What are the common causes of neck pain?
For many patients, the cause of their neck pain is poor posture. For example, if you work on a computer all day and your screen is too high or low, you spend eight hours or more with your head tilted up or down to see your screen. Additionally, Americans are spending more time than ever with their heads tilted down to look at their smartphones, which also puts a strain on the muscles and vertebrae in your neck.
Other causes of neck pain include:
- Injuries like whiplash
- Arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Neuralgias
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
Neck pain is one of the top five pain disorders in the United States, affecting up to 20% of the population at any given time. Get help before chronic neck pain interferes with the quality of your life.
When should I talk to a doctor about neck pain?
While everyone gets a stiff neck from time to time, pain should subside within a day or two of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Make an appointment if your pain doesn’t get better, increases, or interferes with your ability to move or function normally.
How is the cause of my neck pain diagnosed?
At the Pain Management Institute of Orlando, Dr. Burry provides thorough exams and consultations to identify the cause of your pain. She asks about your symptoms, your overall health, and lifestyle. She’ll also ask if you know what happened that triggered your neck pain, especially if it came on suddenly.
Dr. Burry feels your neck, spine, and shoulders for signs of swelling or other abnormalities. She could ask you to turn your head in different directions so she can see if your range of motion is reduced and to gauge your pain.
In some cases, Dr. Burry orders X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis.
How is neck pain treated?
Dr. Burry provides customized, multidisciplinary treatment of neck pain, designed to reduce your pain and address the condition causing it. Your treatment program can include:
- Pain medication
- Immobilization
- Hot and cold therapy
- Joint injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Prolotherapy
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency neurotomy
Dr. Burry could also recommend physical therapy or lifestyle modifications to reduce your pain and your risk of recurring injuries.
If you’re looking for expert, customized treatment of your neck pain, call the Pain Management Institute of Orlando or schedule an appointment online today.
