You’re not alone if you’re experiencing neck pain. Studies show that in any three-month period, at least 15% of adults in the United States experience neck pain or discomfort. Over half of those people will be bothered by it again in the next five years.
However, understanding how common it is doesn’t mean you should put up with it. If you’re experiencing isolated neck pain or neck pain with numbness and tingling, the information in this guide can help you plan your next steps:
Understanding Neck Pain and Its Symptoms
Neck pain can be overwhelming because the symptoms are often unusual, wide-ranging, and difficult to deal with and understand. However, understanding your neck pain and the symptoms you experience with it can be important when seeking help and communicating what you’re experiencing.
The neck consists of vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, which all support your head and allow full movement. When something goes wrong with any of the elements within this complex structure, it can result in a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Tingling or ‘pins and needles’ feeling in the arms
- Headaches
- Shoulder discomfort
Whether you experience one or all of these symptoms, don’t delay seeking the help of trained medical professionals to experience chronic neck pain relief as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can arrive out of nowhere. Some people simply wake up and experience debilitating pain. Others are involved in an accident or incident that kickstarts a painful healing journey.
While there are many reasons why neck pain and nerve-related symptoms like tingling and numbness develop, the most common ones are:
- Poor posture, often from prolonged screen use
- Muscle strain
- Repetitive stress
- Whiplash and other injuries
- Spinal misalignment affecting nerve function
- Herniated or degenerative discs
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Neck Pain with Numbness and Tingling
You shouldn’t avoid neck pain on its own, but it’s even more important not to ignore neck pain with numbness and tingling. These two symptoms often indicate that a nerve is being irritated or compressed. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and potentially result in long-term nerve damage or reduced function.
Early help is crucial. Physical therapists with neck pain experience can identify whether the issue stems from the cervical spine, muscle tension, or a more complex condition.
How is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of neck pain, trained physical therapists typically start by performing a thorough physical examination and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They’ll ask questions about the nature of your pain, how long you’ve had it for, and how severe it is.
During the physical examination, they’ll assess your range of motion, strength, and the sensations in your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. They may also refer you for diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays to detect fractures, arthritis, disc herniation, and other abnormalities. In some cases, nerve conduction studies and electromyography can be relied on.
By undertaking a comprehensive diagnostic process, you’re able to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve chronic neck pain relief.
Expert Treatment Options in Waxahachie, Texas
If you’re seeking neck pain relief in Waxahachie, TX, there are a number of options to explore with the help of a trusted pain management specialist and physical therapist. In most cases, managing neck pain requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Conservative Treatments
For minor neck pain, your chosen pain management specialist in Waxahachie, Texas, may recommend rest and heat or cold therapy to alleviate discomfort. For pain and inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may also offer relief.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective, non-invasive way to manage and prevent neck pain because it targets the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Your physio can design specific exercises to build strength in the muscles around the neck and upper back, which can help stabilize the cervical spine. When the muscles are stronger, they can take pressure off your ligaments, discs, and joints, reducing strain and the likelihood of injury.
Physical therapists can also provide stretching routines and manual therapy techniques to address any flexibility or range-of-motion issues that may be contributing to your neck pain. Additionally, they can incorporate hands-on techniques into your treatment plan, such as soft-tissue massage, guided movement for pain relief, and joint mobilization.
Manual Therapies
Depending on the cause of your neck pain, manual therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture may offer the relief you seek. Chiropractic care, in particular, can help restore proper spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the nerves. As a result, you may notice:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved mobility
- Relieved nerve compression
- Restored normal function
Interventional Procedures
If you have severe or persistent neck pain, discuss interventional procedures with your physical therapist or pain management team. Epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and joint blocks may be appropriate to manage and reduce your pain and inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Help
At the first sign of neck pain, contact a trusted healthcare professional, especially if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent or worsening neck pain
- Limited range of motion
- Pain after an injury
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms
Experience Relief at Eclipse Clinic in Waxahachie, TX
Neck pain might be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Don’t delay calling Eclipse Clinic in Waxahachie, Texas. Our team of specialists is here to provide the comprehensive care you need to alleviate your neck pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. Make an appointment today.