Neck Pain

About Neck Pain

A bad night’s sleep, poor posture at your desk, stress or injury can all be causes of neck pain. Your neck is the least protected part of your spine, which makes it more susceptible to injury or disorders that cause pain and restrict your movement. Neck pain can be temporary for some people, while others may need a neck pain doctor to diagnose and treat the cause and symptoms. At UT Health Austin, our neck pain doctors understand that neck pain can range from a minor irritation to a major disruption in your personal and work life. Our goal is to relieve your neck pain, using the least invasive medical treatments, allowing you to get back to your life.

When is neck pain an emergency?

If you have severe or increasing pain, changes in the way you walk or in your bowel or bladder function, clumsy hands, or have had significant trauma or a history of cancer or recent neck surgery, you should seek immediate emergency care.

Treating Neck Pain at UT Health Austin

Depending on the type and severity of your neck pain, the team will develop the best neck pain treatments customized for you. Your evaluation will include a thorough history and physical examination, and may also include imaging studies such as x-rays or an MRI. Based on the type and severity of your neck pain, the team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that may be as simple as an exercise program you can do on your own, or more aggressive treatment with medications and/or injections. Your UT Health Austin neck pain specialist will help you understand the risks and benefits of your treatment plan and fully support you during your recovery.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. The Back and Neck Pain Center care team includes back and neck pain specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, social workers, dietitians, and more who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide you with innovative care. While treatment may be as simple as patient education (understanding the diagnosis) or completing exercises at home or under the supervision of a physical therapist, it may also involve medications, injections, or even surgery. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed.

Learn More About Your Care Team