If you're suffering from neck pain that's affecting your mobility and quality of life, our team at Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers can provide the help you need. We offer comprehensive treatment plans that target the underlying causes of neck pain, providing long-lasting relief. Schedule a consultation with us online or give us a call today to receive expert neck pain treatment in The Woodlands and Houston.
Causes of Neck Pain
Your posture is one of the primary causes of neck pain. For example, if you spend hours every day scrolling through your phone or sitting at a desk where you have to look slightly up or down to see your screen, these minor head tilts can pull on the muscles, connective tissue, and bones in your cervical spine.
Other common causes of neck pain include:
Arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints of the neck, leading to pain and stiffness. It can also cause bone spurs to develop, which can further contribute to neck pain.
Degenerated or crumbling discs occur when the cushions between the vertebrae in the neck break down or wear away, leading to pain and discomfort.
Nerve damage or fibromyalgia can lead to chronic neck pain, as the nerves in the neck become sensitive and can cause pain signals to be sent to the brain even when there is no injury or trauma.
Bone infection, also known as osteomyelitis, can cause neck pain as the infection can damage the bones and tissues in the neck.
Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can cause neck pain, weakness, and numbness in the arms and legs.
Tumors or cysts in the neck can put pressure on the nerves and tissues, leading to pain and discomfort.
Benign tumors or cysts can also cause neck pain if they grow large enough to put pressure on the nerves and tissues in the neck.
Improper bone structure of the neck vertebrae can cause misalignment or instability, leading to neck pain and discomfort.
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth. This can cause neck pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
Sleeping in an unsatisfactory position can cause neck pain as the neck is strained and held in an uncomfortable position for an extended period.
Low levels of sodium, calcium, or magnesium can cause muscle cramps and spasms, leading to neck pain.
Sports injuries such as a sprain or strain can cause neck pain as the muscles and ligaments in the neck are injured.
Poor posture and work habits such as hunching over a computer, can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain and discomfort.
It’s critical for the team at Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers to diagnose the cause of your neck pain. A correct diagnosis allows them to tailor your treatment plan to heal your neck for long-term pain relief.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Neck pain can come on slowly or can arise quickly from injury. You might start to feel a dull, consistent pain in your neck. If you begin to favor the aching side by moving slowly or tilting in a certain direction, you might be experiencing neck pain. Mild to intense headaches can possibly arise and problems with vision have been reported.
Some symptoms associated with neck pain include:
Throbbing and pulsing pain spasms: Throbbing and pulsing pain spasms can be a symptom of tension headaches or migraines. These types of headaches often cause a throbbing or pulsing pain that can be felt on one or both sides of the head.
A sensation of weight rolling within the skull: This symptom may be associated with a condition called intracranial hypertension, where the pressure inside the skull is increased. This can cause symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and ringing in the ears.
Piercing pain strikes behind the eye sockets: Piercing pain behind the eye sockets can be a symptom of cluster headaches, which are a type of headaches that typically occur on one side of the head and can cause intense pain around the eye.
Stiffness and inability to turn one’s head: Stiffness and inability to turn one's head can be a symptom of a neck strain or sprain, which can occur due to sudden movements, such as whiplash from a car accident or sports injury.
Radiating pain down the back: Radiating pain down the back can be a symptom of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, where the nerves in the spinal cord are compressed or irritated, causing pain that radiates down the back or into the arms or legs.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of your pain and receive appropriate treatment. Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Center neck pain specialist offers a range of treatments to alleviate pain and discomfort, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management techniques. Don't hesitate to seek help if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
Comprehensive Chronic Neck Pain Treatment Options for Long-Term Relief
The team at Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers creates personalized treatment programs to relieve your pain and address the underlying cause. Depending on your condition, your provider might include:
Aquatic therapy involves exercises and stretches performed in a pool, which can help reduce the pressure on joints and muscles while also improving strength and flexibility.
Physical therapyinvolves exercises and stretches designed to improve strength and flexibility in the affected area. It can also include techniques such as massage and heat therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical technique that involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and discs.
Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the spine and joints to improve overall function and reduce pain. This can include manual adjustments, spinal decompression, and other techniques.
Laser therapy uses light energy to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation.
Regenerative medicine involves using the body's own cells to promote healing and reduce pain. This can include techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy.
At Houston Spine and Rehabilitation Centers, we work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals. We take into account factors such as the severity and location of the pain, the patient's overall health and lifestyle, and their treatment preferences.
Our team of healthcare professionals includes chiropractors, physical therapists, and pain management specialists, all working together to provide the most effective and comprehensive care possible. We also offer ongoing support and education to help patients maintain their health and prevent future injuries.
Advantages of Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments can provide long-term relief from neck pain by addressing the underlying cause of the pain, such as muscle tension, spinal misalignment, or nerve compression. By improving the function of the spine and surrounding muscles, these treatments can reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing patients to resume their normal activities.
Non-surgical treatments for neck pain offer several benefits compared to surgical options, including:
Less invasive and painful compared to surgery: Non-surgical treatments typically involve less invasive techniques, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or spinal decompression, that do not require incisions or general anesthesia. This can result in less pain and discomfort during and after treatment.
Lower risk of complications and infections: Surgery carries a higher risk of complications and infections than non-surgical treatments. By avoiding surgery, patients can reduce their risk of these potential complications.
Shorter recovery time: Non-surgical treatments usually have a shorter recovery time than surgery. Patients can often resume their daily activities soon after treatment, whereas surgery requires a longer period of rest and recovery.
Cost-effective: Non-surgical treatments are typically more cost-effective than surgery, which can be expensive and may require a longer hospital stay.
Potential to avoid surgery altogether: In many cases, non-surgical treatments can provide long-term relief from neck pain without the need for surgery. This can help patients avoid the risks and expenses associated with surgical procedures.
Non-surgical treatments can help prevent future injuries and promote overall spinal health, reducing the risk of chronic pain and disability. By working closely with healthcare professionals and following a personalized treatment plan, patients can achieve long-term relief from neck pain without the need for surgery.
Let The Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers Ease Your Neck Pain
If you're experiencing neck pain, don't suffer in silence any longer. At Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers, our team is committed to providing personalized and comprehensive neck pain treatment in The Woodlands and Houston to help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. Our non-surgical options are designed to target the root cause of your neck pain, providing long-lasting relief without the need for invasive procedures.
