Neck Pain Treatment Specialist in Bethesda, MD, and Arlington, VA

Neck pain is a common concern that can occur due to various causes. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, disruptive pain and may also radiate to the shoulders, arms, and head. Neck pain often interferes with daily activities and may significantly impact one’s quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent neck pain, the best course of action is to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional to determine the root cause of your discomfort and develop a treatment plan for relief and recovery.

Neck pain can be caused by:
 
• Injury: Whiplash, a sudden jerking motion of the head, often due to car accidents, can lead to severe neck pain. Sports injuries and falls can also damage the neck.
• Muscle strain: Overuse of the neck muscles, such as poor posture during long periods of sitting or standing, can lead to muscle strain. People who work at a computer or often look down at their mobile devices commonly experience neck pain.
• Degenerative diseases: Conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, where the cartilage between vertebrae deteriorates, can lead to neck pain and other disruptive symptoms.
• Herniated discs: A herniated or bulging disc in the cervical spine can press on nerves, causing discomfort that radiates into the arms and hands.
 
Furthermore, various other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or infections, can be the source of neck pain. When you visit a doctor, they will perform a physical examination, a medical history review, and run diagnostic tests if necessary to accurately diagnose the source of your symptoms.

The length of time that neck pain affects you can vary widely based on the underlying cause. Some cases of neck pain are acute, resolving within a few days to a few weeks with the right care, while others are chronic, persisting for over three months.
 
While acute neck pain is often a result of muscle strain or other minor injuries, chronic neck pain can occur due to osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, or other chronic medical issues. Managing chronic neck pain requires a comprehensive approach, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions.

Healthcare professionals use a variety of approaches to address neck pain, including:
 
• Home care: For mild neck pain, your doctor will outline recommendations on effective home care. For instance, your doctor may advise you to apply ice or heat to the affected area, perform gentle stretches, and use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Physical therapy: This approach is commonly recommended for acute and chronic neck pain. Through exercises focused on strengthening neck muscles, improving posture, and increasing range of motion, along with manual therapy techniques, physical therapists can successfully relieve pain and improve function.
• Medications: Prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, or pain relievers may be used for more severe neck pain. In cases of chronic pain, antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to manage the pain.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for conditions like herniated discs. Trigger point injections can also relieve muscle pain and spasms.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments are used to align the spine and relieve neck pain, particularly if the root cause of discomfort is misalignment.
• Alternative therapies: Some patients find relief from neck pain with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga. These approaches are used in combination with evidence-based treatments to provide holistic care.
• Surgery: In severe cases, especially where there is nerve compression or significant structural damage, surgical intervention may be needed to address neck pain.
 
To find the right approach for you and successfully manage your symptoms, schedule a consultation appointment with our specialist at Vitalité Chiropractic. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bethesda, MD, and Arlington, VA. We serve patients from Arlington VA, Falls Church VA, Alexandria VA, Lincolnia VA, Bethesda MD, Friendship Village MD, Silver Spring MD, and surrounding areas.