Neck Pain
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Texas Pain & Orthopedics
Pain Management, Sports Medicine and Regenerative Orthopedics serving Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, Taylor, Cedar Park, and Central Texas.
Neck pain resulting from acute injuries or degenerative disorders is a common problem, costing millions of work hours each year. If your neck pain is limiting your daily function, fellowship-trained Ike Malik, MD, of Texas Pain & Orthopedics in Pflugerville, Texas, can help. Dr. Malik specializes in advanced treatments, including pain injections and radiofrequency ablation, to relieve neck pain and restore mobility. To learn more, call Texas Pain & Orthopedics today or book an appointment online.
Neck Pain Q & A
What Causes Neck Pain?
Sudden injuries are a common cause of neck pain. Falls, auto accidents, and sports injuries can stretch or tear the muscles and connective tissues, or damage the discs between your vertebrae. Whiplash, which frequently occurs after a rear-end collision, is a leading cause of acute neck pain.
Neck pain can also result from poor posture. Common contributors include sitting with your neck bent for long periods while working, failing to support your neck when relaxing, and sleeping in awkward positions. Occasionally, stiffness or a crick in your neck resolves on its own, but repeated incidents can lead to long-term damage.
Most chronic neck pain stems from deterioration of the structures at the top of your spine. Causes include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoporosis
- Bulging or herniated discs
Herniated discs occur when the soft center of the pads between your vertebrae protrudes through their outer layer. This can result from an acute injury or degenerative disc disease.
The pain often comes from pinched nerves in your spinal canal. A herniated disc, bone spur, or thickened ligament can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations that may radiate into your arms. Headaches are also a common symptom.
How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
To determine the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Malik reviews your symptoms, examines your medical history, and performs a detailed physical exam. He may order imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to view the structures inside your neck.
If nerve damage is suspected, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing may be recommended. These tests evaluate how well your nerves are functioning and identify which ones are affected.
How Is Neck Pain Treated?
Minor neck pain often improves within a few days with rest, ice or heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. For persistent or severe neck pain, Dr. Malik offers a variety of effective treatments, including:
- Activity modification and rest
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
Many patients see significant improvement with conservative treatments. If results are limited, advanced options like steroid injections or radiofrequency ablation can be highly effective.
To find the treatment that works best for you, call Texas Pain & Orthopedics today or book an appointment online.
