Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder caused by inflammation in the fascia—the connective tissue covering muscles. Unlike common muscle soreness, MPS is characterized by painful trigger points, and small knots in the muscle that can lead to referred pain, making the pain spread to other areas of the body.
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly referred to as a "pinched nerve" in the neck, is a condition that causes pain and discomfort originating from the cervical spine (neck area) and radiates down through the shoulders, arms, and hands. This pain results from compression or irritation of one or more nerves in the cervical spine, often due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or other spinal issues.
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we understand how debilitating a spinal sprain or strain can be. These conditions, which can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions, often lead to significant pain and limit one’s ability to perform daily activities. As an interventional pain management specialist, I, Dr. Jeffery Chacko, MD, am here to provide you with insights into the nature of these injuries, and how interventional pain management can effectively help you find relief and regain mobility.
Limited evidence exists in current medical literature to support certain whiplash treatment methods over others. Aside from a consensus on staying active (if possible), many treatment options appear to come down to the patient’s unique situation and symptoms, as well as preference. For most people, whiplash results in mild ligament sprains and/or muscle strains that heal within a few days or weeks.
Whiplash is diagnosed by a clinician when the patient reports some neck pain in the aftermath of trauma capable of causing an acceleration-deceleration injury – most commonly a motor vehicle accident. However, the specifics of a whiplash diagnosis can be complex and have long been the subject of controversy. In the mid-and late-1800s, there were increasingly common disputes regarding train passengers injured in collisions and whether their claims of the mysterious “railway spine” were legitimate.
For some people, whiplash symptoms can be so minor that they go away within a couple of days. For others, the symptoms can become varied and chronic, ranging from severe pain to cognitive and emotional problems. Whiplash symptoms might manifest immediately following the acceleration-deceleration accident, or they can appear in a few hours or days. Oftentimes the exact underlying cause remains unknown for some whiplash symptoms despite today’s best diagnostic techniques.
Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and forward, putting the cervical spine through lightning-quick motions and extreme stresses. Most cases of whiplash are caused by car accidents where the person has been rear-ended. Other potential whiplash causes, while comparatively rare, can include assault, bungee jumping, rollercoaster, football, falls while skiing or during equestrian events and other high-impact activities where extreme acceleration-deceleration forces might be applied to the cervical spine.
The thoracic spine also referred to as the upper back or middle back is designed for stability to anchor the rib cage and protect vital internal organs within the chest. Compared to the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), the upper back is remarkably resistant to injury and pain. When upper back pain does occur, it is typically due to long-term poor posture or an injury that overpowers the thoracic spine’s sturdiness.
Trigger points are commonly thought to be a sensitive area within a muscle or connective tissue (fascia) that becomes painful when touched or overworked, and sometimes they can refer pain to other parts of the body. There could be numerous possible causes for a trigger point, such as an acute injury, repetitive overuse, or irritation of facet joints in the spine, to name a few.
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