Neck Pain Treatment

What is neck pain?

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness. A physician will have to find the most troubling area of the neck and be given information on how the neck pain was caused, in order to find the appropriate neck pain treatment for the patient.

Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In most cases, neck pain is caused by poor posture or overuse. Other forms of neck pain arise from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash.

The beginning of your neck pain treatment

A physician will perform a physical exam and use a patient’s complete medical history to help find a treatment best suited for the patient. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. In addition to history and physical exam by the patient’s doctor, a patient may also need imaging studies and tests to help determine the cause of his/her neck pain.

Depending on the patient’s results, the physician may refer a patient to one of the following neck pain treatments:

  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Exercise, stretching, and physical therapy
  • Pain medication
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Surgery, which is rarely necessary

Alternative therapies for a patient’s neck pain treatment can include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic treatment
  • Massage
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Contact Alabama Pain Physicians today to improve your quality of life by finding the best neck pain treatment for you.