What is neck pain?
Neck pain is a feeling of discomfort that can occur for numerous reasons. You might experience:
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Pain with movement
- Stiffness
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle spasms
- Dull, aching pain
- Headaches
Neck discomfort may come and go or linger long-term. Treatment with Racz Pain Centers can alleviate your pain.
What are the risk factors for neck pain?
Neck pain can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:
- Muscle strains
- Arthritis
- Worn joints
- Nerve compression
- Ruptured discs
- Other injuries
- Chronic diseases
- Smoking
- Spinal stenosis
You might experience neck pain after being in a car accident, playing sports, or lifting something heavy.
Some ways to reduce your risk of developing neck pain include:
- Using good posture.
- Not smoking.
- Not carrying heavy bags on your shoulder.
- Sleeping in a comfortable position.
By taking steps to avoid neck pain before it can affect you, you can save yourself some pain and suffering.
How does my doctor diagnose the cause of neck pain?
To find the root cause of neck pain and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Racz discusses your symptoms and reviews your medical history. He may suggest you undergo blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis.
What are common neck pain treatments?
Common neck pain treatments include:
Home therapies
Home therapies that help reduce chronic neck pain include ice and heat packs, massage, rest, compression, and wearing a neck brace.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy stretches and exercises can strengthen tissues in your neck, reduce chronic pain, and accelerate healing.
Injections
Steroid, nerve block, and trigger point injections can alleviate neck pain without the need for addictive pain medications or invasive surgical procedures.
Regenerative medicine
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections are natural ways to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance your body’s natural healing response.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation radio waves block pain signals from reaching your brain.
Spinal cord stimulation
A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable device that sends electrical energy to your spinal cord to block pain signals.
Spinal decompression
Spinal decompression using Vertiflex™ Superion procedures can reduce spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of your spinal canal, which can be associated with neck pain.
Don’t live with debilitating neck pain when you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment for relief with Racz Pain Centers by phone or book online today.
