Neck pain is a common problem that affects millions of Americans. Whether it is caused by a car accident, a sporting injury, spinal stenosis, or another condition, ongoing neck pain can be a difficult issue to deal with. Chronic neck pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life and make carrying out daily activities painful or uncomfortable. Therefore, understanding the origins of neck pain and exploring effective treatment options is a great place to start when considering how to manage this condition.
What Is Chronic Neck Pain?
Chronic neck pain refers to persistent discomfort or stiffness in the neck that lasts for more than three months. Unlike acute neck pain, which usually results from sudden injuries or strains and typically resolves within a few days or weeks, chronic neck pain can last for an extended period of time. It can affect daily activities, impact work and have a negative effect on your overall well-being.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain can be caused by a number of factors, including one or more of the following:
Degenerative Disc Disease
The term degenerative disc disease is slightly misleading. Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease. Instead, it refers to the wearing down of the spinal disks. Spinal disks are like small cushions that sit between our vertebrae (bones in the spinal column). These cushions act as shock absorbers and give us the ability to twist, bend, and move comfortably. Everyone’s spinal disks degenerate over time; this is a normal part of aging. However, degenerative disc disease occurs when these cushions start to wear away, and bones begin to rub together. This degeneration can cause chronic neck pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Cervical Spondylosis
Also known as neck osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in the neck. As the disks shrink in size, signs of osteoarthritis may develop. It is important to be aware that for most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, it can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and the formation of bone spurs.
Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joints are connections between the bones of the spine. These can become inflamed or irritated due to age, injury, or repetitive strain. The result is chronic neck pain.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can result in a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. This is also referred to as a “pinched nerve” and can cause chronic neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Effective Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain can be managed with a number of treatment options. Your doctor can speak to you about a personalized approach that includes one or more of the following options:
Conservative Management Options
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common treatments for chronic neck pain. A registered physical therapist can recommend exercises that strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. The exercises used will differ from person to person, and the nature of your pain, existing medical conditions, and current health status will be taken into account.
Occupational therapy
If your neck pain is having a negative impact on how you carry out day to day activities such as work or other physical tasks, occupational therapists can help optimize the workspaces that you spend time in by recommending supportive equipment that can reduce the amount of pain experienced.
Massage Therapy
Professional massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation in the neck and shoulder area. This can provide relief from chronic neck pain. However, massage therapy should only be used following recommendations from your doctor.
Interventional Pain Techniques
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
A cervical epidural steroid injection is a procedure used to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms by reducing inflammation. It is typically used for pain that is the result of nerve injury or damage.
Facet Joint Injection
A facet joint injection contains a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication that is injected directly into the affected facet joint. This action reduces the amount of pain that originates from its source.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA involves using heat generated by radiofrequency waves to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the neck to the brain. This minimally invasive procedure can provide long-lasting pain relief for chronic neck pain.
Although chronic neck pain can significantly impact your daily life, effective treatments are available. Speak to your doctor about exploring techniques such as physical therapy and interventional pain modalities. When used in conjunction with one another, it is possible to find ways to alleviate your neck pain.
