As fall arrives in Chicago, you might notice new or worsening neck pain. Seasonal activities, posture changes and cooler weather can all aggravate existing pain or trigger discomfort. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we specialize in identifying the root cause of your pain and using non-surgical treatment methods to help you get relief. Learn more about how a Chicago neck pain specialist can help you recover.
Common Causes of Neck Pain Among Chicago Residents
Whether you’ve been craning your neck to look at skyscrapers or spending a ton of time in Lincoln Park, your lifestyle has a big impact on your neck. For example, poor posture causes muscle tightness and increases pressure on the spine, both of which can cause chronic neck pain in Chicago.
The Windy City is also home to more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. If you spend a lot of time writing reports, updating spreadsheets and doing other computer-centric tasks, you might experience frequent neck discomfort.
How MAPS Centers for Pain Control Diagnoses Neck Pain
Before we can recommend the right neck pain treatment in Chicago, we have to identify the root cause of the problem. This involves discussing your lifestyle, performing a physical examination and recommending appropriate tests. For example, we might order X-rays to determine if you have arthritis or other degenerative changes in your neck.
In some cases, we need to perform lab tests to determine if an inflammatory condition is contributing to your pain. Technology allows us to pinpoint the source of your pain accurately.
Non-Surgical Neck Pain Treatments
At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we specialize in minimally invasive and non-surgical therapies, giving you access to pain relief without long recovery times or risky procedures. If you have pain from arthritis or trigger points, you might benefit from our injection-based therapies.
Facet joint injections target the small joints that allow you to turn your head and perform other neck movements. Trigger point injections help with knots (known as trigger points) in your neck muscles. MAPS Centers for Pain Control also offers cervical epidural injections. This treatment addresses pain caused by spinal stenosis and herniated discs.
If injections aren’t appropriate, we can offer these non-surgical treatments for chronic neck pain:
- Responsible medication management: Over-the-counter medications, implantable devices and other pain-control methods can help alleviate discomfort.
- Cryoneurolysis: Cryoneurolysis uses cold therapy to target the nerves in the neck. This disrupts pain signals, making it easier to perform your usual activities.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is commonly included in comprehensive neck pain treatment programs. PT can strengthen the muscles in the neck and help you improve your range of motion.
- Minimally invasive procedures: MAPS Centers for Pain Control offers radiofrequency ablation, disc decompression, vertebroplasty and other minimally invasive procedures designed to relieve chronic neck pain. These procedures offer long-term relief, making them an effective alternative to invasive surgeries.
When to See a Chicago Neck Pain Specialist
It’s normal to have some temporary discomfort if you sleep at a funny angle or overdo it at the gym, but you don’t have to put up with chronic neck pain. Here’s when you should schedule an appointment with a Chicago neck pain specialist:
- Your pain doesn’t improve with rest and other self-care measures.
- You have pain radiating down your arms or legs
- You have neck pain accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling.
How Seasonal Changes Can Impact Neck Pain
Weather changes have been proven to make arthritis pain worse, so it’s common to experience worsening neck pain as the seasons change. When the barometric pressure falls, the fluid in your joints expands, increasing pressure on nearby tissues. Seasonal changes also make your nerves more sensitive. All of these factors can cause neck pain in early fall.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Neck Pain This Fall
If neck pain is starting to cramp your style, a few simple lifestyle adjustments can help you get relief. For example, if you spend much of your time in front of a computer screen, upgrade to an ergonomic chair and keyboard. While you’re working, focus on maintaining good posture. If possible, take frequent breaks to stretch your muscles.
How to Schedule an Appointment with MAPS Centers for Pain Control in Chicago
MAPS Centers for Pain Control makes it easy to see a Chicago neck pain specialist. Simply use our website to schedule an appointment with an experienced professional. During your evaluation, we’ll perform a thorough exam to assess your neck’s range of motion and strength. One of our specialists will also order imaging or labs to determine the cause of your neck pain.
We offer several specialty services in one place, making it easier than ever to get the care you need. Contact MAPS Centers for Pain Control today to discover how great life can be when your neck isn’t always aching.
