Neck Pain Specialist

Houtan A. Taba, MD -  - Orthopedic Surgeon

Houtan A. Taba, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in Houston, TX & Pearland, TX

You’re not alone if you’re suffering from a sore neck after spending all day hunched over your computer. Though neck pain isn’t always a serious health concern, for some the symptoms can be severe and chronic, and affect your quality of life. Houtan Taba, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with offices in the Texas Medical Center area of Houston and Pearland, Texas, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain. To schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment through the online booking tool today.

Neck Pain Q&A

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is a common pain complaint that refers to any discomfort you experience in or around your neck. Your pain may be due to any inflammation, damage, or overuse that affects any of the components that make up your neck, including the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or nerves. 

In addition to any soreness in your neck, your neck pain may also cause:

  • Headaches
  • Decrease in head mobility
  • Muscle spasms

In most cases, neck pain isn’t serious and resolves on its own with at-home care. 

What causes neck pain?

The weight of your head and the flexibility of your neck leaves you vulnerable to neck injuries that may lead to pain. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

  • Strains and sprains
  • Arthritis
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease

Your neck pain may develop after an injury, such as a rear-end car accident resulting in whiplash, or because of poor posture. However, many causes of chronic neck pain are due to the degenerative changes that occur in your spine as you get older. 

When should I seek medical care for my neck pain?

In most cases, neck pain resolves on its own within a few days. However, you should contact Dr. Taba to schedule a consultation if your neck pain is severe or chronic. 

You should also seek medical care if your neck pain also causes tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels to your arms or legs.

Dr. Taba is an experienced orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, and he conducts comprehensive exams to find the root cause of your pain. 

During your visit, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical. To confirm or rule out the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Taba may request diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. 

How is neck pain treated?

Dr. Taba develops individualized plans for the management of neck pain based on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Though an expert surgeon, he always takes a nonoperative approach first. 

Initially, he may recommend:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Tools to improve posture
  • Injections

If conservative measures fail to improve your condition, or especially if your symptoms are debilitating, Dr. Taba may suggest surgical intervention. 

He offers many procedures unique to him to address your specific needs, including minimally invasive spine surgery, cervical disc replacement, and laminoplasty. 

To get relief from your neck pain, call the office of Houtan Taba, MD, or request an appointment online today.