Neck Pain
Neck pain is just as common a complaint as back pain, and can be just as uncomfortable and debilitating. If you have neck pain and are looking for an effective treatment program, Bart Gatz, MD, and the team at American Interventional Pain Institute in Greenacres, Florida, can help. Dr. Gatz is a distinguished pain medicine specialist providing outstanding services for patients who have neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. Call 561-641-0089 to request a consultation today.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain is a very common condition with numerous possible causes, including:
- Herniated disc
- Whiplash caused by an auto accident
- Arthritis
- Compressed nerves
- Bone spurs
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle tension due to stress
- Swelling of the lymph nodes (usually viral in origin)
- Fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica
In rare cases, infections such as tuberculosis, septic discitis, or meningitis can also cause neck pain.
The most likely reason why you have neck pain is an injury, which very often clears up within a few days. If you have severe pain, it lasts longer than a few days, or you feel unwell in addition to having neck pain, you should call American Interventional Pain Institute at 561-641-0089 to request a consultation today.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
The severity of neck pain can range from mild to a point where it greatly interferes with the demands of your day-to-day life. Most cases of neck pain begin to get better after a few days, but sometimes symptoms can be severe and long-lasting.
The pain can be sharp and stabbing, or be more of an achy pain throughout your neck region. You may also have difficulty moving your neck in one or more directions. As well as neck pain, you may also experience:
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling sensations
- Pain when you swallow
Less common symptoms of neck pain may include nausea or vomiting as well.
How is neck pain treated?
Treatment for neck pain varies depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Minor or moderate injuries often heal naturally within a few days, helped by treatments such as:
- Mild pain medications
- Increased bed rest
- Ice and heat therapy
- Muscle relaxants
- Regular exercises and stretching
- Use of a neck brace
More severe injuries may require additional treatments such as physical therapy, increased periods of neck immobilization, or short doses of steroid medication, and potentially facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation. If your neck pain is due to an infection, you may also need a course of antibiotics.
The team of experienced pain management specialists at American Interventional Pain Institute focus on uncovering the origin of your neck pain before developing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for you.
If you have neck pain, call American Interventional Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation.