5 Effective Treatments for Long-Lasting Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common complaint. And when it’s long-lasting, it can become a debilitating condition that makes even the simplest daily tasks impossible. Whether poor posture, a sports injury, or medical conditions cause it, you should get a professional diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

David A. Wiles, MD, and our team are here to help. Dr. Wiles is a neurosurgeon specializing in diagnosing and treating long-lasting neck pain. In this blog, we take a closer look at five effective treatment options for long-lasting neck pain.

Your neck pain treatment options

Pain is highly personal, and pain management isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why Dr. Wiles offers a range of treatment options for neck pain. Depending on your condition and overall health, he may recommend:

1. Pain medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen temporarily relieve neck pain by reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort, although you should use them sparingly and as directed.

Prolonged or excessive OTC medication use can have adverse effects on your health. Talk to Dr. Wiles about your options if you rely on OTC pain relievers for your long-lasting neck pain. He may recommend prescription medications for stronger pain relief and muscle relaxation.

2. Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections can be effective if you have long-lasting neck pain from inflammation or nerve compression. These injections often contain a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic, and Dr. Wiles administers them directly into the painful area.

Injections often provide immediate pain relief and reduced swelling. But while this treatment can deliver significant relief, Dr. Wiles doesn’t typically recommend it as an only option for a long-term solution. Instead, he often uses corticosteroid shots in conjunction with other therapies.

3. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a non-invasive and highly effective approach to managing long-lasting neck pain. Committing to a consistent physical therapy program can yield long-lasting benefits and prevent future neck pain episodes.

When you participate in physical therapy, your physical therapist works with you to develop a personalized exercise and stretching regimen to improve your neck strength and flexibility. They may employ complementary techniques like manual therapy, heat, ice, or ultrasound to reduce pain and increase mobility. 

4. Minimally invasive surgery

Conservative care is enough to manage your long-lasting neck pain in many cases. But if you’re still living with pain after trying other options, it might be time to consider minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Wiles uses surgery to address specific underlying causes of neck pain, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques offer shorter recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort while delivering lasting relief from your pain.

5. Regenerative medicine

The fifth and lesser-known treatment option for long-lasting neck pain is regenerative medicine. This innovative approach harnesses your body's natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissues and reduce pain.

One of the most popular methods of regenerative medicine is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. During PRP therapy, your provider extracts growth factors from your own small blood sample and then reinjects them into the painful area to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate chronic neck pain.

Long-lasting neck pain can hinder your quality of life, but you don’t have to live with it. Start getting answers and find personalized care with Dr. Wiles and our team. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we see patients from Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, and we’re here for you, too.

Call us at 423-459-9800 or request an appointment online today.