Neck Pain Q & A

What causes neck pain?

There are many muscles, nerves, bones, and other structures in your neck, including the section of your spine, called your cervical spine. Neck pain can originate from your spinal cord or from any of the other areas affected by injuries, illnesses, and structural abnormalities.

At Foothill Pain Management, your provider can evaluate you to find out if your neck pain comes from:

• Muscle or ligament strains
• Vertebrae fractures
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs
• Meningitis

Sometimes, neck pain comes with other symptoms like fever, nausea, swelling, trouble swallowing, or radiating pain in your extremities. If this is the case, you should book an appointment for a diagnosis right away at Foothill Pain Management. You should also visit if your neck pain doesn’t respond to any of your own efforts like rest or home care.

How is neck pain treated?

Foothill Pain Management offers several advanced tests to find the cause of your neck pain. Using methods like X-rays and other imaging procedures, your provider can plan an effective treatment for your neck pain, including one or more of the following techniques:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Percutaneous discectomy
• Physical therapy and stretching
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Ice and heat therapy

As you undergo treatment for neck pain, you’ll attend follow-up appointments at Foothill Pain Management. Your provider can make adjustments to your treatment if certain approaches don’t work. They might recommend surgery if your condition or injury isn’t treatable with conservative measures alone.

How can I prevent neck pain?

Preventing neck pain isn’t always possible, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing neck pain in the future. Your provider at Foothill Pain Management can help you explore the parts of your lifestyle that put you at risk of injuries that lead to neck pain.

Neck pain often develops because of imperfect posture or positioning. If you work at a desk or drive for long periods of time, you might unconsciously hold your neck in a position that places strain on the muscles and ligaments. You can prevent neck pain by being mindful of your posture, taking frequent breaks from sitting in the same position, and sleeping with a pillow under your neck.

Don’t let persistent or severe neck pain get in the way of your productivity and wellbeing. Call Foothill Pain Management or book an evaluation online for neck pain treatment today.