”)
This includes looking down at your phone or computer for too long, which can hurt your neck. This is known as “Tech Neck” and happens when you keep your head bent forward. It can cause pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and back. - Muscle Strain or Tension
Straining your neck muscles, for example, by sitting or sleeping in a bad position, can lead to pain. Stress also causes tight muscles in the neck, which can make you feel sore and stiff. - Injuries (e.g., Whiplash)
Injuries like whiplash happen when your neck is suddenly jerked, like in a car accident. This can stretch your muscles and ligaments, causing pain and making it hard to move your neck. - Degenerative Conditions (e.g., Osteoarthritis, Herniated Discs)
Conditions like osteoarthritis or herniated discs can cause neck pain over time. Osteoarthritis wears down the cartilage in your neck, and herniated discs happen when the discs between your bones slip out of place and press on nerves, causing pain. Other possible conditions that can lead to chronic neck pain include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondylosis, and Spinal Stenosis. - Medical Conditions (e.g., Fibromyalgia, Meningitis)
Some medical conditions can cause neck pain. Fibromyalgia causes pain in muscles all over your body, including the neck. Meningitis, an infection around the brain and spinal cord, can also cause severe neck pain along with other symptoms like fever and headache.
If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort, seeking help from an Austin neck pain doctor at Advanced Pain Care can help. Schedule your consultation today!
Symptoms Of Neck Pain
Neck pain can manifest in various forms, from mild discomfort to severe, radiating pain. It can be experienced in different regions, with discomfort radiating to the shoulders, arms, and even the head, depending on the underlying cause.
- Pain intensity: Can range from a mild ache to sharp, burning pain in the neck area.
- Stiffness or limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the neck normally due to pain or muscle tightness.
- Radiating pain: Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, or other regions.
- Headaches: Commonly accompany neck pain and may be a sign of an underlying issue.
- Numbness or tingling: Often felt in the arms or hands due to nerve compression or muscle fatigue.
Serious Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:
- Severe headaches: Can be a sign of a more serious condition such as meningitis.
- Pain with weakness in the arms: Could indicate nerve compression or damage.
- Loss of neck mobility: Could suggest a more serious injury or underlying health condition.
- Sharp, burning pain: A sign that there might be nerve involvement or a serious injury.
Experiencing any of these alarming symptoms calls for immediate consultation and neck pain treatment.
Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor
Along with a thorough evaluation of your medical history (to understand occupation, lifestyle, current symptoms, and genetic predispositions), your doctor should also conduct:
Physical Examination: A thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, symptoms, and genetic predispositions is performed, along with a physical examination to check for tenderness, weakness, and range of motion.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays help identify fractures or spinal degeneration, while MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of bones, tissues, and abnormalities like tumors.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check for underlying inflammatory conditions.
Red Flags About Neck Pain
- Pain Lasting More Than A Few Weeks: Persistent neck pain can indicate chronic pain, structural issues, or serious health concerns.
- Neurological Symptoms: These include weakness, tingling, numbness, loss of bladder control, or pain radiating to the arms or legs, signaling nerve involvement or more severe conditions like spinal issues or tumors.
Consulting a neck pain management specialist can help identify the root cause and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Effective Neck Pain Treatment Options at Advanced Pain Care
At Advanced Pain Care, we offer a range of neck pain treatment options to help you find relief and manage neck pain symptoms:
Non-Invasive Treatments:
- Rest and activity modification: Taking breaks and adjusting your activities can help reduce strain on your neck.
- Physical therapy: Working with a therapist to strengthen neck muscles and improve flexibility.
- Heat and ice therapy: Applying heat or cold to the neck can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from mild neck pain.
Medical Interventions:
- Prescription medications: If needed, your neck pain doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and inflammation.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate neck pain caused by misalignments in the spine.
Surgical Options:
When conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgical options may be recommended, such as for herniated discs or spinal instability. Procedures like discectomy involve removing damaged discs, while spinal fusion stabilizes the spine by fusing vertebrae to relieve neck pain caused by spinal issues.
For lasting relief and expert care, trust the best pain management doctors in Austin, TX, at Advanced Pain Care to help you live pain-free.
Types Of Surgery For Neck Pain
The recommended chronic neck pain surgeries fall under the categories of stabilization and decompression – to stabilize the spinal column or to remove any pressure on a nerve structure.
There are several surgical procedures to remove any tissue or herniation that is pressing on a nerve:
- Discectomy — a part or the whole damaged disc is removed using a procedure known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
- Cervical disc replacement — the damaged disc is replaced with a metal or polymer prosthetic.
- Corpectomy — removal of whatever is compressing the spinal cord or nerve.
- Foraminotomy — removal of bone spurs pressing on nerves.
A spinal fusion may be needed to stabilize the spine. In most cases, this procedure is performed along with a decompression surgery to provide room for nerve function.
For patients who have additional risk factors, such as diabetes and smoking, a bone growth stimulator may also be recommended to help aid in bone healing.
Searching for a suitable “neck pain treatment near me” in the Greater Austin Area, Killeen/Waco, and Amarillo regions? Contact Advanced Pain Care today to choose the right treatment option for you!
Post-Surgery Care for Neck Pain Relief
While complications (like bleeding or infections) are rare, your neck pain doctor will constantly monitor you for all side effects. After the procedure, follow-up visits with your neck pain management specialist are crucial for periodic evaluations and to ensure a smooth recovery.
You’ll also be given a list of do’s and don’ts to follow, including the following restrictions for the first few weeks:
- Wearing a collar for 4 to 6 weeks
- Restricting activities such as driving
- Restricting the lifting of weights over 5 pounds for 6 weeks
- Restricting exercises to walking unless specified by the surgeon
- No sports or strenuous activities for a few weeks
- Proper care of the incision
In case you experience any of the following, call your doctor immediately:
- Spike in body temperature beyond 101 F
- Increase in pain, swelling, redness, or irritation around the incision
- Lack of control over bladder/bowel movement
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- Weakness
Make sure to follow these guidelines and stay in touch with your neck pain specialist for follow-up care to help you heal properly and get back to normal.
Simple Tips to Maintain a Pain-Free Neck
Your doctors and specialists at Advanced Pain Care will tell you that simple and small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in preventing incidents of neck pain.
Being conscious of your body posture and mechanisms
Advanced Pain Care offers effective neck pain treatment, focusing on personalized care. Our skilled neck pain specialists provide accurate treatments based on your condition and past medical history – ranging from physical therapy to advanced surgeries like spinal fusion. We ensure compassionate and expert care with our 20+ years of experience and medically proven methods. Contact us today for long-lasting neck pain management.
FAQS
Q: What are the common causes of neck pain?
A: Common causes of neck pain include muscle strain, poor posture, neck injuries, herniated discs, arthritis, and stress. These can lead to stiffness, soreness, and radiating pain.
Q: What are some self-care options for neck pain?
A: Self-care options for neck pain include resting, applying ice or heat, practicing gentle stretches, maintaining good posture, and using over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q: How can I prevent neck pain?
A: Preventing neck pain involves maintaining proper posture, using the right pillow, staying active with exercises, managing stress, and avoiding sudden neck movements.
Q: Can stress contribute to neck pain?
A: Yes, stress can contribute to neck pain by causing muscle tension, leading to discomfort, tightness, and stiffness in the neck.
Q: What are some red flags to look out for with neck pain?
A: These include severe pain, weakness, loss of bladder control, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and radiating pain to the arms. These may signal serious conditions requiring immediate attention.
Q: What are the symptoms of neck pain?
A: Neck pain symptoms include stiffness, soreness, limited movement, headaches, radiating pain to the shoulders or arms, numbness, and tingling sensations in the limbs.
