When a primary care physician diagnoses neck pain, there are a few options for treatment depending on the underlying cause of the pain. In order to make an appropriate diagnosis, a doctor may use any of the following means:
- Blood test – This can help to rule out something like cancer.
- Diagnostic imaging – This would include x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
- Lumbar puncture – This would be used to rule our conditions such as spinal meningitis.
Depending on the results, various forms of care may be recommended. Here are some common forms of neck pain treatment listed (approximately) from least to most invasive:
- Ice (for inflammation) or heat (to improve blood flow)
- Stretching
- Moderate exercise
- Physical Therapy
- Cervical collar (to limit motion)
- Pain medications or muscle relaxers
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hospitalization (if the underlying cause is something like meningitis)
- Surgery (which is used as a last resort)
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of ways to deal with neck pain. Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care may also be recommended.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
A Specialized Form of Chiropractic Care To Address Neck Pain
Have you ever heard of upper cervical chiropractic care? Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized form of chiropractic that addresses neck misalignment’s using a precision method to gently correct spinal misalignment that occurs in the upper neck. Upper cervical care is a low force method used to correct Atlas (C1 vertebra) and Axis (C2 vertebra) misalignment naturally.
Neck pain and the accompanying symptoms often begin after an atlas misalignment takes place. Atlas misalignment most commonly occurs due to an accident or injury such as a car accident, as lip or fall, a sports injury or long hours of poor posture such as the repetitive motion of checking a smartphone dozens of times per day. Correcting atlas misalignment is a natural way to restore balance to the body.
Dr. Grayson Blom is a Boise, Idaho native that works with a nationwide group of Doctors expertly trained and specializing in the Upper Cervical procedure. Dr. Blom is also one of the few Doctors in the state of Idaho trained and certified in the Upper Cervical procedure.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-487-8653, or just click the button below
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