Comprehensive treatment for neck pain in Fort Worth, TX
Atlas Spine Institute offers solutions and treatment for patients with neck pain and soreness, which is common and often relieves itself. However, if it’s associated with weakness or tingling in the arms, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Signs and symptoms of neck pain
Neck pain can present itself on its own or be a result of an injury or other event. In most cases, it’s caused by stress on the cervical spine. If it continues to worsen, the Atlas Spine Institute can help. Pain that does not improve within a few days could be a sign of:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Muscle sprain or strain
- Joint disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
Symptoms can range from a dull, constant ache to sharp pain that makes movement difficult. Common neck pain symptoms include:
- Decreased ability to move your head
- Headache
- Muscle tightness and spasms at and around the neck
- Pain when holding your head in one place for long periods, like while driving or sitting at a computer
What causes neck pain?
- Injury: The neck is vulnerable to injury from anything from a simple fall or high-velocity injuries that can fracture the bones in the neck possibly leading to neurologic injury if the spinal cord or nerves are affected.
- Occupational hazards: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, twisting or bending have a higher chance of leading to neck pain.
- Poor posture: Patients who do not hold their necks upright can place asymmetric pressure on their discs over time, causing wear and possibly neck pain.
- Smoking: Using tobacco degenerates the intervertebral discs, which can be a cause of neck pain. Smoking slows down healing, leading to a greater chance for chronic neck pain.
If neck pain accompanies other symptoms or continues for more than a week, contact our office for an appointment.
How can neck pain be relieved?
Mild to moderate pain can be eased by several remedies, including:
- Changing position often when sitting or standing
- Gentle neck massage
- Hot and cold therapy
- Neck exercises and stretches, such as moving the head in a side-to-side motion.
- Not cradling the phone between the shoulder and neck
- Practicing good posture
- Rest and avoidance of activities that aggravate symptoms
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Using a neck pillow when sleeping
These remedies may help relieve neck pain that is caused by minor overuse or injury. If pain worsens or does not improve, an examination and imaging can determine the source of pain and how to treat it.
How is neck pain treated?
In most cases, neck pain can be remedied without surgery. Physical therapy is one of the most common approaches, as it improves the functional movement of body parts that are injured. A physical therapist can demonstrate regular exercises to improve functional movement and slow progression or deterioration.
If physical therapy or massage does not relieve pain, your doctor may recommend a cervical spine procedure. Repairing the injured joint or disc will bring back a wider range of motion and regain optimal comfort.
Minimally invasive surgery for neck pain
Most neck surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which are done with smaller incisions and shorter recovery times. Depending on the procedure, patients can be back to work and normal activities in a week, although a neck brace and medication may be required for longer.