Neck Pain Treatment

Neck Pain Treatment: Pain located in the neck is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from several disorders and diseases and involves the tissues in the neck. Some examples of conditions causing neck pain are degenerative disc disease, neck strain, neck injuries, i.e., whiplash, herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Neck pain can come from infections like throat infections, leading to the lymph nodes (glands) swelling, thus causing neck pain. Neck pain can also come from rare infections, such as tuberculosis of the neck, infection of the spine itself (osteomyelitis and septic discitis), and meningitis, often accompanied by neck stiffness. Neck pain can also come from conditions directly affecting the neck muscles, such as fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatic. And neck pain can come from uncomfortable positioning of the head when sleeping.

Neck pain is also referred to as cervical pain.

Risk factors for neck pain include injury from contact sports, motor-vehicle accidents, bull or bronco riding, etc. Prevention of neck pain in the context of these activities should include neck strengthening exercises and neck bracing.

The neck is a delicate area that can have effects on the entire body. Neck pain treatment is highly recommended.

As such, an injury, stiffness, or chronic pain in this region can have a dramatic impact on your mobility and quality of life. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C. and his staff are here to help you identify exactly what’s causing your discomfort, so we can resolve the issue for good and deliver long-lasting pain relief.

Symptoms Of Neck Pain

Depending on the underlying cause, neck pain symptoms can take on many different forms. Some of the most common ones we see among our clients in El Paso, TX. and surrounding areas include:

• Pain when holding your head in one place for long periods of time
• Inability to move your head freely
• Muscle tightness
• Muscle spasms
• Headache
• Frequent cracking and crunching
• Numbness and nerve pain radiating from the neck down to the upper arm and hand.

Some symptoms could indicate the health of a nerve or the spinal cord is at risk. Perhaps there is an underlying disease or infection. These symptoms can include radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders, arm, or hands; neurological problems with balance, walking, coordination, bladder and bowel control; fever or chills; and other troublesome symptoms.

Severe neck pain from a trauma, such as a car crash or falling down steps, needs emergency care. Before transporting a person in that situation, the neck should be immobilized by a trained professional to reduce the risk for paralysis and other complications.

Neck Pain Treatment: Diagnosing The Underlying Cause

When diagnosing the cause of neck pain, it’s important to review the history of the symptoms. The doctor will note the location, intensity, duration, and radiation of the pain. Does the pain worsen or improve with turning or repositioning? Any past injury to the neck, as well as, past treatments are noted. Aggravating positions or motions, as well as relief positions/motions, are also recorded. The neck is examined at rest and in motion with tenderness detection during palpation. The nervous system is also examined to determine whether or not nerve involvement is found.

The fragile neck area is fairly susceptible to damage and chronic pain. As such, discomfort in this region can either be acute or long-lasting and may be caused by several different injuries and conditions, including:

• Muscle strains (the most common cause of neck pain)
• Whiplash injuries
• Sports injuriesArthritis
• Disc degeneration
• Pinched Nerve/Disc Herniation
• Facet disease/degeneration
• Myofascial/postural pain and trigger points
• Fibromyalgia

Neck Pain Treatment

Because neck pain is associated with many different problems, our priority is always to figure out exactly what’s causing your discomfort. To that end, we will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history and perform a full hands-on physical examination. We will begin by asking you detailed questions about your pain and whether or not you participate in any activities or sports contributing to your symptoms. From there, we will assess your range of motion and evaluate your neck for tender areas.

Treatment Options:

• Rest
• Heat or cold applications
• Traction
• Soft collar traction
• Physical therapy
• Ultrasound
• Massage
• Manipulation
• Local injections of cortisone/anesthetics
• Topical anesthetic creams
• Topical pain patches
• Muscle relaxants
• Analgesics
• Surgery

Home remedies:

• Jacuzzi treatment
• Exercises 
• Stretches

There are many treatment options, depending on the particular neck problem and past treatment experiences. Neck pain relief products, i.e., neck pillows for sleep, hot pads, can be quite beneficial for relieving some types of neck pain. Alternative treatments that have been used for the relief of chronic neck pain include acupuncture.

Our goal throughout this process is to achieve a definitive diagnosis so that we can prescribe an appropriate and successful treatment plan. To that end, we will often order x-rays or MRI and additional imaging tests to confirm our suspected diagnosis and obtain more insight into the underlying cause of your condition.

Regenerative Neck Pain Treatment

Our El Paso Doctor of Chiropractic is 100% committed to relieving your discomfort and getting you back to your normal life as quickly as possible – without the need for surgery. In addition, we want to truly resolve the underlying cause of your pain rather than mask your symptoms temporarily.

We focus on resolving your neck pain with alternative treatment options such as regenerative approaches, which can potentially repair underlying damage and possibly deliver profound and long-lasting relief. We responsibly offer the most innovative and effective cutting-edge treatments available—so you can make a full and rapid return to your sport and your life.

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Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatment