People from all backgrounds can experience neck pain regardless of whether they have a hands-on career or work on a computer all day. Pain from poor posture or an awkward sleeping position often resolves within a few days. But if the pain deteriorates over time, you may want to consider a medical approach. If you are struggling with Huntington neck pain, the Pain Management 360 team has the right treatment you need to alleviate the pain.
Factors contributing to neck pain
Your neck consists of vertebrae extending from your skull to the upper torso. The bones, muscles, and ligaments in your neck support and facilitate fluid motion. An injury, inflammation, or abnormality can result in neck stiffness, pain, and discomfort. It is normal to experience neck pain occasionally due to an awkward sleeping position, overuse, or poor posture.
Your pain may also be due to injury from contact sports, whiplash, or a fall. Rarely does neck pain indicate an underlying medical disorder; in most cases, it improves with pain medications. However, if your neck pain is resistant to painkillers, is accompanied by additional symptoms, or deteriorates over time, you may need medical intervention. Sometimes neck pain can be a sign of a heart attack. If the pain occurs with jaw or arm pain, sweating, nausea, or vomiting, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
When to consult your doctor about neck pain
In most cases, acute pain lasts for only a few days, while chronic pain may last for several months or even years. Your neck pain can be manageable and not interfere with your daily life, or it can be debilitating, hindering your ability to perform at school or work. The signature symptoms of neck pain include numbness or radiating pain, pain when moving, stiff neck, sharp pain, and headache. Don’t hesitate to inform your doctor if these symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medications. Also, call your favorite specialist at Pain Management 360 if you experience tingling sensations, a lump in your neck, swollen glands, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a fever. If you also had a fall or were involved in an accident and your neck hurts, visit the nearest emergency room.
Available treatments for neck pain
During your appointment at Pain Management 360, the team conducts a thorough physical exam, discusses your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. During your exam, they may measure your range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength, and reflexes to pinpoint the underlying trigger of your neck pain. If necessary, they may order X-rays, CT scans, or bloodwork.
Your provider uses the results to recommend the most appropriate treatment. They may first recommend conservative treatment options before advancing to more aggressive options. Your physician may recommend pain medications, corticosteroid injections, traction, muscle relaxants, and antibiotics for infection. If these treatments aren’t helpful, your provider may recommend surgical options like the Vivex procedure to repair the problematic portion or spinal cord stimulation to alleviate nerve pain.
To learn more about neck pain treatments, call the Pain Management 360 office or schedule an appointment online today.
