Neck Pain

What is the Anatomy of the Neck?

Seven small vertebrae make up your cervical spine in your neck. In between these vertebrae are discs that provide crucial cushioning and freedom of movement.

Surrounding these vertebrae are supporting players, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles, which work together to give your neck an incredible range of motion and flexibility.

Your neck provides movement and is also responsible for supporting your head, which usually weighs between nine and 11 pounds.

Lastly — and this is no small task — your neck provides safe passage for your central nervous system, connecting your brain to the rest of your body.

With all its responsibilities, it’s easy to see how neck pain can significantly hamper your life.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Around 15% of Americans experience neck pain at least once a year for any number of reasons, including:

Whiplash

Degenerative disc disease

Vertebral fractures

Fibromyalgia

Arthritis

Herniated disc

Muscle strain

Stenosis

The best way to determine the source of your neck pain is to have one of the doctors at Austin Pain Relief evaluate and diagnose it.

How is Neck Pain Treated?

After a thorough diagnostic examination, your doctor at Austin Pain Relief has a treatment plan that tackles your pain first and foremost. Your doctor typically starts out conservatively, only becoming more aggressive if your neck pain persists.

Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

Cervical epidural injections

Selective cervical epidural and root blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks

Spinal cord stimulation

Cervical facet injections and medial branch blocks

Kyphoplasty for compression fractures

Discography

Often, your doctor wants you to combine your interventional pain management with at-home care, such as stretching and strength exercises.

It may take time to find the right treatment, but, rest assured, your doctor works with you every step of the way until you find relief.

Arthritis in the Neck: Other Causes

Arthritis
A common cause of neck pain, arthritis of the joints in the vertebrae (facet joints) usually develops as we age. The vertebral bones slowly degenerate over time and can pinch nerves or other supportive tissue to cause inflammation. Depending on the amount of degeneration and the location of arthritis, you may experience pain in your neck, upper back, shoulders, as well as radicular symptoms in the arms.

Disc Disease
The cartilaginous discs between our vertebral bones degenerate as we age, resulting in a loss of disc space between the vertebrae. Spinal stability may decrease, and the vertebrae may react by increasing bone growth (called bone spurs). These growths may put pressure on the spinal roots causing inflammation, or the spinal cord to cause pain. Several treatments are available, depending on the location and amount of degeneration.

Fibromyalgia
Common syndrome where the person has whole body pain with “tender points” of pain in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. The cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, but often mimics other chronic pain problems. Triggers for Fibromyalgia may include emotional or physical trauma, infections, activity, weather, anxiety, or stress.

Vertebral Fractures
Stress fractures as a result of trauma or osteoarthritis of the vertebrae may lead to vertebral fractures. Symptoms of fractures vary greatly on the severity and location of the fracture but may include: achy and dull sensation, muscle weakness or spasms, numbness/tingling, or paralysis in severe cases.

Whiplash
Rapid back and forth motion of the head (often occurs in car accidents) may cause neck pain radiating to nearby tissues. The hyperextension strains ligaments and muscles and may affect the vertebral discs as well. Symptoms usually improve with conservative treatment.

Don’t let neck pain interfere with your life. Call Austin Pain Relief or complete the online form to schedule an appointment.