What is neck pain?
Your neck consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae that connect the base of your skull with your thoracic cage. A system of connective tissues, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues also make up your neck. If any one of these components sustains damage or stress, neck pain can result.
Although a relatively small area of your body, your neck serves numerous important functions. Like the rest of your spine, your neck protects your spinal cord. It also supports the weight of your head and enables head movement. You use your neck countless times throughout each day, even though you may not think about this part of your body until you experience pain.
Another type of neck pain doesn’t originate in your neck, but instead comes from other structures like your heart or lungs. This type of pain is called referred pain.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain can have numerous causes, including:
- Whiplash or traumatic injury
- Cervical spondylosis
- Headache
- Sprains and strains
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated disc
This is in no way a comprehensive list. Anything that causes strain or stress on your neck can lead to neck pain, whether the stress originates from inside or outside the body.
How is neck pain treated?
Your treatment plan is created to suit your specific set of needs. Medication may play a role in treating your pain, but the primary focus is on identifying the source of pain and finding a path toward lasting relief.
Facet joint injections can provide both diagnostic and treatment benefits. Each connection of your cervical vertebra has two facet joints on the back side of your spine. The injections deliver a mix of anti-inflammatory medication and an anesthetic directly into the targeted facet joints.
A special X-ray used with a contrast dye helps Dr. Manocha “see” the placement of the needle, ensuring that the medication is delivered to the intended portion of your cervical spine. You’ll remain awake and alert throughout, giving Dr. Manocha feedback as each injection is administered.
If a facet joint injection brings immediate pain relief, that joint is identified as the source of your neck pain. In addition, the injections continue to relieve pain for a period of time afterward.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulator, Sacroiliac Joint Fusion, Neuromodulation, Pain Pump Implant, Injections (Facet, nerve blocks, RDA, head and neck injections, epidural, ultrasound and x-rays are used to perform procedures)
