Neck Pain Specialist
Kenneth J Eaddy, MD
Board Certified in Interventional Pain Management & Internal Medicine located in Jacksonville, FL
Everyone experiences neck pain occasionally, but if your symptoms keep you up at night or prevent you from working, it’s important to pinpoint the underlying cause. At his self-titled practice, double board-certified interventional pain management physician Kenneth J Eaddy, MD, specializes in minimally invasive treatment for neck pain. To make an appointment, call the office in Jacksonville, Florida, or click the online booking feature today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What is neck pain?
Neck pain is any stiffness, aching, or general discomfort that affects your cervical spine –– the seven vertebrae between your shoulders and the base of your head. Your neck is both tough and flexible, but factors like poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or overuse can result in persistent discomfort and mobility issues.
Most cases of neck pain resolve on their own with at-home treatments like rest and ice. Even so, if your pain gets worse or affects your quality of life, contact Dr. Eaddy.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Symptoms of neck pain include:
- Radiating pain and numbness
- Stiff neck
- Sharp pain
- Headache
- Pain during movement
Depending on the cause of your neck pain, you might also experience difficulty moving your head from side to side.
What causes neck pain?
Dr. Eaddy diagnoses and treats various causes of neck pain, including:
- Muscle strains
- Poor posture
- Car accidents
- Sports injuries
- Work injuries
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated cervical discs
Dr. Eaddy also treats neck pain caused by congenital abnormalities like scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine).
When should I visit a doctor about neck pain?
Make an appointment with Dr. Eaddy if you experience neck pain that lasts for a week or longer and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments. That’s especially true if your pain occurs alongside a fever, a headache, or nausea and vomiting.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
To diagnose neck pain, Dr. Eaddy reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if it’s worse during certain activities like driving or exercising.
Next, he conducts a physical exam. Dr. Eaddy gently presses on your neck to identify areas of swelling, sensitivity, and warmth. He also tests your neck’s range of motion and muscle tone. If these measures aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, Dr. Eaddy orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI.
How is neck pain treated?
Dr. Eaddy uses minimally invasive treatments to relieve neck pain whenever possible. Depending on the source of your discomfort, he might recommend:
- Ice and heat therapy
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Injections
- Muscle relaxants
- Neck collar
- Traction therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Massage
Surgical intervention might be necessary if these treatments don’t provide long-term relief, but only after all other measures are exhausted.
To explore the various treatment options for neck pain, make an appointment at the practice of Kenneth J Eaddy, MD, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.