Neck Pain Treatment at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists
3 min read
The neck is a significant body part with great flexibility and use. However, due to its position and frequency of work, it is vulnerable to discomforts and injuries leading to work absenteeism, high medical bills, and even disability cases globally. Nevertheless, at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, a team of well-experienced healthcare providers led by Dr. John Huffman and Dr. Talal Ghazal is committed to helping patients to overcome neck pain in Northern Virginia. The dedicated team uses advanced approaches to diagnose and treat the condition.
Call the office in Virginia or book your consultation via the online tool today to get these relieving services.
Neck pain
The neck consists of vertebrae extending from the skull to the upper torso with shock-absorbent cervical discs cushioning between the bones. The constitution of the ligaments, muscles, and bones in the neck anchor your head and permit motion. Instances of inflammation, injury, or abnormalities trigger neck stiffness or pain.
Causes
The pain or stiffness can occur due to several reasons, as highlighted:
Heart attack
Neck pain can be a sign of a heart attack. However, it manifests in other symptoms like; perspirations, nausea, shortness of breath, arm or jaw pain, and vomiting.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the thin tissue covering the spinal cord and the brain. The inflammation triggers a stiff neck with headaches and fever.
Injury
During sports, accidents, whiplash, or falls, the neck muscles or ligaments can be pushed out of their normal range.
Strain and tension of the muscles
It occurs through certain behaviors and activities like; working for long hours at a desk without rest or switching positions, poor sleeping postures, or neck jerks during exercises.
Other causes
- Fibromyalgia condition that causes pain mostly in the neck region and the entire body.
- Osteoporosis condition results in the weakening of bones in the neck.
- Spondylosis condition of degeneration of cervical discs on the neck, narrowing the space between the vertebrae.
Diagnosis
The healthcare professionals will ask about your medical history and help check for numbness, muscle weakness, tenderness, and how far you can move your head backward, forward, and sideways.
The doctors might recommend a CT scan to give an informative cross-sectional view of the internal neck structures. X-rays will show any pinch on the spinal cord or nerve by degenerated discs or bone spurs. An MRI will offer more detailed informational images of soft tissues, bones, and nerves emanating from the spinal cord.
Treatment
The images obtained from the MRI or X-ray depict the structural challenges that do not show symptoms. The diagnosis helps in developing an individualized treatment schedule.
Depending on the outcome of the diagnosis, Dr. John may recommend one of the following therapies;
- Acupuncture, which involves the use of needle insertions into specific body parts under pressure.
- Avoid sudden movements that constitute circular rolling of shoulders backward and forward, pressing together shoulder blades in a given position for a few seconds repeatedly, and cautiously turning your head from one side to another.
- Chiropractic care involves joint and muscle manipulation to provide relief.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers.
Additionally, you can prevent neck stiffness or pain by using ergonomic working tools, avoid bad habits like uncomfortable neck positions, quit smoking, and regular exercise. Limit using smartphones for longer hours to avoid craning your neck.
Interventional treatment such as injections can be applied, including:
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Facet joint injections
- Medial nerve diagnostic blocks
- Intrathecal drug delivery
- Spinal cord stimulation can be used in long-term opioid pain management
If you are experiencing any of the discussed symptoms, contact the office in Virginia today via call or online tool for a closer and professional intervention in your condition.
