Neck Pain Specialist located in Riverview, Riverview, Tampa, & Sarasota FL

What causes neck pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, even with conservative treatment. Chronic neck pain can have a number of causes, such as:

Injury

Trauma to the neck can result in either acute or chronic pain. For instance, if you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, you may have whiplash, which is a complex injury that can take months to resolve.

Degenerative conditions

As you get older, degenerative conditions are more likely to develop. Arthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease are all examples of conditions that can cause chronic neck pain.

Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can cause neck pain due to obesity, poor posture, and weak abdominal muscles. Stress and tension can also be culprits.

Because neck pain has so many potential causes, Dr. Azeem provides a thorough exam and diagnosis to rule out other possible causes, such as an infection or tumor.

How does your lifestyle impact neck pain?

Sitting, looking at a computer screen or your phone is a common cause of neck pain. Although that kind of pain is usually acute — lasting only a few days or weeks — it can become chronic without treatment. A workspace that is set up for physical safety — both at home and at work — can create major improvements in your neck pain.

Reducing your stress level can also have a surprising impact on neck pain. One of the best ways to reduce stress is exercise. Dr. Azeem is can help you find activities that are safe and will improve your health.

What treatments are available for chronic neck pain?

At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, Dr. Azeem offers a variety of treatments for chronic neck pain. Often, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can provide temporary relief. For more serious cases, treatments include:

• Injections: to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerves causing your pain
• Cervical facet radiofrequency ablation and other nerve blocks: disrupt nerve function, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain
• Kyphoplasty: a surgical procedure that stabilizes the vertebrae and reduces pain
• Spinal cord stimulator implants: use electrical impulses to prevent your nerves from sending pain signals

If you’ve been living with chronic neck pain, book a consultation with Dr. Azeem to learn more about the treatment options available to you.