Neck Pain

Neck Pain services offered in The Woodlands, TX

Persistent neck pain makes it difficult to drive, exercise, or get a restful night’s sleep. Kevin M. Moran, MD, in The Woodlands, Texas, is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. Dr. Moran offers complete care for neck pain. Dr. Moran has more than 20 years of experience managing neck pain with a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Call Kevin M. Moran, MD, today to schedule a neck pain consultation, or book your appointment online.

I have neck pain. Should I visit an orthopedic specialist?

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting 10%-20% of adults at any given time. It usually improves with at-home treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, identifying the cause is crucial.

Dr. Moran can identify the source of your discomfort and make personalized treatment recommendations.

What causes neck pain?

Dr. Moran treats neck pain caused by the following:

Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Aging
Sports injuries
Car accidents
Bulging discs
Bone spurs

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Dr. Moran reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the neck pain started, the severity, where it’s located, and if certain activities make it worse.

Next, he completes a physical exam. Dr. Moran checks the alignment of your head and neck and asks you to move your head in different directions. He tests your strength, sensation, and reflexes and gently presses on your neck and shoulders to identify tender areas and signs of strain.

If Dr. Moran suspects your symptoms are due to injury or disease, he orders diagnostic imaging. Procedures like X-rays and MRI scans capture cross-sectional photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues and help identify things that cause neck pain.

How is neck pain treated?

Dr. Moran treats neck pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might recommend:

Pain medication
Muscle relaxers
Physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections
Chiropractic
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture)
Artificial disc replacement

Dr. Moran might recommend surgery if your neck pain continues or worsens even after conservative treatment.

Can neck pain be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of neck pain by living a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Moran recommends practicing good posture, exercising regularly, and sleeping on a pillow that supports your neck. Consider using a bag with wheels if you regularly carry a heavy purse or bag on your shoulders.

Call Kevin M. Moran, MD, today to receive treatment for neck pain, or book your appointment online.