Neck Pain
Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck pain is often unmistakable, but additional symptoms can help determine its underlying cause and guide treatment. Common symptoms of neck pain include:
Pain in the middle or on either side of the neck
Radiating pain extending to the shoulders or upper chest
Pain or weakness in the arms
Tension headaches
Limited range of motion in the head and neck
Numbness or tingling sensations
Clicking or grinding sounds when moving the neck
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Muscle spasms
Fainting or loss of consciousness
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 Thoracic Facets
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Cervical Facets
- Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) in the Cervical Spine
- Stellate Ganglion Block
Pain, Stiffness, and Weakness in the Neck
Neck pain can sometimes radiate to other areas of the body, including the chest, shoulders, and arms. You may experience sensations such as tingling, discomfort, limited movement, and even pain in the head.
Neck pain can develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause. Sudden pain may result from trauma or inflammatory conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or whiplash. Whiplash occurs from a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip, and is commonly seen after rear-end car accidents, sports injuries, physical abuse, or falls.
On the other hand, gradual discomfort can worsen over time, becoming a daily challenge. Osteoarthritis of the spine is a condition that progressively deteriorates, causing increasing pain and stiffness. Effective management through physical therapy, medication, and targeted interventions can provide long-term relief and help restore normal function.
Numbness and Tingling
Many people experience numbness and tingling in their bodies at some point. This sensation is often caused when a nerve becomes pinched due to excessive pressure from surrounding muscles, bones, or other tissues. In most cases, tingling is not a serious condition and resolves on its own. However, when numbness or tingling becomes persistent or chronic, it can be a sign of underlying conditions that require medical attention and intervention.
Clicking and Grinding Sounds
Clicking and grinding noises when you move your head, known as crepitus, occur when air bubbles are released or when tissue and bones move against each other. This is similar to the sounds often heard during chiropractic adjustments. In most cases, these sounds are natural and may occur regularly as your body moves. However, if these noises are accompanied by trauma or are becoming more frequent or severe, it’s important to consult with a Cellara Pain Institute specialist for further evaluation.
Dizziness & Losing Consciousness
Feeling dizzy when turning your head can sometimes be caused by a pinched artery in your spine. If the vertebrae in your spine have shifted, it may create pressure on certain areas, restricting blood flow and leading to dizziness, or in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Even in the absence of pain, experiencing a loss of consciousness is a critical sign that requires immediate consultation with a Cellara Pain Institute specialist.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms, also known as muscle cramps, occur when a muscle or group of muscles contracts involuntarily and cannot relax. When these spasms happen in the neck or spine, they can be particularly painful and may limit your ability to move. Most spasms resolve within a few minutes and can be relieved through gentle stretching and applying heat to the affected area.
Muscle spasms can be triggered by a variety of factors, from nutrient deficiencies to more serious conditions. If the cramps persist for longer than a few minutes or occur frequently, it’s important to seek medical attention. In some cases, severe spasms can last for hours or even days, requiring professional evaluation and treatment.
Treatments for Neck Pain at Cellara Pain Institute
Neck pain treatments can vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. With years of experience, our team of expert physicians will design a treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. At Cellara Pain Institute, we treat a wide range of neck conditions with the goal of improving your quality of life.
Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Neuromodulation Treatments
Neuromodulation treatments are advanced pain solutions that interact directly with your nervous system using wireless signals. These treatments provide an alternative to traditional pain medications and involve placing a small receiver in the affected areas of your spine. The receiver transmits waves from an external device, allowing you to control the strength and duration of the treatment through an easy-to-use device. Examples of this treatment include Wireless Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation.
Interventional Pain Procedures
A variety of interventional procedures can be beneficial for patients experiencing chronic pain who have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments. These procedures typically involve the injection of a local anesthetic or radiofrequency energy for immediate and lasting pain relief. Some options include:
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
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures allow patients to receive care with minimal recovery time and few restrictions. At Cellara Pain Institute, our physicians utilize the latest techniques to provide effective pain relief with little to no downtime. Treatments for neck and back pain may include:
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) in the Cervical Spine
PRP Therapy for Whiplash
Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Ketamine infusions have proven to be successful in treating chronic pain and depression that have not responded to other treatments. During the therapy, a ketamine solution is administered intravenously over 1-2 hours. This treatment is often considered when traditional therapies have not been effective. Speak with our specialists to determine if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
At Cellara Pain Institute, our physicians are dedicated to providing treatment options designed to help you achieve a better quality of life. We take a patient-centered approach and treat each patient as if they were family or a close friend. With our diverse range of pain management and regenerative therapies, living pain-free is just one call away. Contact us today at 973-377-6700 to schedule your appointment and find relief from neck and back pain.