Neck pain is prevalent in millions across the world. Neck pain may be caused by factors as simple as a strain of muscles to as serious as spinal problems in the neck. Lots of individuals experience pain and tenderness that make normal activities a challenge.
The most typical cause of neck pain is poor posture, as it happens most frequently in those individuals who have to work in front of computers. Whiplash, herniated discs, and degenerative arthritis, which occurs as a result of wear and tear, are other common causes. At Total Pain Specialist Clinic, we provide less-invasive techniques that can alleviate your pain without the need to undergo major surgery. Let’s discover what some of these are.
1. RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)
RFA is a non-invasive procedure that employs heat to curb pain transmissions in injured nerves. This process is aimed at tapping certain nerve pathways for the transmission of pain to your brain. It becomes a long-term treatment of chronic pain in the neck due to joint issues or nerve root irritation.
In RFA, a slender needle is used to apply highly controlled heat to problematic nerves around the spine region. It stops the nerves from sending pain messages effectively. The procedure is done as an outpatient treatment, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days. At our pain clinic, we use advanced RFA techniques to help patients whose pain may not respond to other treatments.
2. Injection Therapies
Injection therapies are used to administer medicine to the source of neck pain in structures and spinal muscles. All these therapies can lessen the inflammation and reduce pain. One of the common types is an epidural steroid injection that is aimed at fighting inflammation around the nerve root in the cervical spine.
Other types of injections are trigger point injections to relieve tight knots in muscles and facet joint injections to relieve pain in the joints. These therapies are fast and can help determine the origin of the pain. The doctor can employ X-rays in order to have the correct placement of the medicine. Our specialists apply a multi-modal treatment system, including the utilisation of such injection-based therapies.
3. Nucleoplasty Decompression
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure which is used in the treatment of herniated discs in the neck. This is a treatment that removes small traces of the disc pressing on nerves by using controlled energy. It is far less invasive than regular surgery and has shorter rebound periods.
The procedure can alleviate tension on the nerve roots and spinal cord that may lead to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. The majority of the patients can go home on the same day and resume light activities after a week. Nucleoplasty has been most successful on patients whose disc issues can be easily seen through MRI scans. Our specialists thoroughly assess the patient to ensure that this musculoskeletal therapy suits them.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will help you learn some exercises and techniques for strengthening neck muscles and improving posture. A good physical therapist will demonstrate stretches that will help you keep stiffness away and avoid future injuries. They also educate on proper body mechanics in everyday tasks.
Therapy can incorporate massage, heat treatment and certain exercises suited towards your condition. Learning how to sleep properly with the proper support of a pillow can greatly assist in reducing morning pain levels. Physical therapy is particularly beneficial to individuals whose neck discomfort arises due to muscle imbalances or movement-related issues. At our pain clinic, we advise patients on the use of physical therapy along with our non-invasive procedures to further alleviate neck pain.
5. Other Methods
There are a few more non-invasive treatments capable of controlling neck pain. These consist of drugs, behavioural changes and alternative therapy, which many patients believe are beneficial. The trick is to make the right combination that suits your circumstances. These may be in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and topical pain creams.
Some individuals respond to acupuncture, massage or chiropractic care. Some of the changes you can make to save yourself discomfort daily include better ergonomics around the office and switching to a different pillow. We assist patients at our clinic to make decisions on their available options regarding how to manage their pain with more effective solutions.
Final Thoughts
Neck pain cannot dominate your life. There are many non-invasive options that may give substantial relief without the dangers of surgery. The trick is to work with professionals who are involved with the tricky nature of what causes neck issues so that they can develop an individual treatment programme.
At Total Pain Specialist Clinic, our speciality is in minimally painful procedures that ensure that patients are able to resume normal activities soon, in a healthy way. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive treatment of all types of neck pain, including acute injuries and chronic ones. To get started on the path toward long-term resolution of neck pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Total Pain Specialist