Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. At the Mint Medical Center in Oakland, California, anti-aging and pain management specialist's Dr. Muhammad Mansour, MS, ND, Angela Lin, NP, and the team provide integrative and regenerative treatments. They focus on relieving neck pain and encouraging the body’s natural healing process. Call the office today or book online to be treated for neck pain.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is discomfort or stiffness that affects your cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae, and surrounding soft tissues that support your head. Neck pain is often caused by muscle strain or general wear and tear. If your symptoms continue for more than a week or two, it could indicate a more severe underlying problem.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is caused by various things, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Cervical disc degeneration (damage to your cervical discs)
• Cervical stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Whiplash
• Slip-and-fall injuries
• Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches (including migraines)

You might also experience neck pain due to dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This condition affects the movement of your jaw and the surrounding muscles.

When should I see a specialist about neck pain?

Make an appointment with the team at the Mint Medical Center if you have neck pain because of an injury, like a car accident. That’s especially true if the pain extends into your shoulders and arms or comes with headaches, numbness, and tingling.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Your Mint Medical Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the neck pain started and what it feels like. They complete an exam, checking your neck for redness, swelling, and/or bruising. Your provider gently moves your head from side to side and presses your neck and shoulders to identify sensitive areas.

If your provider thinks you have a pinched nerve, a degenerated disc, or a bone spur, they also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is neck pain treated?

The Mint Medical Center team treats neck pain with integrated regenerative therapies. They take a personalized approach and craft a care plan based on your needs. The team might recommend:

• Ultrasound-guided injections
• IV (intravenous) therapy
• Physical therapy
• Peptide therapy
• Cellular therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)
• Immobilization with a collar
• Steroid injections
• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Spinal disc decompression
• Ketamine therapy

If your symptoms continue or don’t improve, your provider can refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for more specialized care.

Is there any way to prevent neck pain?

You can do several things to reduce the risk of neck pain. The Mint Medical Center team recommends practicing good posture and exercising regularly. Developing these and other good habits makes all the difference.

Call the Mint Medical Center today to receive treatment for neck pain, or book your appointment online.