Neck Pain Treatment Orange County

Neck Specialists Helping Patients Live a Pain-Free Life

Living with persistent neck pain is uncomfortable. The neck is an anatomically complex, mobile part of the body, and it is unfortunately susceptible to injury. Neck pain is a broad category, and many causes can be treated by a wide variety of treatments, from doctor-prescribed physical therapy to minimally invasive surgery.

Neck injuries or strains are usually caused by inflammation, because it’s the body’s response to trauma. This can cause substantial swelling, redness, and pain that may be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice compresses may also help, by applying it for 15 to 20 minutes at regular intervals.

Common causes of neck pain and injury are:

• Muscle strains
• Degenerative Joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer can cause neck pain
• Nerve compression caused by herniated disks
• Auto collisions or contact sports

Neck Pain Treatment

There are a lot of things people can do at home to help alleviate mild to moderate neck pain. If neck pain persists after 2-3 weeks of self-care and rest, your neck surgeon may recommend the following treatments:

• Muscle relaxants
• Traction
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Short term immobilization with a soft collar neck brace

Surgery is rarely needed for neck pain, but is an option for relieving nerve root pain or spinal cord compression. If surgery is considered your neck surgeon may recommend a cervical discectomy, cervical fusion or cervical disc replacement depending on the severity of the condition and other factors such as lifestyle and general health of the patient.

Do I Need a Doctor for My Neck Pain?

If your neck pain persists, you should definitely see a physician for a physical exam and diagnosis of what is causing your neck pain. Our cervical spine surgeons are well-versed in neck pain causes, diagnosis, and treatment, and will be able to assess your situation before formulating your treatment plan. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Be sure to seek medical attention if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or a loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting nerve pain down your shoulder and into your hands.

To consult with one of our board-certified cervical spine surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, please call us at (855) 999-4641 to request an appointment.

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