Do you suffer from acute or chronic pain? The American Academy of Pain Medicine says you are not alone. In fact, millions of adults in the United States have the very same issue, and many sufferers say their pain centers in their necks. At Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD, Dr. Gina Beech and her staff evaluate and treat all kinds of neck pain. From exercises and physical therapy to spinal manipulation, muscle relaxants and other therapies, the treatments this skilled team provides relieve a myriad of neck symptoms, including debilitating pain.
Function and dysfunction
Also called the cervical spine, this anatomical combination of bony vertebrae, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles supports and turns your head, helps your hands and arms move and keeps you in a standing and sitting position.
The range of motion in the neck deteriorates, and pain results because of:
- Traumatic injury (whiplash from a motor vehicle accident or from a fall)
- Disc degeneration (spondylosis)
- Arthritis
- Meningitis (bacterial or viral)
- Muscular tension
- Habits of poor posture and sleep position
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the bony spinal canal
Managing neck pain in Bethesda
Of course, you want both immediate and long-term relief from your neck pain. At Bethesda Back Center, Dr. Beech carefully evaluates her neck pain patients with a chiropractic examination. Through this thorough and hands-on examination, she searches for subluxations, or misalignments, in the spinal column. She'll also perform X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT scans and lab work as needed. Also, she looks at medical, surgical and prescription history, and of course, the doctor will listen to your symptoms carefully.
Finally, Dr. Beech will discuss your unique care plan. Often, the most conservative approach to neck pain works best. Surgery is a last resort. So, your treatment options may include:
- Rest
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Traction
- Corticosteroids
- Neck braces
- Physical therapy
Learn more
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that 15 percent of Americans experience neck pain. It disrupts their daily routines and, if severe enough, even impacts their emotional and mental health. However, there is hope, and you can find it at Bethesda Back Center. Please don't suffer. Contact the office today for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beech. Phone (301) 897-8500.