Neck pain can be a common and sometimes distressing experience. It’s often the result of muscle tension or strain and can also arise from whiplash, falls, or sports injuries. The good news is that many people find relief within a few days through simple home remedies, such as rest, applying ice or heat, and using over-the-counter pain relievers.
However, if the pain persists or is severe, seeking medical advice is important. Our team at Columbia Pain Management, PC, is here to support you with expert diagnosis and treatment for both short-term and long-term neck pain.
Understanding Neck Pain
Your neck, or cervical spine, comprises vertebrae extending from the skull to the upper torso. Cushioned by cervical discs, these vertebrae absorb shock and support your head. Neck injuries affecting these structures often lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
Neck pain varies in intensity and can present as a mild irritation or a debilitating chronic condition. Symptoms may include sharp pain in a specific area, stiffness restricting head movement, or general tenderness. More severe cases can lead to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders, arms, and fingers and may impact your ability to grip objects. In such situations, consulting a pain physician is advisable to address the underlying cause.
Common causes of neck pain include muscle strain from poor posture, prolonged desk work, sudden head movements, or sleeping awkwardly. Traumatic events like car accidents falls, or sports collisions can also lead to neck pain due to the excessive stretching of neck ligaments and muscles. Other causes include natural wear and tear of the discs, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Seeking Treatment
If you experience mild to moderate neck pain for over a week, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like weakness, numbness, tingling, radiating pain, headaches, neck lumps, or nausea, it’s important to consult a pain physician.
Our pain physicians will tailor your treatment plan based on a thorough diagnosis, medical history, and physical examination. Treatment options may include physical therapy, ice and heat therapy, spinal manipulation, medication, injection therapy, wearing a neck collar, massage therapy, and ergonomic adjustments at home and work. Cutting-edge treatments like platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow-derived stem cell injections may also be considered.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re experiencing neck pain and need help understanding your symptoms and treatment options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at 503-654-5636 or 541-205-0173 to schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists. We’re committed to helping you find relief and improve your quality of life.
