Neck Pain
NECK PAIN PHYSICIAN IN CHARLESTON, SC
Neck pain is a relatable problem. We spend most of our days hunched over a computer or a workbench, then turn to our phones once we finally get a moment of solace. This behavior can strain your neck muscles, resulting in neck pain.
Neck pain can be caused by a simple strain or osteoarthritis. Rarely is neck pain a serious problem, but if it’s accompanied by numbness, shooting pain down the shoulder or arm, or loss of strength in the arms and hands, then it’s time to talk to your pain management physician.
If your neck pain is just that – a pain in the neck, Pain Specialists of Charleston is here to help.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of neck pain can include:
- Pain that becomes worse when holding your head in one place for long periods, like when driving or working at a computer
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased range of motion of the head
- Headaches
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
There are many different causes of neck pain, some more severe than others. If your pain is the result of a car accident, fall, diving accident, or other injury, seek medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider if your neck pain:
- Becomes severe
- Persists for several days with no relief
- Spreads down arms or legs
- Is accompanied by a headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling
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CAUSES
Your neck supports the weight of your head, so it is at risk of enduring injuries or conditions that result in restricted motion or pain. There are several causes of neck pain, including:
- Muscle strains: These can be triggered by muscle overuse, such as too many hours hunched over a computer or a smartphone, or even reading in bed.
- Worn joints: Neck joints wear with age, which can result in bone spurs, restricted motion, and pain.
- Nerve compression: Spinal nerves can become compressed by herniated disks or bone spurs.
- Injuries: Whiplash injuries can be a result of a rear-end collision, which can strain soft tissues in the neck, resulting in severe pain.
- Diseases: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer can result in neck pain.
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical exam
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, your first visit will include a thorough evaluation that includes your medical history and a physical examination pertinent to your pain problem. This comprehensive visit with your pain specialist will last approximately 30 minutes.
TREATMENT
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified team offers pain management treatment in the form of:
- Injections
- Injured Nerve Block
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
- Discography
- Neurostimulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Medical Massage Therapy
- Clinical Trials
- …and MORE!
HOW TO MANAGE DAILY ACTIVITIES WITH NECK PAIN
When it comes to managing your neck pain, it’s best to work with a pain management physician so you can safely navigate your day-to-day activities pain-free. Our neck pain physicians work to understand your individual needs and the source of your pain, so we perform a full exam to determine the best route for your treatment. Below are some ways to help your neck pain during your regular activities.
WALKING WITH NECK PAIN
When walking, don’t tuck your chin and look at the ground. Train your eyes to look 10 to 20 feet ahead of you and use your eyes to scan for obstacles instead of staring at the ground. A head held high can help you feel confident and reduce the likelihood of neck pain!
AT-WORK WITH NECK PAIN
While working, keep your head in a neutral position with your ears above your shoulders. This posture helps reduce stress on your neck keeping your head naturally balanced on your cervical spine. Try to avoid tilting your head for an extended period to keep your neck from getting stiff.
EXERCISING WITH NECK PAIN
Maintaining good posture while exercising is the key to reducing neck pain. Keep your ears in line with your shoulders, chest open, and shoulders back. This neutral position balances your head on the cervical spine. When doing activities like crunches that may cause extra stress on your neck, keep your eyes on the horizon and tuck your chin down. Avoid pulling on your head with your hands and keep your elbows open.
SLEEPING WITH NECK PAIN
If possible, try sleeping on your back to reduce the amount of stress on your cervical spine, or you can also sleep on your side. A reclined position can provide more comfort on the neck for some people, but placing a pillow beneath the knees or thighs can also help keep your spine in a neutral position while relaxed.
Before you go to bed, try doing gentle stretches, like moving your head back and forth then up and down. Also, invest in a pillow designed to support your neck.
MEET DOCTOR EDWARD M. TAVEL, JR., MD
- Over 20+ Years of Specialty Training
- Double-Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS
AS SEEN ON
CONDITIONS WE MANAGE
- Knee Pain
- Chest Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Neck Pain
- & More
TREATMENTS WE OFFER
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Massage
- Meditation
- & More
WHY CHOOSE US
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we strive to provide an unmatched healthcare experience – one focused on finding relief. With this goal guiding our pain management physicians, we prioritize the following:
Compassionate and Comprehensive Care
Our practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain care that puts patients first. We’re proud to offer a full range of pain management procedures and treatments, including physical therapy, medical massage therapy, pain psychology, medication management, and more.
Timely Treatment
Because many of our patients suffer from severe pain, we’re committed to scheduling appointments as quickly as possible. This ensures the speedy start of a treatment plan to relieve and/or manage their pain.
Access to Safe Pain Management
Pain Specialists of Charleston offers a higher level of healthcare, performing all interventional procedures to meet strict, sterile standards and rigorously comply with all FDA, CDC, state, and federal medical safety guidelines.
Quality Care
Our providers are not only prominent leaders in the field of pain management, but advocates for the Charleston, SC patients we so proudly serve. It’s our exceptional care that sets us apart and earns our patients’ trust.
FAQs
WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF NECK PAIN?
Injury, staying hunched over at your desk or on your phone, worn joints, and poor sleeping positions can all cause neck pain. Our pain management physicians will examine your condition, address your symptoms, and determine the source of your pain so we can get you back to feeling like yourself again.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY NECK PAIN IS SERIOUS?
If your neck pain was caused by an injury, a fall, or a blow to the head, or if you cannot move your arm or hand, immediately seek emergency medical treatment. If your pain is not due to these circumstances, contact your pain management physician to determine the root cause of your pain and address your needs.
WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAGS RELATED TO CHRONIC NECK PAIN?
Some symptoms that may be considered red flags with chronic neck pain are excruciating pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, tenderness over the vertebral body, abnormally large lymph nodes, or generalized neck stiffness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
HOW DO I TREAT A PINCHED NERVE IN MY NECK?
The most common treatment for a pinched nerve is rest. Immediately stop any activities that make the pinched nerve symptoms worse. Schedule an appointment with a pain management physician to address the pinched nerve and determine if you need a splint, collar, or brace to immobilize the affected area.
IS IT OK TO PERFORM A DEEP MASSAGE ON A PINCHED NERVE IN THE NECK?
It is fine to perform a massage on the pinched nerve area but be gentle. Apply light and gentle pressure around the affected area to help the muscles relax and relieve tension. A deep tissue massage may not be recommended, as it may add more pressure to the injured area. Seek help from a certified pain management professional for proper relief.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS OF THE NECK SHOULD I AVOID MASSAGING?
Avoid massaging on the front of the neck – the sides of the throat – where the carotid arteries and jugular veins sit. These areas are very sensitive, and any extra pressure can be damaging. Schedule a massage at Pain Specialists of Charleston or see one of our pain management physicians for neck pain relief.
WHAT DISEASES OFTEN BEGIN IN THE NECK AREA?
Several medical conditions and diseases show symptoms in the neck area, including:
- Cervical dystonia
- Cervical spondylosis
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated disk
- Meningitis
- Muscle strains (An injury to a muscle or to tissue that connects muscles to bones, called a tendon.)
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis)
- Poor posture
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sleeping in awkward positions or with too many or too few pillows
- Spinal stenosis
- Tension headache
- Trauma from accidents or falls
- Whiplash
WHAT IS THE BEST DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR NECK PAIN?
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we will perform a comprehensive exam to begin diagnosing your neck pain. We’ll check for tenderness, numbness, and muscle weakness, and we’ll test your range of motion. Your doctor may suggest imaging tests, including:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
CAN STRESS CAUSE NECK PAIN?
Yes, neck pain can be caused by stress and anxiety. Both can cause tension and tightness in your neck and shoulders, as tension is your body’s way of gearing up to face a perceived physical threat. This is a part of your “fight or flight” stress response.
WHAT EXACTLY IS STRESS NECK SYNDROME?
Stress neck syndrome is when your neck is tense from anxiety. Your muscles can be sore, stiff, tight, sensitive, or knotted, or you may experience throbbing, burning, or a stabbing sensation. Tingling and numbness can radiate into the arms and the hands. This pain can be localized to one side of your body or be more widespread.
HOW TO PREVENT NECK PAIN?
Neck pain is commonly associated with poor posture and joints worn with age. To help reduce or prevent neck pain, improve your posture by keeping your head centered over your spine. Small changes in your daily routine can help prevent your likelihood of neck pain, including:
- Practice good posture: Be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are over your shoulders. When using your smartphone or other small screens, keep your head up and hold the device straight out rather than looking down at the device.
- Take frequent breaks: If you travel long distances or sit long hours at your desk, get up, move around, and stretch your neck and shoulders regularly throughout the day.
- Adjust your desk, chair, and computer so your monitor is at eye level. Use your chair’s armrests, and your knees should be slightly lower than your hips.
- Avoid smoking as it can increase the risk of developing neck pain.
- Heavy bags with straps over your shoulder can put a strain on your neck.
- Sleep in a good position for your posture. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body, so try using a small pillow under your neck or on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which flattens your spinal muscles.
- Stay active: Increase your activity level to keep your muscles from becoming stiff and losing range of motion.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT AT PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON?
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our pain management physicians perform a 30-minute, comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your pain. We will look into your current condition, your symptoms, and your medical history to develop a treatment plan just for you. What Should I Bring?
ARE YOU ACCEPT NEW PATIENTS?
Yes, we are accepting new patients! Give us a call today to schedule or request an appointment online.
DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON REQUIRE A REFERRAL?
We don’t require referrals to start addressing your pain! We accept self-made appointments, so reach out to us five days a week to make an appointment. Schedule your first appointment today! Book Now!
DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON OFFER SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments. We’re open five days a week, so reach out to us today to see our availability to meet with one of our board-certified pain management physicians.
HOW LONG IS A PAIN MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT?
Your comprehensive visit with our pain management physician will take approximately 30 minutes. We will develop a treatment plan to address your chronic pain and help you get back to your regular daily life. What else should new patients expect?