Neck pain is incredibly common, and almost everyone experiences an episode at some point. Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and can result from both biological (disease and injury) or psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression.
Like back pain and other forms of acute and chronic pain, neck pain can lead to productivity loss and missed work, as well as higher medical costs and bills. Getting to the root cause of your neck pain is the first step in finding relief.
At Republic Spine and Pain, our team of pain management specialists offers a range of comprehensive treatment options for neck and back pain from three convenient locations in Leander, Austin, and Georgetown, Texas.
Like back pain, neck pain can be complex and there may be more than one factor contributing to your symptoms. Sometimes all it takes to develop neck strain is to sleep with your head and neck in an awkward position or pull a muscle during physical activity. This type of neck pain is common and usually resolves on its own after a few days of rest.
The causes of neck pain include:
Anything from poor posture, spending too many hours hunched over your computer or cell phone, or straining your neck during a workout can cause neck pain.
The discs and joints in the neck (known as the cervical spine) can succumb to wear-and-tear and develop arthritis, causing neck pain.
Nerve damage, herniated discs, and bone spurs in the neck region can cause nerve compression and result in neck pain.
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, where the impact causes your head and neck to jerk forward and puts strain on the muscles and soft tissue.
Although rare, neck pain can sometimes be a sign of a disease like cancer or meningitis.
There are a variety of treatment and pain management plans available for neck pain, depending on factors like the underlying cause and your health. If you’ve been experiencing neck pain for some time or have recently developed neck pain lasting for more than a week, the first step is to schedule an appointment.
Our team of pain management specialists provides comprehensive exams and medical history to get to the root of your neck pain and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.
Depending on the root cause and severity of your neck pain, treatment may include:
If you develop neck pain or any type of pain after trauma or an accident, seek emergency treatment as soon as possible.
For more information about the causes and treatment options available for various types of neck pain, contact Republic Spine and Pain today to schedule an appointment with a pain specialist at one of our three convenient locations in Austin, Georgetown, and Leander, Texas.
