Neck pain can be frustrating and immobilizing, making you miss work or your favorite sport. Sometimes rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may alleviate your pain. But in case the pain persists, you may need medical care. If you are struggling with neck pain Northern Virginia, connect with the Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists team for comprehensive care and support.
What factors contribute to neck pain?
Everyone experiences neck pain once in a while, and most of the time, the pain subsides after rest. When working on your computer or workbench, poor posture can strain your neck muscles, resulting in neck pain. Neck pain is rarely a symptom of an underlying disorder, but it is best to seek medical care if you also experience shooting pain in your shoulder, weakness in your arms, or numbness.
Suppose you experience neck pain that worsens with time or does not get better with rest, inform your doctor immediately. Factors contributing to chronic neck pain include osteoarthritis, structural deformities, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and cancer. Neck injuries are often due to poor lifting techniques, awkward movements, and poor mechanics. A neck injury may also be due to maintaining a specific position for a long time when sleeping or driving.
If you experience fecal or urinary incontinence or notice swelling in your neck, do not hesitate to inform the experts at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medical Specialists.
What are the home remedies for neck pain?
Sometimes neck pain from poor posture or maintaining one position for an extended period may not necessarily require medical intervention. To alleviate your pain, your doctor may recommend:
- Apply ice on your neck for a few days, and then take a hot shower or apply a hot compress
- Take some time off sports to prevent aggravating your symptoms. You may resume your physical activities gradually as your neck heals
- Taking over-the-counter medications to alleviate your pain
- Use a comfy neck pillow for resting or sleeping
If these home remedies prove futile, consult your most trusted provider at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists.
What are the available treatment options for chronic pain?
During your appointment, Dr. Huffman gently examines your neck to determine the cause of your discomfort. Afterward, he may develop a treatment plan to alleviate your pain and give you the much-deserved relief you need. Your treatment may involve interventional and non-interventional modalities, including:
- Lifestyle adjustments
Your doctor may advise lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining good posture, weight loss, exercising to build muscle, and avoiding sitting in one place for prolonged periods to relieve your discomfort.
- Therapies
If your chronic neck pain is due to structural deformities, your provider may recommend several therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These therapies correct deformed spinal cords and strengthen your neck muscles.
- Interventional treatment
If conventional treatment fails to offer relief, your provider may recommend injection therapies, including radiofrequency ablation, steroid injections, medial branch nerve diagnostic blocks, and facet joint injections. Your doctor may recommend invasive treatments like spinal cord stimulation in severe cases.
Call the Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists office to obtain relief from neck pain or book an appointment online.
