Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition experienced by many individuals. Neck pain may be caused by injury, trauma, whiplash injury, strains, facet joint disease, disc problems, arthritis, cervical spondylosis, post surgical pain or referred pain (such as pain associated with a heart attack). The most common cause of neck pain is related to injuries of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The quality of neck pain can be dull, sharp, aching, burning, cramping, electric, or stabbing. Generally individuals may also have decreased range of motion of their neck, pain radiating to the arm and hand or up into the head, and associated headaches (cervicogenic headaches) are common. In addition, various neurologic symptoms may be experienced in the arm if the nerve root is being affected. Some of these symptoms are burning pain, numbness or weakness. Most cases of neck pain will resolve with conservative therapy, but the pain should be investigated by your physician if symptoms are not improving, there is trauma involved, neurologic symptoms are involved or the symptoms are progressing.

The workup of neck pain will include a comprehensive history and physical exam by your Pain Management Physician and may involve diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRI’s, Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCV), lab tests, diagnostic injections/procedures. Once a specific diagnosis is obtained a treatment regimen is formed for each individual patient.

The treatment of neck pain is targeted at treating the source of the neck pain. Generally treatment will consist of a combination of rest, medications, physical therapy and exercise, modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, TENS unit, etc), possible bracing, targeted injection therapy, and possible surgery. Common medications that may be prescribed are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include ibuprofen, naproxen and others, muscle relaxers including flexeril, skelaxin, and pain medications including tramadol and possibly opioids. Interventional procedures may be needed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Common injections for neck include; trigger point injections, cervical epidural steroid injections, cervical facet joint block, occipital nerve blocks, Botox injections, selective nerve root blocks, and more advanced treatments include spinal cord stimulators.

Our Fellowship Trained Pain Management Physicians will guide you through the treatment of your neck pain. Our goal is to relieve your pain and help you live life to the fullest.

For more information on how we can help you, please visit our Services and Conditions sections, or to schedule a Consultation with one of our Board Certified Physicians, Contact Us today.