Neck Pain
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South Coast Sports and Spine Medicine
Tariq Hilal, DO
Sports and Spine Physician located in Orange and Los Angeles County, Los Alamitos, CA
Many people will experience episodes of neck pain at least once in their life. When pain in your neck results after a work-related accident or due to a sports injury, Tariq Hilal, DO, and the team at South Coast Sports and Spine Medicine can help. The practice is fully equipped with on-site diagnostics and experienced physicians who can quickly diagnose and treat neck pain due to muscle strains and other types of injuries. For a comprehensive evaluation, call the office in Los Alamitos, California, or request an appointment online today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Your neck supports the weight of your head and offers you a wide range of motion. In many cases, neck pain develops because of muscle strains that result from sleeping in an odd position or poor posture.
In today’s digital age, many people develop frequent episodes of neck pain due to spending a lot of time hunched over phone screens and computers. This can lead to postural abnormalities, disc degeneration, and facet-mediated pain in some individuals.
In addition to muscle strains, neck pain may also be caused by:
- Arthritis
- Compressed nerves
- Direct trauma
- Worn joints
Neck pain may also develop because of an injury or disease in other parts of your body, which can cause pain to radiate into your back, shoulders, or arms.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
Dr. Hilal first reviews your medical history and symptoms to pinpoint the cause of your neck pain. He also performs a physical exam of your neck, checking for areas of tenderness, swelling, and pain.
In some cases, Dr. Hilal may order imaging tests like X-rays to confirm a fractured bone or underlying arthritis.
What treatments are available for neck pain?
To reduce pain and tension in your neck muscles, Dr. Hilal may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. As a skilled physician, he knows how to adopt lifestyle changes that can minimize fatigue on the cervical spine.
Initially, your treatment may involve resting for several days to allow any muscle strains to heal. Using a soft neck brace to immobilize your neck for a period of time can also help your muscles heal more efficiently.
If your neck pain is due to underlying medical conditions, like arthritis or osteoporosis, Dr. Hilal may provide postural education, a home exercise program, and interventional procedures to minimize severe pain when needed.
To prevent painful muscle strains, Dr. Hilal may also offer resources to help you modify your lifestyle, such as taking frequent breaks while working at the computer, not carrying heavy bags on your shoulder, and being more mindful of your posture.
If home remedies aren’t enough to address your neck pain, schedule an appointment at South Coast Sports and Spine Medicine. Call the office or book online today.
