Causes of Neck Pain when Looking Down

August 10, 2016/0 Comments/in Neck Pain /by Matthew Thorson

General neck pain is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries. But what if your neck pain only presents when you look down at the ground? In this article, we are going to discuss the potential reasons why you may be experiencing neck pain when you look down. We’ll also offer some tips for treating this type of pain.

Possible Causes

So what could be causing pain in the neck when you look down? Here are a few potential conditions and injuries that could be the culprits:

Soft Tissue or Muscle Strain. If your neck pain is sharp and only occurs when you move your head, it could be a soft tissue injury in the neck. Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury in the neck.
Bulging or Herniated Discs in the Cervical Spine. When discs bulge out of place they can impinge on the nerves and surrounding elements of the spine and cause pain.

Available Treatment Options

Before tackling treatment options for this type of pain, it’s absolutely essential that you figure out exactly what’s causing the pain. A physician can perform a physical exam, combined with a thorough medical history, and any necessary diagnostic imaging tests (MRI, CT, X-ray) to determine a diagnosis. Treatment will then depend on the diagnosis. If the pain is the result of whiplash or a muscle strain, treatment will likely be conservative in nature, with bracing, rest, and pain medication. Herniated discs in the neck will need to be treated more proactively and may require injections, or surgery.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been helping patients in the state of Minnesota manage their pain for over two decades. Our pain management doctors offer a full range of treatment options from injections, to regenerative medicine, to prescription painkillers. If you are experiencing pain when you look down, contact our Edina clinic today to set up your appointment with a skilled Minnesota pain physician, get your pain diagnosed, and find your way back to a pain-free life.

Neck Pain from a Dual Monitor Setup

March 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Neck Pain /by Matthew Thorson

In a previous article, we talked about some of the painful conditions and injuries that can occur while working in an office setting. Now let’s talk specifically about pain from your computer setup. This article will go over the types of pain caused by a dual monitor computer setup and also delve into how to prevent and treat related pain.

Pain at your Desk

A dual monitor setup is becoming more and more popular among workers. This type of work station can significantly increase productivity, but there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind to prevent neck pain. Here are a few ways a dual monitor setup can lead to neck pain:

Incorrect placement of the monitors. Make sure both monitors sit right next to each other so you minimize the amount of twisting required by your neck.
Incorrect sitting or standing position. The way you sit or stand relative to your computer screens also has a big impact on the development of pain conditions.

Preventing Neck Pain at your Computer

The best way to treat pain from a dual monitor computer setup is to do everything you can to prevent the pain before it begins. Make sure your setup is ergonomically friendly. That means keeping your monitors about an arm’s reach away from your face. Many people have a tendency to lean way too close to their computers. While this may help you see it puts additional strain on your neck. Also pay attention to the height of your monitors relative to your eye line. Make sure you’re not having to look up or down at your computers while seated or standing. This can lead to craning of the neck, which can result in pain.

If you have developed chronic neck pain that you think may be related to your work setup, talk to a pain management physician to go over some options for treatment. The pain doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have a successful history of treating patients for all types of neck pain. Our physicians have been practicing in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs for over twenty years now and have the expertise needed to get you back on the path to a pain-free life. Contact our office today to set up your appointment.

Cervical Dystonia & Neck Pain Management

October 14, 2015/0 Comments/in Neck Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Cervical dystonia is an uncommon condition that causes spasms in the neck muscles. It can be incredibly painful and exhausting. The purpose of this article is to define cervical dystonia, and discuss the causes of the condition, as well as some options for treatment.

What is Cervical Dystonia?

Cervical dystonia is also known as spasmodic torticollis. It is a condition in which involuntary muscle contractions in the neck causing pain and mobility issues. Cervical dystonia is quite rare, but it can impact patients of any age. In certain cases, the development of cervical dystonia can be linked to a traumatic injury to the muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders. In other cases, the exact cause is a mystery. The common symptoms of cervical dystonia include:

Involuntary muscle spasms in the neck
Neck pain that may radiate to the shoulders
Headaches
Difficulty moving your head or neck
Having your head move forward, backward, or sideways without your control

Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own without any active treatment, but this is not commonplace. Most patients require treatment to effectively manage symptoms.

Cervical Dystonia Treatments

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition. However, various treatment options can minimize symptoms and decrease the frequency of episodes. Treatment typically begins with various medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Botox injections can also be effective at decreasing the muscle spasms. Surgery may also be helpful in some cases when conservative options fail. Deep brain stimulation surgery and selective denervation surgery are potential treatment strategies.

Edina Neck Pain Management

Cervical dystonia is rare, but patients who suffer from the condition experience real pain that can affect their quality of life. Although the condition is indefnintely chronic, there are ways to manage pain from cervical dystonia and allow you to live life to the fullest. Contact the pain management specialists and Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota today to set up an appointment and get on the path to treatment.