Neck
Conditions
- Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Herniated Disc
- Muscle Strain of the Upper Back
- Osteoarthritis of the Spine
- Spinal Stenosis
- Whiplash
Treatments
- Conservative measures (Physical Therapy)
- Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) in the Cervical Spine
- Facet Joint Injections
- Medial Branch Block
- PRP Therapy for Whiplash
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Cervical Facets
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Thoracic Facets
- Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) in the Cervical Spine
- Stellate Ganglion Block
Pain, Stiffness & Weakness
Depending on the cause, neck pain can radiate to other parts of the body. In some cases, neck conditions can affect the chest, shoulders, and arms. You may feel tingling sensations, discomfort, restriction of movement, and even pain in your head.
Neck pain can also come on suddenly or over time. Sudden pain can be the result of trauma to the area or inflammatory conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip, and is a common condition after rear-end car accidents, sports accidents, physical abuse, and other types of traumas, such as a fall.
Alternatively, small discomfort may gradually become a major nuisance causing daily struggles to operate normally. Osteoarthritis of the Spine is a common condition that gradually becomes worse over time. Management of pain and discomfort through physical therapy, medication, and direct intervention can provide lasting relief.
Neck Pain Symptoms
If your neck is in pain, you know it. Still, additional symptoms can help pinpoint the root cause of the discomfort and help in its treatment. The most common neck pain symptoms include:
- Pain in the middle or either side of the neck
- Radiating pain to the shoulders or upper chest
- Pain or weakness in your arms
- Tension headaches
- Restricted movement of the head
- Numbness or tingling
- Clicking or grinding noise
- Dizziness
- Muscles spasms
- Fainting/Losing Consciousness
Numbness or Tingling
Most people have felt numbness and tingling throughout their bodies at some point. Commonly, a nerve can become pinched as the muscles, bones, or other tissues surrounding the nerve apply too much pressure. In most cases, tingling is not life-threatening and the problem will resolve itself. However, when tingling is persistent & chronic, it can be a symptom of more severe conditions that need medical intervention.
Dizziness & Losing Consciousness
Feeling dizzy when turning your head may be due to a pinched artery along your spine. If vertebrae in your spine have shifted, it can cause areas of pressure that cause a reduction in blood flow, leading to dizziness and potentially loss of consciousness. It goes without saying that even if there is no pain involved, losing consciousness is a sign to see an Relevium specialist right away.
Clicking & Grinding
Clicking and grinding as you move your head is called crepitus and is caused by air bubbles being released or tissue and bones moving over each other. It is similar to the sound one hears when at the chiropractor. In most cases, these sounds are natural and may happen regularly as your body moves. However, when caused by trauma or if the sounds are getting worse, an Relevium specialist should be consulted.
Muscle Spasms or Muscle Cramps
Muscle spasms, or muscle cramps, are when a muscle or group of muscles involuntarily and forcibly contract uncontrollably and cannot relax. When it occurs in your neck or spine, it can be especially painful and make it difficult to move. Most spasms last only a few minutes and can be soothed with stretching and applying heat to the area.
Muscle spasms can occur for a variety of reasons from insufficient nutrients to debilitating disorders. When cramps last longer than a few minutes or are recurring, it is time to consult a medical professional. In severe cases, a spasm can last hours or even days.
Treatments for Neck Pain
Neck pain treatments will vary depending on the specific condition and severity. With many years of experience, our team of physicians can recommend the treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. At Relevium, we treat multiple neck conditions.
Depending on the cause & severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:
Interventional Pain Procedures
A range of interventional procedures for pain can be useful in patients with chronic pain who have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments. Most procedures for pain relief involve injecting a local anesthetic or radiofrequency transmitter for instant and long-lasting relief such as:
- Facet Joint Injections
- Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) in the Cervical Spine
- Stellate Ganglion Block
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Cervical Facets
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Thoracic Facets
- Medial Branch Block
- Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) in the Cervical Spine
- PRP Therapy for Whiplash
Neck Pain at Relevium
All of the physicians at Relevium are committed to providing treatment options to help grant patients the opportunity at achieving a greater quality of life. We maintain a patient-centered approach and treat every patient like they are a family or friend. With our wide variety of pain management and regenerative therapies, living pain-free is simply one call away. Call (973) 200-4695 to schedule your appointment and find neck and back pain relief today.