Common Causes of Cervical Pain

Neck and back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. Cervical spine pain in the “c-spine” or neck can physically and emotionally negatively impact one’s daily life. The cervical region is made up of seven vertebrae. Common causes of cervical pain in the neck and back include a fragmenting disc or a pinched tendon. Becoming aware of the common causes is the first step in identifying the problem and creating a specialized pain management program. If you have been experiencing neck and back pain as a result of a c-spine, consider speaking to a specialist.  The San Antonio offices of Dr. Raul Martinez can help mitigate pain by forming a pain management program specific to your needs.

Signs and Causes of C-Spine Pain

Cervical pain and symptoms often include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Decreased ability to move your head
• Headaches or pain behind the eyes
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Pain that’s worsened by holding the head in one position for a long time (driving a car, working at a computer, etc.)

Common causes of cervical pain include:

• Degenerative disc disease: Occurs when cushions between vertebrae are lost
• Pinched nerves: Pinched nerves in the neck or spine can cause cervical pain in back as well as the neck
• Muscle strain: Strains from physical activity may cause cervical neck pain, including joint and muscle pain
• Arthritis: A condition characterized by chronic pain which can occur in the neck and back
• Surgery: Back and leg pain may be common following certain surgeries

Although seemingly minor issues, such as bad posture, can cause neck pain, they can lead to frustrating and painful days or weeks, even months. Furthermore, neck and back pain may be indicative of a severe medical condition, such as a spinal injury or neurological problem. Luckily, our team can help discern whether you have acute or chronic pain. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, consider reaching out to one of our San Antonio offices today.

Pain Management Methods

Cervical pain treatment varies from person to person and is dependent on the cause of pain. Can cervical pain be cured? Well, it depends on the mechanism of injury and the origin of the pain. If something like a muscle strain brought on the neck pain, there are at-home treatments you can try. Here are some methods to help reduce pain at home:

• Apply heat or ice: Use ice for the first 48-72 hours of neck stiffness or pain, then switch to heat
• Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Do slow exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles in the neck
• Gently massage the sore or painful areas

If the neck and back pain is a sign of a more severe condition, then it may not be possible to cure the pain completely. However, the Texas pain specialists at the offices of Dr. Raul Martinez provide various types of treatments depending on the person’s needs. We offer injections, non-surgical, and surgical procedures to help manage your pain at your comfort level. We can create a personalized medical program for you because we offer various types of pain management techniques.

When to See a Doctor

Pain that lasts longer than three to six months is considered chronic. Chronic and acute pain both act as a warning system to signal that there is something wrong with your body. If you are experiencing pain that has altered your life or has lasted longer than three months, consider speaking to one of our Texas pain specialists. We have three offices in the San Antonio area, and our specialists have experience dealing with all of the common causes of cervical pain. Although pain may be inevitable, suffering is optional. Call us today.