Treatment for Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most disruptive and frustrating conditions, affecting your ability to work, drive, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities. Whether it begins suddenly or builds over time, finding the right treatment is essential to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced team helps patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa uncover the root causes of neck pain and develop comprehensive, individualized treatment plans to restore comfort and mobility.

Neck Pain Overview

When we casually call something a “pain in the neck,” we’re acknowledging just how disruptive neck pain can be. The neck supports the weight of your head while allowing movement in multiple directions. However, because of its flexibility and exposed position, it’s vulnerable to injury and strain.

At our pain clinic, we address both acute and chronic neck pain with a multidisciplinary approach, giving you access to the latest non-surgical treatments designed to minimize discomfort and restore your quality of life.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Some people experience mild soreness that improves with movement, while others face sharp, persistent pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or back. Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds with movement

• Muscle spasms or tightness in the neck and shoulders

• Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Weakness in the upper limbs

If you’re experiencing neck pain symptoms in Gilbert, it’s crucial to seek prompt evaluation to prevent long-term complications.

Diagnosing Neck Pain

A thorough diagnosis is the first step toward effective neck pain relief. During your consultation, a pain specialist will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and assess your neck’s strength, flexibility, and nerve function.

Diagnostic tests that may be recommended include:

• X-rays to check for bone problems

• MRI or CT scans for soft tissue evaluation

• Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function

• Discography if disc-related pain is suspected

• Blood tests to rule out infections or inflammatory conditions

Accurate diagnosis ensures your treatment plan targets the underlying cause of your neck pain, whether it’s a herniated disc, pinched nerve, muscle strain, or another issue.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can arise from many different factors, including acute injuries, chronic wear and tear, or underlying medical conditions. Common causes include:

• Poor posture, often from prolonged screen use or desk work

• Whiplash from car accidents

• Degenerative disc disease

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Osteoarthritis in the cervical spine

• Cervical spinal stenosis

• Strained muscles or ligaments

• Infections or tumors (rare but serious causes)

Patients in Scottsdale often report posture-related neck pain due to desk work, while Mesa patients may experience neck pain tied to injuries or physically demanding jobs.

Types of Neck Pain

The Pain Experts of Arizona treat a wide variety of neck pain conditions. Types include:

• Mechanical Neck Pain – pain from muscles, ligaments, or joints

• Radicular Pain – nerve-related pain radiating into the arms

• Referred Pain – discomfort originating from nearby structures like the shoulders

• Myofascial Pain – trigger points causing tightness and aching

Understanding the type of neck pain you are experiencing helps your pain doctor tailor your treatment plan to provide lasting relief.

Neck Pain Treatment Options

Our approach to treating neck pain focuses on non-invasive therapies first, moving to more advanced procedures only if necessary. Treatment options at our pain clinic include:

Self-Care Strategies

Rest, ice, heat therapy, and gentle neck massages can relieve mild neck strain. Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms is also essential for early recovery.

Over-the-Counter Medications

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain, offering relief for many patients experiencing acute discomfort.

Prescription Medications

For more severe or persistent cases, muscle relaxants, prescription pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your pain specialist.

Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Therapy can correct biomechanical issues that contribute to pain and help prevent future problems.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) offers a non-invasive option to disrupt pain signals and provide symptom relief without medication.

Traction Therapy

Gentle stretching of the neck using specialized equipment can relieve pressure on the cervical discs and nerve roots, often benefiting patients in Phoenix suffering from disc-related neck pain.

Steroid Injections

Cervical epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around nerve roots, offering significant pain relief for patients with nerve compression or radicular symptoms.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is considered only when conservative methods fail. Procedures may include cervical discectomy, spinal fusion, or decompression surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Facts About Neck Pain

• Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide.

• Women are more likely than men to experience chronic neck pain.

• Text neck, caused by prolonged smartphone and tablet use, is an emerging cause of chronic neck pain.

• Approximately 70% to 75% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.

• Neck pain costs the U.S. an estimated $29 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Recognizing neck pain early and seeking treatment from an experienced pain doctor can make all the difference in your recovery.

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Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona Today

If you’re living with neck pain that limits your daily life, effective relief is within reach. A pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can create a personalized plan to target the root cause of your discomfort. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you move freely and live without pain.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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