Whether you are cooking a meal, working at your computer, or checking your blind spot while driving, neck pain can make even the simplest tasks seem like a huge challenge. If you are dealing with this issue, you might have thought about undergoing surgery, which can often be effective. However, it is understandable if you are reluctant to commit to such a complex — and potentially risky — procedure. Fortunately, there may be ways you can find relief without going under the knife! Here are a few treatments that might work:
Home Remedies
Some mild types of neck pain can be addressed via at-home therapies. For example, some people find success with heat and cold therapy. You could also try a TENS machine, which uses gentle electrical stimulation to disrupt pain signals. Adjustments to your posture (for example, being careful not to look down at your phone for too long) could help as well.
If your neck pain is persistent or severe, home remedies may not be adequate. It would be best to consult with a qualified physician.
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
OMT is performed by an osteopathic physician. They gently move your body in a way that helps to diagnose various conditions and provide symptom relief. It is often helpful for various types of neck pain, such as pinched nerves.
Shockwave Therapy
In some cases, neck pain is the result of damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to increase blood flow to injured tissues, which can provide effective pain relief and promote long-term healing.
Regenerative Medicine
The goal of regenerative medicine is to power up your body’s own healing response. It may do so via platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, or other means. It is often able to help people find relief from neck pain that is the result of arthritis, injuries, or overuse.
Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture uses small needles, inserted strategically into the patient’s body, to stimulate the nervous system in a way that promotes overall wellness. Many patients have found that regular acupuncture sessions allow them to enjoy reduced aches and pains throughout their body.
Other Options
There are quite a few other options for non-surgical relief of neck pain. For example:
- A sphenopalatine ganglion block can be used to “reset” the autonomic nervous system and treat some causes of neck pain.
- Nerve hydrodissection is an excellent, non-surgical way to address trapped nerves.
- A nerve block may stop pain signals from reaching the brain.
Most instances of neck pain can be treated without surgery! Talk to a qualified doctor to learn about your options.
Meet the Practice
Dr. James Pinkston, DO, is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He proudly offers a range of treatments to the Asheville community, including many services that can relief stubborn neck pain. If you would like to learn more about how he and our team may be able to help you enjoy an improved quality of life, contact our office at 828-417-9913.