If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you know firsthand how disruptive it can be in your daily life. After weeks, months, or even years of suffering, finding relief is probably your top priority.
Yet if you live in a rural part of the country, you may have found that finding a pain management specialist — or neck pain doctor — near you can be difficult, if not impossible. Thankfully, there are some options available, and this blog post can point you in the right direction.
The Perils of Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain is a persistent discomfort in the neck area that lasts for more than three months. It can be caused by a long list of factors such as injuries, degenerative disc disease, neck strain, or certain diseases. Its impact on a person’s everyday life can be significant, negatively affecting their sleep quality, work productivity, and overall well-being.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 15% of the U.S. population experiences neck pain at any given time. The need for specialized care and treatment is in high demand, whether you live in a small town, big city, or anywhere in between.
The Benefits of Seeing a Neck Pain Doctor
A neck pain doctor — more commonly referred to as a cervical spine specialist, an orthopedic doctor specializing in the neck, or simply a pain management specialist — focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions causing neck pain. Their role differs from regular doctors due to their training in the complex structure of the cervical spine, which includes seven vertebrae, discs to absorb shock, joints, neck muscles, and ligaments.
Consulting with a neck pain doctor or pain management specialist comes with tangible benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life, including:
Expert Diagnosis
These specialists have comprehensive knowledge about the anatomy and functioning of the cervical spine. Their expertise allows them to diagnose conditions accurately and provide highly targeted therapies.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Since every patient is unique, these specialists evaluate a range of factors — age, overall health status, lifestyle, pain severity, causes, and other aspects — to develop a customized treatment plan.
Access to Advanced Treatment Options
Pain management specialists have access to advanced treatment options that aren’t usually available at a regular doctor’s office. These may include specialized physical therapy, nerve blocks, corticosteroid injections, and radiofrequency ablations.
How to Find a Neck Pain Doctor Near You
Having a neck pain doctor nearby is not only convenient but may also be essential for many chronic pain patients. Traveling long distances can be challenging — or even unbearable — for people suffering from severe neck pain. Seeing a specialist in your local area eliminates this hassle, saves time, and allows for more regular and consistent treatment.
Finding a reliable and experienced neck pain doctor in or near your community can be difficult, especially if you live in a rural area, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple first steps you can take:
Ask for Recommendations
Ask your primary care physician or physical therapist for referrals. They usually have connections within the medical community and can guide you.
Research
Use online platforms to research doctors in your area. Look at their reviews, qualifications, and experience.
Consult
Schedule consultations with potential specialists. This can give you an idea of their expertise, approach to treatment, and bedside manners.
Find an HPM Clinic Near You
HPM runs a network of pain clinics in small towns in the midwestern and western U.S. Our pain management specialists are experts at pinpointing the true source of each patient’s pain. We use the latest advancements in medical pain relief treatments, including nerve blocks and corticosteroid injections.
To find an HPM clinic near you, visit our website. We have a growing number of clinics to choose from and may be able to refer you to other specialists if none are in your neck of the woods.
