Neck Pain Specialist

aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics

Brian K. Rich, MD

Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX

About 15% of American adults experience neck pain at any given time. If you’re one of them, and at-home treatments don’t provide relief, it’s time to get help. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, uses safe, effective treatments to relieve neck pain. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.

Neck Pain Q & A

What is neck pain?

Neck pain refers to any stiffness, discomfort, or aching that affects your cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae above your shoulders that support your head.

Almost everyone experiences neck pain on occasion. For example, you might strain your neck while driving or tweak a muscle during sleep. Most of the time, neck pain resolves on its own with rest and over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms worsen, contact Dr. Rich right away.

What are some common causes of neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain include:

Sprains and strains
Poor posture
Car accidents
Sports injuries
Work injuries
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Spinal stenosis

You might also experience neck pain due to a congenital abnormality, infection, or a tumor.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

To diagnose neck pain, Dr. Rich reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity and if any activities like exercising or turning your head from side to side make them worse.

Next, Dr. Rich conducts a physical exam and orders several tests, including lab work and diagnostic imaging. These measures allow Dr. Rich to rule out potentially serious underlying issues like fractures or degenerative disease.

How is neck pain treated?

The treatment of neck pain depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and the intensity of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Dr. Rich might recommend:

Physical therapy
Epidural steroid injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Massage
Activity modification
Ice and rest

If your symptoms continue or fail to improve, Dr. Rich might recommend surgery, but only as a last resort.

What is the outlook for neck pain?

The outlook for neck pain is usually very good. Often, it occurs due to minor issues like poor posture or failure to warm up before exercise. Small lifestyle changes can ease the pain and improve your quality of life.

Even if your neck pain requires surgery, the procedures that Dr. Rich specializes in are minimally invasive. That allows for smaller incisions, less bleeding, quicker recovery times, and improved patient outcomes.

To learn more about the different types of treatment for neck pain, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics today by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduler.

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