Neck pain can make simple tasks like turning your head, working at a computer, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Living with neck pain can affect your mood, productivity, and overall quality of life. Understanding neck pain’s causes and treatment options offered by a local spine doctor near you empowers you to manage your discomfort.
Here’s everything you need to know, from the causes of neck pain to various treatment options.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain can stem from various sources, and it is important to know what might be causing your discomfort. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain:
Poor Posture
Many people spend a lot of time hunched over computers or looking down at their phones. This posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck.
Injuries
Sudden movements, falls, or accidents can cause whiplash or other injuries that lead to neck pain. These incidents can stretch or tear the soft tissues in your neck.
Degenerative Diseases
Conditions like osteoarthritis can wear away the cartilage between your vertebrae, leading to pain and stiffness. It can also result in your spinal discs breaking down. Consider getting prompt arthritis treatment near you to prevent complications.
Herniated Discs
The discs between your vertebrae can bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain. This condition is often related to aging or injury.
Muscle Strain
Everyday activities, such as reading in bed or grinding your teeth, can strain neck muscles. Stress and tension can also lead to muscle tightness and pain.
Understanding these causes can help you and your doctor decide on the best treatment plan for your neck pain.
When to Visit Your Trusted Spine Doctor Near You
While mild neck pain can often be treated at home, certain symptoms demand you see a spine doctor near you:
- Severe pain that lasts more than a few days
- Feelings of numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or hands
- Car accident or injury
Seeing a spine doctor can help ensure that you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your neck pain. This helps prevent further complications.
How Spine Doctors Diagnose Neck Pain
Spine doctors use several methods to determine what is causing your neck pain, such as:
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about:
- Your symptoms
- Lifestyle
- Recent injuries
- Your overall health.
This helps them understand potential factors contributing to your pain.
Physical Exam
Your doctor may check your neck’s strength and range of motion. They may also look for signs of nerve damage or other physical abnormalities.
Imaging Tests
To get a closer look inside your neck, the doctor might order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These images can reveal problems like herniated discs, arthritis, or other structural issues in your spine.
Using these diagnostic tools, spine doctors can pinpoint the exact cause of neck pain and create a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Neck Pain
Once the cause of your neck pain is identified, there are different treatment options available:
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Your spine doctor may recommend different non-surgical treatments to help you, such as:
Physical Therapy
This involves exercises focused on stretching and strengthening the neck. This can improve your posture and reduce pain.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves your doctor taking a sample of your blood. They will then process it to separate the parts that promote healing. You can talk to your spine doctor about your options for PRP treatments in Plantation, FL.
2. Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical treatments do not work, surgery might be necessary:
Discectomy
This surgery removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Your spine surgeon may do this to lessen pain and restore function.
Fusion
In a spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are joined together to provide stability. The procedure can help with pain caused by degenerative diseases or injuries.
Laminectomy
In this surgery, the spine surgeon removes the part of the vertebra called the lamina. This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, which can help with pain and improve mobility.
Trusted Spine Doctor Near Me in Plantation, FL
At Baylis and Brown Orthopedics, Dr. Christopher Brown is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with extensive training and experience in spinal conditions and injuries. He will get to the source of your symptoms and put you on the path to better spine health and function.
For more information or to schedule an in-office consultation, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or use our appointment request form.
Let us help you tackle neck pain with personalized and comprehensive solutions. We look forward to serving you!
