How to Manage Chronic Neck Pain

Author: Igor Stiler

According to the American Osteopathic Association, neck pain is a leading cause of chronic pain. More than a quarter of Americans are affected by pain in this area of the body. Mild neck pain usually resolves by itself, but it is best to consult a New York pain management doctor if you have moderate pain that lasts more than six weeks. Neck pain due to sports injuries or which is accompanied by walking or balance problems, numbness, loss of bladder or bowels control, infection, fever, chills, numbness, unexplained weight loss, or a medical condition history of cancer should not be neglected.

Causes of Chronic Neck Pain

The neck is a very important structure as it holds the cervical vertebrae with the top of the spinal cord, and connects the brain to the rest of the body. Pain in the neck can develop and become chronic due to a number of factors:

  • Whiplash injury
  • Improper positioning while sleeping,
  • Bad posture while sitting or standing
  • Sports injuries
  • Accidents
  • heavy lifting
  • Spine conditions
  • Muscle strain or spasm
  • Arthritis
  • Anxiety and stress

Tech neck is the term used to describe pain caused by spending hours hunched in front of a computer or gazing down at a mobile device.

First Course of Action – Get a Proper Diagnosis

In most cases, mild neck pain resolves in about two to three weeks. If it does not, you should get a proper diagnosis at an established pain management center. Medical history and physical exam will be used to identify the source of the pain. Imaging tests such as MRI may be needed to confirm the findings. After arriving at an accurate diagnosis, the physician will prescribe an individualized treatment regimen.

Nonsurgical Neck Pain Treatment Plan

In a reputable multi-specialty health care center in New York, a team of highly qualified and experienced physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and other rehab experts will collaborate to determine the best treatment for your neck pain. Typically, this will involve several non-surgical options such as:

  • Chiropractic care – Neck adjustments or cervical manipulation will loosen up the joints of the cervical vertebrae, reducing the pain caused by pinched nerves and muscle spasms.
  • Physical therapy - Neck exercises such as stretching and strengthening exercises, aerobic conditioning, and trigger point exercises help preserve range of motion and elasticity. They will also improve posture and increase blood flow to the muscles and soft tissues in the area, which would relax the muscles and ease pain.
  • TENS - Electrical impulses delivered via electrodes to the painful area can help.
  • Prescription medications – This would include muscle relaxants and pain medications
  • Cervical epidural injections – These relieve pain associated with inflammation around the nerves in the neck

Alternative treatments such as massage may also be administered to ease pain. Even as you receive neck pain treatment, you should maintain good neck posture when at work or during rest. Developing and maintaining sufficient strength in the muscles of the neck and upper back is also important.