When you suffer from neck pain, everyday activities like driving, working on a computer, and even talking on a cell phone can be difficult. Fortunately, your orthopaedic specialist can help. The doctors at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists offer a full range of medical services, including treatment of neck pain. They have two convenient office locations in St. Croix and St. Thomas. They proudly serve residents of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola.
What You Need to Know about Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a wide variety of factors and events, including:
- Being involved in a vehicular accident
- Experiencing a sports injury
- Having an underlying medical condition
- Overusing or overstressing your neck
- Experiencing a work-related accident
You can do a lot to prevent neck pain. Remember to:
- Practice good posture while standing, sitting, reading, and performing other activities
- Use good body mechanics when lifting or twisting and moving heavy objects
- Always wear your seatbelt while driving, to protect your neck from whiplash
For mild, occasional neck pain, you can try:
- Applying ice to your neck for the first few hours
- Applying moist heat for the next few days
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
For moderate to severe, recurrent neck pain, you should visit your orthopaedic specialist, because you may have a treatable injury. Your orthopaedic specialist may recommend:
- Physical therapy, to reduce stiffness and increase range-of-motion
- Therapeutic massage, to relieve swelling, boost circulation, and reduce muscle tension
- Stretching and strengthening exercises, to increase mobility and range-of-motion
- Electrical muscle stimulation relaxes muscles and aids in healing
- Thermal therapy boosts circulation, relieves muscle tension, and relieves pain
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and relieve pain
- Wearing a neck collar to help stabilize your neck while it heals
Want to Know More?
To learn more about how to prevent neck pain, call the doctors at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists. You can reach them in the St. Croix office by calling (340) 692-5000, or in St. Thomas by calling (340) 714-2845, so call today.