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Neck Pain

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. It can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain that limits your ability to move your head and perform daily activities. The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven vertebrae, along with muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the head and allow for a wide range of motion. When any part of this complex structure is injured or strained, it can lead to neck pain and stiffness.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can result from a variety of causes, including:

  • Muscle Strain – Overuse of neck muscles, such as from prolonged computer or phone use, poor posture, or sleeping in an awkward position, can lead to muscle strain and tension.
  • Injury – Whiplash from a car accident or sports injury can cause the muscles and ligaments in the neck to stretch or tear, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
  • Degenerative Conditions – Conditions like osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis can cause wear and tear on the cervical spine, leading to inflammation, nerve compression, and pain.
  • Pinched Nerve – When a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain that radiates down the arms, as well as numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations.
  • Poor Posture – Forward head posture, commonly seen with extensive phone or computer use, places extra strain on the neck muscles and spine, contributing to chronic neck pain.
  • Stress and Tension – Emotional stress can cause muscles in the neck and shoulders to tighten, leading to discomfort and pain.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain can present with a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Sharp or dull aching pain in the neck
  • Stiffness and difficulty turning the head
  • Muscle spasms in the neck and upper shoulders
  • Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
  • Pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
  • Weakness in the arms or grip strength

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild neck pain can often be managed with rest and home care, it’s important to seek medical attention if:

  • The pain persists for more than a week or worsens over time
  • You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or hands
  • Neck pain is accompanied by severe headaches, loss of balance, or difficulty speaking
  • The pain follows an injury, such as a car accident or fall

Diagnosing Neck Pain

At Ascent Pain, our experienced team will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your neck pain. This includes reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and using imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans when necessary. Identifying the underlying cause of your neck pain allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Treatment Options for Neck Pain

At Ascent Pain, we offer a variety of advanced treatments designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function, including:

  • Trigger Point Injections – Injections to target painful knots in the muscle to relieve pain and tension.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections – Targeted corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide long-term pain relief.
  • Facet Joint Injections – Injections into the small joints in the neck to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
  • Radiofrequency Denervation –A minimally invasive procedure that utilizes thermal energy to target and deactivate specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals to the brain.
  •  Nerve Blocks – Injections that target specific nerves for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Get Relief from Neck Pain

If you’re struggling with neck pain, you don’t have to suffer alone. At Ascent Pain, we specialize in helping patients find relief from chronic and acute pain. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact Ascent Pain today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting pain relief.

Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or fill out our online form to request an appointment and take the first step toward lasting pain relief.