Neck Pain

You’ve probably woken up with neck pain at some point. But if your symptoms continue for days or get worse, get help right away. At Greenwich Pain & Spine in Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist Christian Whitney, DO, provides minimally invasive treatment for neck pain. His personalized approach ensures that patients feel heard and well-cared for. Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to schedule neck pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.

When is neck pain something to worry about?

Everyone experiences neck pain occasionally. And it’s no wonder. The seven vertebrae and surrounding tissues that comprise your cervical spine (neck bones) support the weight of your head and assist with movements like looking side to side and up and down.

Most neck pain improves within a day or two and responds to at-home treatments. But if your pain persists or affects your quality of life, its cause must be identified.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain symptoms include:

• Difficulty moving your head
• Muscle tightness
• Muscle spasms
• Pain that’s worse after sitting for long periods
• Headaches

Sometimes, neck pain develops slowly due to poor posture or work demands. Other times, it’s the result of trauma, like a car accident.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Dr. Whitney asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if it extends into other areas like your shoulders or back. He examines your skin, looking for redness and bruising, and gently presses on your neck to identify sensitive spots.

Dr. Whitney has you move your head back and forth and from side to side. He assesses your muscle strength and your neck’s range of motion. He may order X-rays and an MRI to look at your neck vertebrae and the surrounding tissues.

How is neck pain treated?

At Greenwich Pain & Spine, Dr. Whitney takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treating neck pain. He could suggest:

• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Epidural steroid injections
• Trigger point injections
• Medial branch blocks
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections
• Occipital nerve blocks
• Sympathetic nerve blocks
• Ketamine infusions 

Most patients benefit from a combination of two or more treatments. Dr. Whitney monitors your symptoms during regular checkups and adjusts your care plan. To ensure top results, attend each appointment and follow Dr. Whitney’s guidance.

Is there any way to prevent neck pain?

Most neck pain is caused by poor posture and other lifestyle factors. Small changes significantly reduce your risk of neck stiffness and spasms.

Dr. Whitney recommends using good posture, quitting smoking, and taking frequent breaks if you drive a commercial vehicle or sit at a desk for long periods. You should ensure that your workspace is ergonomic and that you exercise regularly.

Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to explore neck pain treatment, or book your appointment online today.