Neck Pain
What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it’s due to the natural wear and tear of the discs in the spine, which can lead to spondylosis (cervical disc degeneration).
Other possible causes of neck pain include muscle strains, pinched nerves, and trauma.
Treating Neck Pain
The treatment plan for neck pain can vary from one patient to another. It depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain and its associated symptoms.
In many cases, mild to moderate pain resolves within two to three weeks of self-care. However, if there’s little to no improvement at all with more conservative management, we may recommend other forms of treatments, such as:
• Drug therapy
This may include stronger pain medicines, muscle relaxants, or tricyclic antidepressants.
• Therapy
This can range from the use of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to short-term immobilization.
• Surgery
Surgery is often the last line of treatment. This is often recommended when patients don’t respond well to less invasive pain management techniques.
The kind of procedure will depend greatly on the underlying cause of the pain. If it is a result of a damaged disc, the doctor may recommend a procedure like decompressive laminectomy. If the damaged disc could no longer be treated, a disc replacement surgery may be done.
If your neck pain is keeping you from enjoying your life, please call us. Our goal is to help you feel better faster. The spine specialists at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine will assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment option.
Call (772) 288-2400 for a same day or next day appointment.