How to Get to the Root of Your Chronic Neck Pain

Your neck (cervical spine) is composed of the spine’s first seven vertebrae. They allow for a wide range of motion, but because they have to support the weight of the head, which averages about five kilograms (11 pounds) in an adult, they’re susceptible to injury and decay, which can lead to pain. If the pain lasts for three months or more, it’s considered chronic.

Chronic pain can be debilitating, but you don’t have to endure it. There are effective treatments that can alleviate the pain and improve your quality of life.

At Interventional Pain Center, Dr. James Stephens offers pain management services, including a wide array of treatments for neck pain. Here’s what’s involved in getting to the root cause of your pain and ensuring you get pain-free as quickly as possible.

Causes of neck pain

Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

Muscle strains

Overuse causes most muscle strains. One of the most common reasons for neck pain these days is called “tech neck.” It means sitting for too long with your neck bent looking at your phone, tablet, or computer. Screens should be placed at eye level with your neck upright to be ergonomically sound.

Worn joints

Just like the other joints in the body, neck joints tend to suffer wear-and-tear over time. In response, the body may form bony spurs that can affect the joint’s motion and cause pain.

Nerve compression

Bone spurs in the neck vertebrae can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord. So can the inner material of an intervertebral disc that herniates.

Injuries

Rear-end auto collisions frequently cause whiplash injuries, where the head jerks rapidly backward and then forward. This motion strains the soft tissues of the neck and can lead to severe pain.

Diagnosing the root of chronic neck pain

Because different causes of neck pain require different treatments, it’s important to identify the root cause to know how to proceed.

When you come into the office with neck pain, Dr. Stephens asks you about your medical history, reviews your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Then, he may order imaging or other testing to better understand the source of the problem.

Some possibilities include:

X-rays reveal areas where the nerves or spinal cord might be pinched by bone spurs or other material.

CT scans combine multiple X-ray images to produce detailed cross-sectional views of neck structures.

MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to image bones and soft tissues like discs and nerves.

Since imaging evidence of structural problems in the neck can be present without symptoms, these studies should be evaluated only alongside a medical history and physical exam.

Another diagnostic test is electromyography (EMG), which can determine whether neck pain may be related to a pinched nerve by measuring nerve conduction velocity. If the speed is affected, nerve damage may be the problem.

Treatment depends on the root cause of your pain, and it may include anything from physical therapy to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to anti-inflammatory medication. Dr. Stephens draws up a detailed treatment plan once he has a diagnosis.

If your neck hurts all the time and you can’t get relief, Interventional Pain Center can help. Call our office at 405-759-8407 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephens today.