Neck Pain
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Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD
John Wrightson, MD, FAAPMR
Pain Management located in New Castle, PA & Beaver Falls, PA
Around one-third of Americans experience neck pain once a year. While that pain often subsides on its own, you may end up with chronic or recurring neck pain that disrupts your life. At Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD, John Wrightson, MD, a double board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional pain management specialist, diagnoses the cause of your neck pain and provides innovative treatments to eliminate it. Call one of the offices in Beaver Falls and New Castle, Pennsylvania, or schedule a consultation online today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What are the common causes of neck pain?
The average adult head weighs 10-11 pounds. Your neck supports this weight and allows you to nod and turn your head.
The average American also spends more than five hours a day with their heads tilted down, often looking at their phone. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the most common causes of neck pain is muscle strain due to poor posture.
Other common causes of neck pain include:
- Arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Nerve impingement
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoporosis
- Compression fractures
- Degenerative disc disease
- Injuries like whiplash
You should make an appointment with Dr. Wrightson at Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD if you have neck pain that doesn’t subside after a few days of rest and at-home treatments like over-the-counter pain medication or hot and cold packs.
Additionally, if your neck pain is so severe that you can’t turn your head or your mobility is impacted in other ways, you should make an appointment right away.
Neck pain accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hands and arms is another sign that you need prompt medical attention.
How is neck pain treated?
Dr. Wrightson begins neck pain treatment with a thorough exam to identify the cause of your symptoms. In addition to a physical exam, he may order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to collect more information about your condition.
He then creates a customized treatment plan to alleviate your neck pain and, if possible, treat the underlying condition. Some of the treatments he may include in your plan are:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Radiofrequency rhizotomy/neural ablation procedures
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Stellate ganglion blocks
- Kyphoplasty
Dr. Wrightson may also prescribe physiotherapy or chiropractic adjustments to reduce your pain.
Can I reduce my risk of neck pain?
You can mitigate some of the factors that contribute to neck pain. For example, if you work at a desk, make sure your workstation is set up so that you don’t have to tilt your head up or down to see your screen.
Additionally, adjust your chair so your forearms are parallel to your desk and at a 90-degree angle with your upper arms. Your feet should both rest flat on the floor or a footrest.
You can also take steps to reduce your screen time or take care to hold your phone or tablet higher so you don’t have to tilt your head down to see them.
And, of course, stay active. Get up and walk around at least once an hour and get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like a brisk walk after lunch or dinner, every day.
If neck pain disrupts your life, call Joshuason Rehabilitation & Pain Management LTD or make an appointment online today.
