Neck pain treatment and relief in Castle Rock
Why Does Neck Pain Happen?
Neck pain occurs when the structures in the neck—including muscles, discs, joints, and nerves—become irritated, inflamed, or injured. It can result from daily activities, poor posture, underlying medical conditions, or trauma. The cervical spine is a complex system that supports the head and allows movement, making it vulnerable to strain and wear over time.
Neck pain is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue such as muscle strain, disc degeneration, or nerve compression. The severity and duration of neck pain vary depending on the cause and the effectiveness of treatment.
Common symptoms of neck pain include:
Stiffness or reduced range of motion that makes turning the head difficult.
Aching or sharp pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting.
Pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
Headaches originating from neck tension or nerve irritation.
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms due to nerve compression.
With proper treatment—including physical therapy, medications, and injections—most cases of neck pain improve without requiring surgery.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Neck Pain?
Muscle Strain – Poor posture, excessive screen time, or awkward sleeping positions can strain neck muscles.
Herniated or Bulging Discs – Disc material pressing on nerves can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Arthritis – The leading cause of persistent neck pain after age 50, arthritis results from wear and tear on the joints, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves in the neck.
Whiplash or Trauma – Sudden jerking movements, such as those in car accidents, can damage soft tissues in the neck.
Other Risk Factors – Age, stress, repetitive motion, and lack of physical activity contribute to neck pain.
When Should I See a Doctor for Neck Pain?
Most cases of neck pain improve with rest and conservative treatments. However, it is important to know when to seek immediate medical attention and when to consult a pain management specialist like Dr. Carrera.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
Severe neck pain following an accident or injury.
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
Loss of coordination, balance, or difficulty walking.
Persistent headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision.
Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, which may indicate infection or another serious condition.
Consult a Pain Management Specialist If:
Your neck pain lasts more than several days and interferes with daily activities.
Over-the-counter medications and home treatments are not providing relief.
You want to explore non-surgical options for long-term pain relief and improved function.
Dr. Carrera specializes in personalized pain management strategies that help patients achieve relief without surgery, allowing them to return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Neck Pain?
Most doctors diagnose neck pain through a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Patients typically report stiffness, limited mobility, or radiating pain, which helps determine the cause.
If symptoms persist or worsen, MRI or X-rays may be recommended to identify structural issues such as disc herniation or nerve compression. However, most insurance providers require 4 to 6 weeks of conservative treatment before covering advanced imaging or certain injections to ensure non-invasive methods have been attempted first.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Neck Pain?
Many patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatments. Non-surgical therapies are typically the first step before considering injections or surgery. Dr. Carrera often recommends a combination of posture correction, physical therapy, and medication, with injections used if pain persists or is severe.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Neck Pain
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Reduce inflammation and pain.
Muscle Relaxants or Nerve-Calming Medications – Help ease muscle tightness and nerve-related discomfort.
Physical Therapy – Focuses on posture correction, strength building, and flexibility to relieve and prevent neck pain.
Ergonomic Adjustments – Modifying workstations, pillows, and sleep positions to minimize strain on the neck.
Injection-Based Treatment Options for Persistent Neck Pain
Trigger Point Injections – Helps relieve muscle spasms and knots that contribute to chronic neck pain.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) – Reduces inflammation around irritated nerves in the neck.
Facet Joint Injections – Targets small joints in the neck to decrease arthritis-related pain and stiffness.
Medial Branch Blocks – Temporarily numbs specific nerves to determine if longer-lasting treatments like radiofrequency ablation are appropriate.
Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses heat to disrupt pain signals from nerves, providing long-lasting relief for chronic neck pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections – Uses concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood to promote healing and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues.
When Will My Neck Pain Get Better?
The timeline for neck pain relief depends on the underlying cause and treatment approach.
Mild cases often improve within a few days to a few weeks with rest and simple home treatments.
Moderate cases requiring physical therapy and medication may take 4 to 6 weeks for noticeable improvement.
Chronic or severe cases involving nerve compression may take several months, particularly if advanced treatments like injections or surgery are necessary.
While most patients experience relief within a few weeks, a minority of patients may have persistent neck pain lasting months or even years. This is most common in cases of arthritis, disc herniations, or whiplash-related injuries, where structural damage or chronic inflammation can prolong symptoms. In these cases, ongoing management with physical therapy, targeted injections, and lifestyle modifications can help maintain function and improve quality of life.
What Is the Fastest Way to Relieve Neck Pain?
For patients seeking fast relief, Dr. Carrera recommends a targeted approach combining therapy and injections to quickly reduce pain while supporting long-term recovery. This includes:
A long-lasting anti-inflammatory medication like meloxicam to reduce swelling and stiffness.
A trigger point or facet-joint injection, which provides targeted relief by calming tense muscles or joints contributing to pain.
Physical therapy, so that once symptoms improve, patients can build strength and prevent future pain.
When Dr. Carrera’s patients experience flare-ups, they often use a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and targeted injections to quickly reduce inflammation and relax muscles, avoiding the need for more invasive treatments.
What Sleeping Position Is Best for Neck Pain?
The best sleeping position for neck pain keeps the spine aligned and minimizes strain. Sleeping on your back or side with proper pillow support is generally recommended:
Back sleepers should use a thin, contoured pillow to support the natural curve of the neck.
Side sleepers should use a firm pillow that fills the space between the neck and shoulder to maintain alignment.
Stomach sleeping is discouraged, as it forces the neck into an unnatural position and can worsen pain.
Adjusting your pillow and sleeping posture can significantly improve neck pain and prevent stiffness.
Can Stress Cause Neck Pain?
Yes, stress is a common contributor to neck pain. Many people unconsciously tense their neck and shoulder muscles when stressed, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and even headaches. Chronic stress can also result in poor posture and increased muscle tightness, further exacerbating pain.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques, stretching, physical activity, and ergonomic adjustments can help reduce tension-related neck pain and improve overall well-being.
Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches?
Yes, neck pain can trigger cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the neck. Tension in the neck muscles, nerve irritation, or joint dysfunction can refer pain to the head, leading to headaches that typically start at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead or temples.
Treating the underlying neck issue with physical therapy, posture correction, and muscle relaxation techniques can help alleviate these headaches and prevent recurrence. For persistent neck pain and headaches that have not responded to conservative management, medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be an effective treatment option, disrupting pain signals from irritated nerves for long-term relief.
How Can I Get Relief from Neck Pain?
Dr. Carrera and his team provide expert, patient-centered care for neck pain relief in Castle Rock, Colorado. Same-week appointments may be available. Patients often come from Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Denver, and surrounding areas.
Call 720-455-3775 to schedule your consultation today!