Neck Pain Relief: How a D.O. Can Help
If you experience neck pain on a regular basis, then you already realize just how debilitating this condition can be. Unfortunately, many people seek a doctor’s care for neck pain and are put on pain medications that will only treat the symptoms temporarily. A doctor of osteopathic medicine, or D.O., can offer a better long-term solution.
Causes of Neck Pain
Let’s explore the causes of neck pain and how a D.O. can help you find the source of your pain, discover true healing with long-term relief. If you live in Appleton, WI, find out how the Osteopathic Medicine & Physical Therapy Group of Northeast Wisconsin can help you reclaim your life.
Neck pain can affect all areas in your neck and sometimes the pain will spread beyond the neck to the shoulders, head, arms or back. While some neck pain is common, particularly with the elderly, chronic or ongoing neck pain is not normal. The neck is designed to be flexible, moving forward and backward without pain or stress. Neck pain, however, can limit your ability to move your neck. This is sometimes referred to as “stiff neck.”
Common causes of neck pain include:
- Arthritis
- Activities that strain the neck,
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling in the joints of the neck
- Staying in a certain position many hours in the day (i.e. working on a computer daily)
Neck pain can also be the result of an injury, such as a car accident or a fall. Be aware that untreated neck injuries can lead to more serious condition so it is best to see a D.O. right away.
Chronic neck pain can result in a number of health issues. Such as frequent headaches, tense shoulders, and numbness in the hands, which can all limit your daily activities.
Neck Pain Treatment
Treatments for the neck vary depending on duration, cause, and severity of pain occurring in the individual. Treatment for neck pain may include medications, exercises, manual manipulation (OMT). Many doctors recommend applying ice and/or heated packs to help with neck inflammation. Physical therapy may be recommended for more serious conditions. At Osteopathic Medicine and Physical Therapy Group of Northeast Wisconsin we will tailor a plan that fits you.
Benefits of Visiting a D.O. for Neck Pain
A D.O. is a full licensed physician just like an M.D. (doctor of medicine). The difference is a D.O. receives special training in the musculoskeletal system as well as a hands on approach to healing. A D.O. takes a holistic approach to neck pain to try to discover the source of the pain and how to best treat it. A D.O. can also perform O.M.T on a patient with his hands and focus on preventative care and natural healing by the body.