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Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, affecting up to one in three people. At Dr. Murray E. Joiner Jr. & Associates in Roanoke, Virginia, with five satellite offices throughout Virginia and another in North Carolina, interventional pain management physician Murray E. Joiner Jr., MD, provides minimally invasive, integrative treatments for neck pain. Dr. Joiner uses his knowledge and expertise to identify the source of your discomfort and prevent it from getting worse. Call the nearest office today to schedule neck pain treatment, or book your visit online.
Neck Pain Q & A
Do I need to see a doctor for neck pain that won’t improve?
Everyone suffers from occasional neck pain, and it usually isn’t serious. But if your symptoms don’t improve with rest, ice, and activity changes, make an appointment with Dr. Joiner. That’s particularly true if you've been injured in a car accident, fall, or other mishap. Diagnosis and treatment prevent the problem from getting worse; it also speeds up your recovery.
What causes neck pain?
Dr. Joiner treats neck pain caused by various musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Strained muscles
- Worn joints
- Compressed nerves
- Car accident injuries
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
Rarely, neck pain is due to an underlying medical condition like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or cancer.
How does an integrative pain management specialist diagnose neck pain?
Dr. Joiner reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where you feel the pain, what it feels like, and if it extends into other areas like your shoulders or upper arms.
He examines your neck and upper back, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Joiner has you move your head up and down and side to side, gently pressing on your neck and shoulders to identify sensitive areas.
Dr. Joiner orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, if he suspects an underlying musculoskeletal condition — a herniated disc, bone spur, or the like.
How does an integrative pain management specialist treat neck pain?
Dr. Joiner treats neck pain using an integrative, minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication
- Prescription pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Ultrasound-guided cervical epidural steroid injections
- Selective nerve root block injections
- Facet joint injections
- Medical branch block injections
- Wearing a soft neck collar
- Stem cell injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
You might be a candidate for minimally invasive neck surgery, like kyphoplasty, if you have a pinched nerve or compressed spinal cord.
What can I do to prevent neck pain?
Various things can be done to reduce the risk of neck pain. Dr. Joiner recommends practicing good posture and keeping your head centered over your spine. Don’t carry heavy bags with straps over one shoulder to prevent neck injuries. Wear the proper safety equipment when exercising or playing sports.
Call the nearest Dr. Murray E. Joiner Jr. & Associates office today for neck pain treatment, or book your appointment online.