What is the Anatomy of the Neck?
Seven small vertebrae make up your cervical spine in your neck. In between these vertebrae are discs that provide crucial cushioning and freedom of movement.
Surrounding these vertebrae are supporting players, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all work together to provide your neck with an incredible range of motion and flexibility.
On top of providing movement, your neck is also responsible for supporting your head, which usually weighs between nine and 11 pounds.
Lastly and this is no small task your neck provides safe passage for your central nervous system, connecting your brain to the rest of your body.
With all its responsibilities, it’s easy to see how neck pain can greatly hamper your life.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Around 15% of Americans experience neck pain at least once a year for any number of reasons, including:
- Whiplash
- Degenerative disc disease
- Vertebral fractures
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Herniated disc
- Muscle strain
- Stenosis
The best way to find out what’s at the source of your neck pain is to have one of the doctors evaluate and diagnose your pain.
How is Neck Pain Treated?
After a thorough diagnostic examination, the doctor comes up with a treatment plan that tackles your pain first and foremost. Your doctor typically starts out conservatively, only becoming more aggressive if your neck pain persists.
Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Cervical epidural injections
- Selective cervical epidural and root blocks
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Cervical facet injections and medial branch blocks
- Kyphoplasty for compression fractures
- Discography
Often, your doctor wants you to combine your interventional pain management with at-home care, such as stretching and strength exercises.
It may take time to find the right treatment, but, rest assured, your doctor works with you every step of the way until you find relief.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
