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Neck Pain

Everything you need to know

There’s no need to live with ongoing neck pain when there are safe and effective treatments available at Ortho Spine Life. The practice offers comprehensive diagnostics combined with customized treatment plans all provided by caring and compassionate medical professionals. If you’re ready to explore these options, schedule a visit with OSL today.

What are some common symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain can manifest in many different ways. You might notice an increase in overall muscle tightness or spasms. Headaches could occur more frequently than normal. You may have trouble moving your head, or you might see a spike in discomfort when you hold your head in one position for long periods of time.

Occasional neck pain is nothing to be concerned about. You should also seek immediate care if neck pain follows a traumatic injury such as a motor vehicle accident or fall or any of the following:

• Severe pain
• Pain accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling
• Pain that spreads down your legs or arms
• Pain that doesn’t lessen after several days

What are some common causes of neck pain?

Occasional neck pain can stem from something as simple as sleeping in an odd position or trying a new form of exercise. If your neck pain persists or is severe, something else could be to blame.

Some of the more common causes of neck pain include:

• Joint degeneration, including osteoarthritis
• Disease, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal cord involvement
• Muscle strain, including repetitive stress or ‘whiplash’
• Injury, including auto accidents, sports injury, and falls
• Nerve compression

Some of these issues can be prevented by improving your posture, wearing proper protective equipment when playing sports, and avoiding placing undue strain on your neck.

How is neck pain treated?

Your specialist begins by diagnosing the cause of your neck pain. Ortho Spine Life has on-site electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) machines which can identify which nerves are triggering pain. Imaging can also help determine the causes of neck pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a great treatment path for neck pain. Your therapist assists you in movements that reduce tension and muscle strain while increasing your range of motion.

Facet joint injections

Facet joint injections in your cervical spine can help in both diagnosing and treating neck pain. Bracing is another tool and acts to restrict neck movements while your body heals.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses an electrical current to heat and destroy a small area of targeted tissue, which decreases pain signals from being transmitted from the nerves in that area to your brain. Relief usually lasts 6-12 months and can last for years in some men and women.

Non-surgical interventional epidural injection

Non-surgical interventional epidural injection techniques may be used to treat disc and nerve related pain.  Using the most advanced options available should always be a part of your treatment plan.  We are familiar with the latest innovation such as platelet rich plasma and other biologics used to treat painful discs and associated nerve problems.  Our patients and practitioners alike have found improved outcomes with the use of these agents.

Medication

Medications may play a role in managing your pain, but every effort is made to achieve lasting relief without undue reliance on pharmaceuticals. Call or book an appointment online today to take the first step to resolving your neck pain at Ortho Spine Life.