Neck aches are usually caused by muscle strains or tension and can often be treated conservatively with a little self-care. While anything from turning your head too quickly to sleeping in an awkward position can cause neck pain and stiffness, personal technology and modern work and recreational habits have made Americans of all ages more vulnerable to neck aches and injuries.
At Republic Pain and Spine, our pain management doctors and specialists offer a range of therapeutic services for neck pain from three convenient locations in Austin, Lakeway, and Georgetown, Texas.
There are many ways to develop neck aches and pain. If you sit at a desk working on a computer for hours every day, the simple act of holding your head in the same position can lead to soreness and stiffness.
Like your lower back (lumbar spine), discs in your neck (cervical spine) can slip and press on a nerve. Muscle strain, joint problems, and trauma from an accident or fall are also common sources of neck pain.
In many cases, neck pain can be treated conservatively and with self-care, depending on the cause and severity, as well as your medical history and underlying health conditions. After a comprehensive consultation and exam, our pain management specialists will develop a customized pain management plan for your needs and circumstances.
If your neck ache is caused by temporary muscle strain, a couple of days or weeks of rest and modified physical activity are usually enough for the pain and soreness to fade away on its own.
Depending on the type of work you do and how much time you spend sitting at a desk or working on a computer, poor posture could also increase your risk of head, neck, and back pain. Even a few hours hunched over your phone can cause neck aches and strains (also known as “text neck”).
Make sure that your chair and desk are set up to support good posture, and take frequent breaks and stand up and stretch throughout the day to protect your neck and spine.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are common treatments for minor to moderate neck pain and inflammation. If these aren’t working, prescription medication is also available depending on your situation.
Physical therapy involves a combination of strength training and pain management techniques to help you recover from injuries and lower your risk of more injuries in the future. For neck pain, physical therapy might include working on your posture and alignment, neck strengthening exercises, and modifications to your current routine.
Depending on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of your neck pain, we also offer injections for neck pain relief including:
If you’re in an accident or experience additional symptoms along with a neck ache, seek emergency treatment right away to rule out a serious injury.
For more information about what you can do to prevent and manage neck aches and pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our pain management specialists in Lakeway, Georgetown, or Austin, Texas.
