Neck Pain Specialist

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is an uncomfortable feeling that affects bones and soft tissues in your neck joint. It can appear because of a disease, injury, or age-related wear. If neck pain is causing you to struggle to complete everyday tasks or stay active, see the North Houston Pain Center experts for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

The common symptoms of neck pain and its underlying causes include:

• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Dull ache
• Sharp pain
• Discomfort when moving your head
• Pain with driving or working at a computer
• Reduced range of motion
• Muscle spasms or tightness
• Headaches

Neck pain can be mild or severe and crippling. If your pain doesn’t go away on its own or it’s severe, the North Houston Pain Center team is here for you.

What are the risk factors for neck pain?

The following things can contribute to neck pain:

• Worn joints
• Muscle strains
• Whiplash
• Nerve compression
• Herniated discs
• Arthritis
• Older age
• Osteoporosis 
• Meningitis
• Spinal stenosis
• Cancer

You might injure your neck in a car accident, while playing sports, falling down, or lifting something heavy. The physical demands of some jobs can cause neck injuries.

To prevent neck pain, use good posture, take frequent breaks while working at a computer, and regularly stretch your shoulders and neck. Sleep in a comfortable position, avoid carrying heavy bags on your shoulder, and don’t smoke.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of neck pain?

To find the root cause of neck pain and eliminate it, the North Houston Pain Center experts review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests. Examples include blood tests, imaging procedures (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), and nerve testing.

How is neck pain treated?

Common neck pain treatments include:

Home remedies

Home remedies for neck pain include ice or heat packs, rest, and wearing a neck brace while the injury heals.

Physical therapy

The North Houston Pain Center team might recommend physical therapy to stretch and strengthen painful tissues, reduce the risk of further injuries, and stimulate natural healing.

Injections

The North Houston Pain Center providers offer steroid injections that reduce inflammation and neck discomfort. They also provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections sourced from your own blood to stimulate your body’s healing ability.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses a thin needle and radio waves to heat nerve tissues and prevent them from sending pain signals to your brain.

Spinal cord stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable device that sends low levels of electricity to your spinal cord, providing neck and back pain relief.

Nerve stimulation

Nerve stimulation uses electrodes placed on your skin to deliver electrical impulses to painful tissues and ease discomfort.

Surgery

The North Houston Pain Center team offers surgery to relieve the root cause of neck discomfort if other treatments haven’t worked.

Call the North Houston Pain Center office today or schedule an appointment online to get neck pain relief and a better quality of life.