Neck Pain
Neck pain is a frequent issue that can be caused by various factors. It can present as a sharp or dull, constant or occasional pain. Sometimes it can be accompanied by pain in the arms. Neck pain can be caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine such as disc and joint issues, which can lead to compression of nerve roots or the spinal canal. Whiplash, a common injury from car accidents or sports, is another frequent cause of neck pain.
A diagnosis can be made by taking a patient’s history and conducting a physical examination. Imaging tools such as X-rays, CT, or MRI can aid in determining the underlying cause of the pain.
Neck Pain Treatments
The treatment can involve conservative measures such as a home exercise program, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, patients may need prescription medications like gabapentin or lyrica. If pain continues to be an issue, then procedures like trigger point injections, cervical epidural steroid injections or radio frequency ablations can be performed based on the cause of pain.