Chronic neck pain has many causes – From the general breakdown of the cervical area to arthritis to the herniation of the cervical discs and other less common causes.
In this article we will take a look at possible causes of neck pain, and see what typical non-surgical treatment options are available.
Causes of Chronic Neck Pain:
Cervical herniated disc – If the outer layer of disc wears away the inside layer may ooze out causing inflammation and pain on that disc. In some cases, all of the inside layer may come out and sit on a nearby nerve root. An option here may be a Selective Nerve root block for pain treatment.
Cervical central stenosis – When the spinal cord near the neck narrows, causing pain or weakness and even less of an ability to reflex the legs or arms. Stenosis of the spine can be treated with radiofrequency ablation.
Degenerative disc – When the cervical disc degenerates because of the lessening of lubrication around the disc with age. In time, this causes a compression in the disc. This will effect nerves nearby causing pain. In some cases, a fracture can occur, in which a possible treatment may be Kyphoplasty.
Other Causes of Neck Pain:
Radiculopathy – Radicular pain effects the low, mid or upper back or neck. It originates in a nerve that is pinched or irritated and radiates outward. This pinched nerve is usually the result of stenosis or herniated disc (as mentioned above).
Cervical osteoarthritis – Arthritis is a major cause of chronic pain. Osteoarthritis in the cervical bone is where the cartilage wears away from the bone causing a rubbing of bone on bone. Possible treatments include a Lumbar Facet Injection or Medial Branch Block.
Fibromyalgia – Difficult to diagnose, this wide-spread pain feels similar to arthritis. Many times, the sensitive areas of fibromyalgia are found in the upper back and neck. Treatments include exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture or chiropractics.
Myofascial pain – Myofascial pain rests in the muscles’ – In trigger points of the body. It is a chronic pain similar to muscle tension, and can sometimes reside in seemingly unrelated parts of the body. Many times these trigger points are in the neck. Treatments might include trigger point injections, physical therapy, acupuncture or TENs therapy.
What to do Next
Call us so we can set up an appointment to discuss your options for chronic pain treatment. Dr Henriquez strives to provide an approach for personal and compassionate care.
Learn more about Chronic Pain
Head and Neck Pain – Conditions and Treatments
