An estimated 1 in 3 men and women deal with neck pain at least once a year. While these complaints often go away on their own, neck pain lasting longer than three months could indicate an underlying issue. Jason Song, MD, PhD, founded Palm Tree Interventional Pain Management to bring the most innovative treatment solutions available to men and women in St. Cloud, and Kissimmee, Florida. Whether your neck pain is acute or chronic, Dr. Song can provide relief. Call Palm Tree Interventional Pain Management or schedule an appointment online today.
The seven bones at the top of your spinal column form your cervical spine, or neck region. These bones, called vertebrae, support the weight of your head and allow for significant movement. This part of your spine is also less protected than other regions, making it more susceptible to painful disorders or injury.
You can have neck pain for a variety of reasons, but it’s often due to everyday muscle strain or tension from poor posture, prolonged computer use, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
Neck pain often comes from soft tissue injuries to nerves, ligaments, or muscles. These types of issues can be the result of long-term wear and tear, traumatic accidents or falls, or contact sports. It’s also possible to develop neck pain from infections, tumors, or congenital abnormalities of your vertebrae.
Common conditions that trigger neck pain include:
To help prevent neck pain, Dr. Song recommends practicing relaxation exercises, stretching regularly, and practicing good posture and ergonomics. It’s also crucial to wear your seat belt and use a bike helmet to reduce your chances of a neck injury.
Dr. Song can diagnose the cause of your neck pain during a comprehensive physical exam combined with digital imaging techniques, like electromyography (EMG), X-ray, MRI scan, and CT scan. He could also order blood tests and a bone density assessment to look for underlying issues.
Based on the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Song often recommends a variety of therapies. Conservative approaches might include a combination of techniques, including:
If your neck pain doesn’t respond to these treatments, Dr. Song might recommend surgical procedures to manage your condition. These approaches often include spinal fusion — to increase the stability in your spine — or discectomy. A discectomy removes herniated or degenerative discs in your neck.
For more information on neck pain, call Palm Tree Interventional Pain Management or schedule an appointment online today.
