Neck Pain Specialist
-
- Tweet
Spine, Sport & Physical Medicine Center
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine located in Sarasota, FL & Bradenton, FL
Working at your computer all day and texting on your phone all evening can leave you with serious pain in your neck. Dr. Carlos Diaz is a highly respected physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in Sarasota, Florida, who can help you identify habits that lead to neck pain or uncover other reasons for your symptoms and design a treatment plan that keeps your neck healthy and pain-free. Call his Spine, Sport & Physical Medicine Center today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz, or book your visit online.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain is a common complaint and is often due to factors such as poor posture when working at your desk, watching television, or reading a novel.
Other causes of neck pain include:
- Degenerative arthritis
- A herniated disc causing nerve compression
- Injuries such as whiplash
- Neck strain caused by sports activities such as football, ice hockey, and soccer
- Carrying a heavy book bag or purse over your shoulder that strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck.
- Sleeping on your stomach or using too many pillows, which puts your neck in an awkward position that can cause a strain.
What are the different types of pain associated with the neck?
Neck pain can occur as a dull ache localized to your neck and/or:
- Include significant neck stiffness that may make it difficult to turn your head or hold it straight
- Cause muscular pain and stiffness in your shoulders and upper back
- Feel like an electric shock traveling from your neck down your arm
- Cause headaches that start at the base of your skull and radiate up the back of your head
When should I worry about neck pain?
Serious neck pain is relatively rare, but it’s important to seek medical treatment if your pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands. Neck pain that’s a result of a fall or other injury also warrants a trip to the doctor.
Neck pain accompanied by a fever and other symptoms of an acute illness may signal meningitis, which needs urgent medical attention from your primary care physician or a hospital emergency room.
What is the treatment for neck pain?
As with most medical conditions, treatment begins with an evaluation that includes a careful review of your medical history and symptoms as well as a physical exam. You can expect Dr. Diaz to test the flexibility and strength of your neck muscles.
He also obtains imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine the condition of the bony and soft tissue structures within your neck. Dr. Diaz may also recommend electromyography (EMG) to check for evidence of a pinched nerve.
Treatment is then based on the cause of your symptoms and may, among other things, include physical therapy, traction to gently stretch the neck, or short-term use of a neck collar to provide support for your neck and decrease your pain.
