Neck pain is a common medical condition. It can be caused by something as simple as sleeping in a weird position, poor posture, too much screen time (think of all those hours hunched over a phone or tablet), or even grinding your teeth when stressed. But it can also come from several disorders and diseases: whiplash, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, or fibromyalgia.

Determining the cause and treatment options for your specific situation will put you on the road to recovery sooner.

Neck pain can develop in many ways – slowly over time, immediately following an injury, a delayed reaction after an accident, or even for no apparent reason, and symptoms can vary widely. Symptoms might be constant, go away quickly or return intermittently. The pain may just be a mild nuisance, or it can be so excruciating that a person avoids any excessive movement.

People with neck pain might also experience numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, range-of-motion difficulties, difficulty swallowing, swishing sounds in the head, and dizziness or lightheadedness.

But there is good news, the most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond well to self-care or lifestyle adjustments within two or three weeks. Some of the most common adjustments include:

• Good posture
• Routine stretching of your neck and shoulders
• Avoiding carrying heavy bags with straps over the shoulder
• Proper ergonomics: adjusting your desk, chair, and computer monitor
• Using speakerphones or headsets instead of tucking the phone between the shoulders
• Choosing a more supportive pillow or sleeping on your back
  
  

If your neck pain persists, consulting with the knowledgeable and skilled doctors at Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists can prevent your pain from becoming more complicated over time and allow you to determine if a more serious underlying condition exists. If you’re in pain, don’t suffer needlessly. See a specialist to get a proper diagnosis.

X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, paired with a careful history and physical exam, are used to determine the cause of pain. The doctors at Advanced Ortho who treat neck pain will evaluate your pain holistically to arrive at a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Your neck pain rehabilitation program will be designed to meet individual needs depending on the type and severity of the pain, injury, or disease. This could include everything from ice, heat, and home exercise to soft immobilization collars, traction, steroid injections, and movement retraining.

Physical therapy plays a major role in returning patients to full functioning and mobility. Advanced Ortho works with some of the most compassionate and highly trained physical therapists anywhere, intent on helping patients feel their best in the shortest amount of time.

No one should have to live with neck pain. Advanced Orthopedic’s skilled team of highly-experienced physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, and others is dedicated to providing patients with individualized care. Our innovative treatment programs revolve around each patient’s specific needs, to deliver outcomes that improve quality of life. When it comes to neck care, you can turn to us for personalized, compassionate care. Our offices are conveniently located across the front range, and it’s easy to make an appointment. Find the provider that fits your needs, and contact us today.