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Neck Pain Q&A

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is an uncomfortable feeling in your neck, which connects your head to your torso. The neck consists of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. Neck pain may result due to an injury, disease, or wear and tear. See a Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialist at the first sign of bothersome neck pain.

They see workers’ compensation patients and those suffering from a personal injury with a letter of protection. 

What might it feel like to have neck pain?

Neck pain may appear as:

  • Headaches 
  • Muscle tension 
  • Aching
  • Sharp pain
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Stabbing discomfort

The symptoms may go away within a few days or be severe and long-lasting without proper treatment. 

See a Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialist at the first sign of a problem, especially if you’ve been injured in a car accident, at work, or as the result of another person’s negligence. 

What are the risk factors for neck pain?

Neck pain may appear because of:

  • Car accidents
  • Whiplash
  • Sports injuries
  • Work injuries
  • Heavy lifting
  • Quickly turning your head
  • Scoliosis
  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Aging
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing)
  • Fractures
  • Muscle tension
  • Disc herniation
  • Pinched nerve
  • Nerve damage
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Poor posture
  • Prolonged sitting

 

Sometimes, the cause of neck discomfort isn’t entirely clear, at least initially. 

 

Prevention measures include using proper lifting techniques, avoiding heavy lifting, getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, not smoking, and maintaining an ideal body weight. Use good posture and avoid sitting down for long periods.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of neck discomfort?

Your Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialist determines the cause of neck pain after discussing your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and medications. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests.

You might need nerve testing, blood tests, X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or another imaging procedure. 

How is neck pain treated?

Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio offers numerous neck pain treatments, including:

  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Facet joint injections
  • Vertebroplasty
  • Medication management
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Nerve blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Trigger point injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  • Stem cell injections 
  • Spinal decompression 
  • Electrical nerve stimulation 
  • Active release techniques
  • Spinal cord stimulation 
  • Biofeedback
  • Bracing
  • Ketamine for pain management
  • Botox® injections

 

You may need more than one type of neck pain treatment to achieve significant relief and fast healing. The Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialists provide treatment right in the office, tailoring each to your unique needs. 

 

They follow up with you to ensure outstanding, long-lasting results and the best quality of life possible.

 

Call the Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio office or use the online scheduler today to find relief from neck pain.