Neck Pain Treatment in Pueblo, CO 

Neck pain is a common condition characterized by an aching sensation in the neck and shoulders. If you are experiencing chronic neck pain and traditional treatments have failed to provide you relief, it may be because an underlying condition such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be the true cause of your pain.

What Is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common condition and can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. The neck is composed of cervical vertebrae and muscles that support the head's weight and allow for movement. When these structures are affected by inflammation, strain, or damage, it can result in discomfort or pain. 

Neck pain typically affects the muscle tissue and connective tissue in and surrounding the muscles. It may be regional or local and is typically characterized by one or more trigger points. Trigger points refer pain to the surrounding areas of the body and are highly sensitive and painful to touch.

The main causes of neck pain include: 

• Poor posture
• Prolonged inactivity 
• TMJ disorder 
• Overuse 

• Injury or damage
• Sleep apnea

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Symptoms of neck pain vary from person to person but commonly include: 

• Stiffness in the neck area
• Restricted movement of the head and shoulders
• Frequent headaches
• Tingling sensations in the arms or hands
• Dizziness or nausea

If you're experiencing persistent neck pain without any apparent cause or after an injury has occurred, it's essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is because neck pain could be an indication of other health issues that need to be addressed. 

At TMJ Sleep Colorado, we provide specialized treatment for neck pain. Our specialist, Dr. Beck, is the only specialist in Pueblo board-certified to provide oral appliance therapy for craniofacial pain, TMD, and sleep apnea. He will conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and the severity and causes of the pain.

Sleep Apnea and Neck Pain 

Sleep apnea is a common condition that occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart repeatedly throughout the night. While this condition can lead to various health concerns, such as fatigue and an increased risk of heart disease, it may also contribute to neck pain. 

During episodes of sleep apnea, the body struggles to maintain proper oxygen levels due to interrupted breathing patterns. This can cause stress on the muscles in the neck area as they work harder than normal to compensate for insufficient oxygen supply. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to experience muscle stiffness or soreness in their necks upon waking up. 

Furthermore, prolonged periods of poor-quality sleep associated with sleep apnea can exacerbate existing neck pain conditions by reducing blood flow and causing inflammation in affected areas. Over time, untreated cases of sleep apnea combined with persistent neck pain can lead to chronic discomfort and other related complications. 

TMJ Disorder and Neck Pain 

The temporomandibular joint is located on either side of your skull and supports the jaw. The proper functioning of this joint is essential for speaking, chewing, yawning, and other functions that involve the muscles in the mouth. 

TMJ disorders cause the TMJ to function improperly, putting the jaw under too much stress, restricting or tightening it up. This can cause significant pain and lead to a host of symptoms and complications, including pain affecting the face, jaw, or neck. Studies have shown that up to 70% of individuals diagnosed with TMD experience muscle tenderness and muscle pain in the cervical spine, which is the neck region of the spine.

Treatment for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by many different factors. Proper diagnosis can be established only after a detailed analysis of the patient’s:

• Specific symptoms

• Medical history
• General health 
• History of injuries

When you visit TMJ Sleep Colorado, Dr. Beck will perform a comprehensive exam, checking your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. You may be asked to perform certain movements so that the doctor can assess your symptoms and better understand the sensations you are feeling. The doctor will also check for signs of muscle weakness and changes in reflexes.

Based on the findings of the examination, Dr. Beck may recommend a customized oral appliance. Oral appliance therapy is a specialized treatment that can effectively address symptoms and relieve neck pain. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard, and it is customized to comfortably fit your mouth and address your specific symptoms and needs. 

Dr. Beck specializes in oral appliance therapy for muscular and joint pain, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, snoring, and other types of pain such as facial and ear pain, and has years of experience providing successful treatment and relief to patients suffering from these conditions. He has been awarded the status of Diplomate in the treatment of TMJ disorders by the American Board of Craniofacial Pain and in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine.

Don’t let pain keep you from being your best and true self. If you are experiencing neck pain and want to learn more about the treatment options we offer, visit TMJ Sleep Colorado at 1619 N Greenwood St #308, Pueblo, CO 81003, or call us at (719) 544-0901.