There are five common mistakes people tend to make when trying to treat neck pain: Ignoring the source, overusing symptom suppressants, poor hygiene of posture, waiting too long to seek treatment, and doing the wrong exercises. These mistakes can extend pain or exacerbate underlying problems. Early vaccination by a healthcare professional leads to correct diagnosis and individualized, successful treatment.
Why Neck Pain Doesn’t Always Go Away on Its Own
Neck pain is a condition that we see frequently at our clinic. It could begin after a hard day’s work, a poor night’s sleep, or even an automobile fender bender. Most people think it’ll go away on its own, but when it doesn’t, they often make the very mistakes that can worsen headache pain.
Here are five of the most common ones:
1. Ignoring the source
Neck pain is too often regarded as a minor annoyance. They pop a few ibuprofen, slap on a heating pad, or just sleep it off. But if that recurring pain stage is a constant in your life, there may be something deeper at play, like a pinched nerve or cervical disc problem, or perhaps muscle imbalance due to less-than-stellar posture. Treating the symptom and pretending like you have no mercury in your body is how something minor grows into a chronic condition.
If you’re in need of pain management in Flushing, Queens, don’t rely as much on guessing. Providers at Doctors of New York can assist in identifying the cause with a physical exam or imaging, so you have real answers and relief. Visit us or call +1 (929) 928-0175 to speak with a provider.
2. Relying Too Heavily on Pain Medications
Too Much on Painkillers Painkillers serve a purpose, but leaning practically exclusively on them long-term isn’t always the answer without a structured medical plan in place. Over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can provide some temporary relief, but they will not address underlying mechanical or nerve issues.” Worse, surreptitiously taking them day after day without direction can place a strain on your liver, kidneys, or digestive tract.
Pain management doctors in Queens are routinely seeing patients who have been masking their pain for months, letting it grow. A smart plan includes relief in the short term combined with long-term solutions like physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, or minimally invasive intervention.
3. Sleeping or Sitting with Bad Posture
You may even be taking all the right steps during the day, stretching, taking breaks, then undoing it during sleep with the wrong pillow. Or perhaps you’re spending hours hunched over a laptop with no neck support. Bad posture is a major cause of chronic neck pain. Sleeping with your neck bent in an odd position can stiffen the neck and shoulders, leading to pain that lasts for days.
It may feel small to sleep or sit differently (especially when you have an aching neck), but this is one of the first things we address whenever someone says they can’t get rid of neck pain.
4. Waiting Too Long to Get Checked
If you’ve had neck pain for over a week, or it’s radiating into your arms, or is accompanied by tingling or numbness, don’t wait. These are signs of nerve compression, inflammation, or a spine issue that should be addressed promptly. A long wait increases the likelihood that pain will become chronic.
If you’re not sure if your condition is serious, a visit to our team in Queens is a smart next step. We specialize in pain management in Queens, NY, and take walk-ins without long waits.
5. Doing the Wrong Exercises
You tried a stretching video on the internet, and now your neck is hurting more. You might be surprised by how common it is. You’re not sure why you hurt, but some stretches and movements can flare nerves, joints, or soft tissues. If one exercises wrongly, even with the best intentions, one may only delay his recovery or introduce new problems.
When you come in to 뉴욕 의사들, we can show you what movements are good and which ones aren’t, so your rehab is moving you forward, not backward.
Ready for Relief?
At Doctors of New York, we don’t believe in the one-size-fits-all approach to care. Whether your pain started yesterday or has been hindering you for months, we’ll build a personalized treatment plan that gets results without surgery or a lifetime of medication.
Walk in or book an appointment with our practitioners today, right here in Flushing. We’re here to help you feel better, faster.
FAQs
What do you do if your neck hurts for years?
If pain in your neck persists for more than a week or begins to radiate down your arms, it could be symptomatic of something more serious, such as nerve irritation, disc trouble, or joint inflammation. You should go to a provider to get evaluated.
Do I need to go to urgent care for neck pain?
Yes, in particular if the pain is sudden, severe, or interfering with your ability to move your head. Urgent care clinics such as Doctors of New York can evaluate it quickly and help rule out serious problems.
Can stress cause neck pain?
Absolutely. Stress causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, and sometimes even headaches.
What is the best position to sleep in for neck pain?
The best way to sleep is on your back with a thick pillow. Don’t sleep on your stomach; it puts questionable excess strain on the muscles and joints of your neck.
Which is better for neck pain chiropractor or a doctor?
That depends on what’s causing your pain. To address muscle tightness, a chiropractor or physical therapist might be able to assist. For nerve issues, joint damage, or chronic pain, a medical evaluation is recommended first.
When is neck pain serious?
If you have numbness, weakness , and tingling in your arms or hands, or difficulty gripping objects, see a doctor right away. This can be indicative of a nerve problem or something going on with your spine.
Can bad posture really cause long-term neck pain?
Yes. Extended bad posture, particularly when you’re working on computers or hunched over your phone, can cause muscle imbalances and joint strain as well as chronic aches in the neck.
What doctor should I see for neck pain?
Depending on the cause, a pain management specialist, physical therapist, or primary-care provider can assist. At Doctors of New York, we provide walk-in access to all three at one location.