Chronic neck pain is persistent discomfort in your neck — anywhere from the top of your shoulders to the base of your skull — that lasts for more than three months. It can range from a dull ache to severe pain that has the power to limit your daily activities.
And if you’ve noticed that the pain isn’t going away on its own, you might be wondering what’s next. Eric Fanaee, MD, and our team specialize in chronic pain management in Bethpage, Smithtown, and West Islip, New York, and we can help you find answers.
Here’s what you need to know about chronic neck pain and what you can do about it.
When it comes to chronic pain, managing your discomfort starts with understanding the root cause.
Chronic neck pain can stem from a number of different issues, from poor posture to conditions like degenerative disc disease and arthritis. For example, consistently slouching at a desk or hunching over a smartphone can strain your neck muscles and lead to chronic pain.
If you have degenerative disc disease, the intervertebral discs in your spine degenerate with age and cause neck pain and stiffness. Similarly, osteoarthritis in the neck can lead to chronic pain due to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
Injuries can also lead to chronic neck pain. Herniated discs happen when a spinal disc ruptures or bulges. And if a disc in your neck herniates, it can press on the surrounding nerves, resulting in pain. Whiplash from car accidents and other injuries can also cause long-lasting neck pain.
Some types of neck pain can resolve relatively quickly with self-care and rest — but if your pain has persisted for weeks or months, you should seek professional evaluation.
That’s because chronic neck pain is unlikely to resolve on its own if it’s caused by structural issues like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or arthritis. Plus, chronic pain resulting from nerve compression or significant injuries typically requires medical treatment to improve.
Here are some signs that it's time to see a specialist:
If these symptoms sound familiar, Dr. Fanaee is ready to help you uncover the cause and start a treatment plan that makes a difference.
While chronic neck pain rarely resolves on its own, that doesn’t mean it’s without treatment options. In fact, a combination of customized therapies can be very effective in relieving pain and improving your quality of life.
Physical therapy can help strengthen your neck muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. A combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy can help relieve pain and improve function.
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to generate heat deep within the muscle tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain and inflammation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain by stimulating nerves and blocking pain signals to your brain.
Medications can include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription pain relievers. For some people, muscle relaxants or antidepressants may also be a good option.
For more severe pain, Dr. Fanaee may recommend nerve block injections or steroid injections for long-lasting results. Nerve blocks stop pain signals from the affected nerves, while corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation for conditions like arthritis and herniated discs.
Chronic neck pain is a complex condition, and you shouldn’t have to wait it out. Get a personalized care plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us online or call the office nearest you to get started today.
