Neck Pain

Neck pain commonly occurs because of poor posture or an awkward sleeping position, but if your symptoms continue, it’s important to get checked out. At Houston Pain Services in Houston, Texas, board-certified interventional pain management specialist Adrian C. Dumitru, MD, and the team offer various quick and minimally invasive treatments for neck pain. Call Houston Pain Services today to learn more about your options, or book your appointment online.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is discomfort in your cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues above your shoulders that support your head.

Everyone has neck pain occasionally, but if your symptoms continue for more than a few days or affect your normal routine, it’s crucial to identify the cause. Intervention and treatment can prevent your symptoms from worsening and help you return to your favorite activities.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Symptoms of neck pain include:

• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Stiffness
• Aching
• Pain that extends into your shoulders or arms
• Difficulty turning your head

Depending on the underlying cause of your neck pain, you may experience headaches.

Should I see a pain management specialist about neck pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Dumitru and the team at Houston Pain Services if you have severe neck pain and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments like rest, ice, or activity modification. That’s particularly true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms like weakness, numbness, or mobility problems.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Dr. Dumitru reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into other areas. Next, Dr. Dumitru examines your neck, checking for redness, bruising, or swelling. He presses on your neck and shoulders to identify sensitive spots and has you look up, down, and from side to side.

Dr. Dumitru then orders X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These diagnostic procedures capture photos of your spine, intervertebral discs, and surrounding tissues. They can identify the cause of your pain and help guide treatment.

How is neck pain treated?

At Houston Pain Services, Dr. Dumitru and the team treat neck pain with minimally invasive measures whenever possible. They may recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Wearing a soft neck collar
• Corticosteroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Cervical facet joint blocks
• Occipital nerve block
• Trigger point injections
• Spinal stimulation

If your neck pain continues or doesn’t improve, Dr. Dumitru may recommend minimally invasive surgery. Surgery can relieve pressure on a nerve root, providing lasting pain relief. 

Call Houston Pain Services today to explore the treatment options for neck pain, or make your appointment online.