Pain in the Neck
Pain Physicians NY (in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, NY) is one of the first practices to offer an alternative treatment for chronic neck pain. At our Pain Management center, you will get the necessary medical help and relief for your discomfort. Our specialists will help you reduce and eliminate your discomfort. There is no need to suffer at home. Make an appointment and get the help you need.
Pain Physicians are internationally recognized as some of the best Brooklyn neck pain specialists. Our facility is equipped with the most advanced equipment available in the USA.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common causes of chronic disability. It affects people of all genders and ages, worldwide. The causes vary from accidents due to a fall, car accidents, structural deformities of the neck vertebrae, persistent stress, and even incorrect posture. Excessive use of a computer and smartphones are a great contributor to your neck pain.
According to different studies, 10 to 15% of the population suffers from neck pain at some time during their life. The signs and symptoms usually don’t last for a long period of time. It might be accompanied by shoulder and arm pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation, loss of strength of the arms, etc.
Whatever the reason for your neck pain, it can affect your quality of life. The discomfort itself can vary from mild, moderate to severe and it can even radiate to the shoulders, arms or down your back. Depending on the severity of the pain you are experiencing, different treatment options are available.
Your neck needs to carry the weight of your head. This is about 11 to 15 pounds from the morning until you go to bed. Imagine how much pressure you put on the small bones of the neck. Add constant rotation the weight of your head and it’s no wonder so many people experience aches.
The normal human head weighs around 11 to 15 pounds. When your neck is at 15 degrees, your bones are supporting 27 pounds. When your neck is in a flexion position at 60 degrees, the total weight that your neck has to support gets around 60 pounds. Usually, your neck is at a 60-degree angle when you’re using your phone or computer.
The most common neck pain causes are:
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cancer
- Direct impact injuries
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Arthritis of the Cervical Spine
Patient Experience
What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?
Neck pain can manifest in a variety of ways, often beyond the obvious neck discomfort
Some common culprits include:
- Stiffness: Your neck may feel tight and difficult to move.
- Headaches: Neck pain can sometimes radiate to your head, causing headaches.
- Muscle Spasms: You might experience involuntary muscle contractions in your neck.
- Decreased Range of Motion: It may become harder to move your head and neck.
- Radiating Pain: Pain can shoot down your arms or into your shoulders.
- Numbness and tingling, often described as pins and needles, can be a symptom of a pinched nerve in the neck or other nerve-related issues. These sensations may accompany pain or alternate between the two.
- A burning or electric shock sensation can be a symptom of neck pain, but it’s not always present. Some people may experience these sensations without any pain.
What Are the Causes of Neck Pain?
Your neck pain can be caused by muscle tension, strain, injury, heart attack, or meningitis. The cause may be because of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia.
Our Brooklyn neck pain specialists can provide you with detailed information regarding the precautions that can be taken to avoid this health condition.
What Are the Risk Factors for Neck Pain?
Most people don’t know they can trigger neck pain during day-to-day activities. The way you carry yourself has a great impact on your aches. This is why it is important to maintain proper body posture during the day.
If you work a lot at your computer, you should keep your head balanced directly over your spine. If you spend a lot of time on your phone, you should avoid leaning your head to one side. Make sure to keep an upright posture when sitting on a chair.
Neck Pain Doctor Near Me: Eliminate Pain, Restore Flexibility, And Avoid Complications At Pain Physicians NY
If you’re dealing with neck pain, stiffness, or related issues like headaches, migraines, or shoulder pain due to muscle strain, arthritis, or nerve compression, consider consulting an interventional pain management specialist. These experts are committed to helping you find relief and improve your mobility.
How to Find a Neck Pain Doctor in Your Area
If you’re looking for a neck pain doctor nearby, here are a few tips:
- Reach out to friends and family for recommendations.
- Search online for “neck pain treatment near me,” “neck pain doctor specialist near me,” and “neck pain specialist near me.”
- Read reviews of local neck pain doctors online and schedule consultations to get to know their practice.
The team of pain management physicians and nationally renowned neurologists at Pain Physicians NY is exceptionally skilled in treating a variety of neck conditions, including disc herniation, neck strain, whiplash, arthritis, and neck arthritis. They provide tailored, patient-focused care using a range of holistic treatments, such as cortisone injections, nerve stimulation, and minimally invasive surgeries, all conveniently offered under one roof.
What are the Types of Neck Pain?
Neck pain can be different.
Each type comes with its characteristics:
- Acute neck pain usually lasts less than six weeks and is often caused by sudden trauma like whiplash or muscle strain.
- Chronic neck pain typically persists for more than three months. It can result from conditions like osteoarthritis or prolonged poor posture.
- Cervical radiculopathy is a type of neck pain that radiates from the neck down to the shoulders, arms, or fingers. It’s often caused by nerve compression, often from a herniated disk.
- Cervical myelopathy may include neck pain, numbness, weakness, or/and coordination problems in the arms and legs. It stems from compression of the spinal cord itself, often due to degeneration or injury.
- Referred pain is a type of pain felt in the neck that originates from another area, like the heart or jaw. Conditions like heart disease or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) may lead to this type of cervical pain.
Getting to the root cause can help target treatment effectively. A doctor will provide a thorough diagnosis to choose the most appropriate treatment option for you.
What are the Common Neck Conditions?
Several common neck conditions can cause discomfort and pain:
- Neck Sprain: Often caused by sudden trauma or overuse, leading to stretched or torn ligaments.
- Whiplash: Typically results from a sudden jerking motion, often seen in car accidents.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed, causing pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, or fingers.
- Herniated Disc: When the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge out and press on nerves.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joints in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Spondylosis: Age-related changes in the spine, including bone spurs and degeneration of the spinal discs.
- Pinched Nerve: Compression of a nerve in the neck, often due to herniated discs or bone spurs.
- Neck Fracture: A break in one of the cervical vertebrae, usually due to significant trauma.
Each condition has its own set of symptoms and treatment options. If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Neck Pain Treatment
Your neck pain can ruin your day. You should take your signs and symptoms seriously and get the necessary relief. You should get immediate medical help when your pain:
- Gets worse as hours or days pass by
- Spreads down your arms, on one or both sides
- Is accompanied by numbness and a tingling sensation
- Makes you nauseous
- Causes headaches that tend to get worse over time
- Occurs after an injury or fall
In most cases, neck pain is relieved by home treatment and self-care. You can also find relief from over the counter painkillers. Ice packs at the initial stage followed by the application of heat in later stages are recommended. Bed rest, a reduction of physical activity, and sometimes even immobilization of the neck with a cervical collar are necessary.
If you experience chronic neck pain and haven’t found lasting relief through conventional treatments, medical marijuana treatment offered by our doctors may be right for you. Call medical marijuana doctor Boleslav Kosharskyy MD of Pain Physicians NY with locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, NY to help you determine if medical marijuana treatment is right for you.
Certain kinds of pain in the neck are not relieved by home treatment. If, after a couple of days you have no relief, you should seek professional medical help. Our team of neck pain Brooklyn doctors at Pain Management is willing to help you get the necessary relief, with minimal downtime.
Diagnosing your problem is necessary. After, our specialists suggest an individualized treatment plan based on your condition. Conservative treatment is always suggested first. If this kind of treatment provides no relief, more invasive treatment procedures and even surgical treatment are recommended.
When to See a Neck Pain Doctor?
Keep in mind that if you have been in an accident and your neck hurts, you should immediately seek medical care from our top-rated Brooklyn specialists. You also need to make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe neck pain without apparent cause, a lump in your neck, fever, headache, swollen glands, and shortness of breath.
How to Prevent Neck Pain?
Preventing neck pain is about maintaining good habits and being mindful of your body’s needs.
- Maintain Good Posture: Keep your head aligned with your spine to avoid straining your neck muscles.
- Consider Ergonomic Workstation: Ensure your screen is at eye level, your chair supports your lower back, and you’re not craning your neck forward.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you sit for long periods, take breaks to stretch and move around every hour.
- Exercise: Strengthen and stretch your neck and shoulder muscles. Activities like yoga or Pilates can be great.
- Use Proper Sleep Positions: Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Keep Your Body Hydrated: Keep hydrated to maintain the elasticity of your spinal discs.
- Avoid Heavy Bags: Don’t carry heavy bags over one shoulder as this can lead to muscle imbalance.
Neck pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. However, with the right preventative steps and treatment options, you can manage it effectively. Our specialists at Pain Physicians NY are dedicated to helping you find relief and improve your quality of life.
What Are the Basic Stretches for Neck Pain?
Neck pain stretches can relieve discomfort and stiffness in your neck. Sitting while your spine aligned and your head over your spine, move your right ear toward your right shoulder. Take your right hand and gently put it on top of your head. Don’t pull too hard. This stretch should not hurt. Take a few deep breaths and switch sides. This stretch is especially good for neck pain after sleeping.
What Is the Best Pillow for Neck Pain?
If you have neck pain you may consider investing in a memory foam pillow. You want your pillow to contour to your head and neck and promote spinal alignment. You should take into consideration whether you’re a side, back, or belly sleeper. If you sleep on your side you want a harder pillow. Back sleepers need a medium-firm pillow to support your spine. And if you’re a belly sleeper you want a thin pillow to prevent overextending your neck.
Why Do I Have Back of Neck Pain at the Base of My Skull?
If you have throbbing and shocking pain in the base of your skull, it may be a sign of Occipital Neuralgia. Your skull may be sensitive to touch and have sensitivity looking at the light. These neck pain symptoms can be relieved with heat, rest, and physiotherapy.
What Is the Cost of Neck Pain Therapy?
The cost of therapy is determined by the severity of your condition and the type of treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are around $15 – $50. The price of orthopedic pillows can range anywhere from $35 to $165. Medical marijuana prices will vary based on the manufacturer and your geographical location.
Is Neck Pain Management Covered by Insurance?
Generally, pain management is covered by most PPO insurance policies. Our doctors recommend checking your health plan coverage before starting any treatment. Consult with your insurance agent to discuss the amount of reimbursement.
The most advanced pain management center in Brooklyn has pain management doctors and specialists. Pain Physicians NY offers a unique, individualized approach to manage your neck pain. We use the most effective treatment options to treat a pinched nerve, degenerative disc disease, meningitis, and different forms of arthritis. We utilize the latest technologies available in the USA.