Towards Relief: Effective Chronic Neck Pain Treatments

What to Expect from This Article

In this post, we’ll explore what chronic neck pain is and the symptoms of chronic neck pain. Next, we’ll explore surgical chronic neck pain treatments and non-surgical ones.

We’ll also explore how J. Flowers Institute can help you heal from chronic neck pain. Read on to find out everything you need to know about chronic neck pain treatments.

Chronic Neck Pain Treatments: What is Chronic Neck Pain?

Chronic neck pain is a common condition. It is characterized by pain or discomfort in the neck region that lasts for an extended period, typically two months or more.¹

It’s termed “chronic” because of its persistence or recurrence. This makes it different from “acute” neck pain, which is short-term and often a result of a minor injury or strain.

The Anatomy of the Neck

The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Between these vertebrae are cervical discs that absorb shock.

There are also bones, ligaments, and muscles of the neck supporting the head. These allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury within these structures can lead to chronic neck pain.

The causes of chronic neck pain can be multifaceted and may include a variety of factors. We’ll talk more about this in the next section.

Levels of Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain can vary from a mild, annoying ache to severe, debilitating pain. It can be localized to one spot or diffused over an area.

Chronic neck pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Tingling and numbness in the arms

Chronic neck pain can also affect sleep, mood, and daily activities. This emphasizes the importance of seeking appropriate chronic neck pain treatments.

Chronic Neck Pain Diagnosis

Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and a patient’s medical history. Doctors may also use imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to help determine the exact cause.

Muscle Strains and Tension

Overuse of the neck muscles, often due to poor posture or prolonged periods in an awkward position, can lead to chronic neck pain.

Examples include:

• Cradling a phone between your neck and shoulder
• Spending long hours hunched over a computer, a smartphone, or even a book

The overuse can cause the neck muscles to fatigue and strain, resulting in chronic pain.²

Nerve Compression

Herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.

This compression can lead to chronic neck pain, often characterized by:

• Sharp, shooting pain
• Numbness
• Weakness in the arms or handsSharp, shooting pain
• Numbness
• Weakness in the arms or hands

Whiplash or Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Most commonly caused by rear-end car accidents, whiplash injuries can result in chronic neck pain.

Similarly, other types of neck injuries can result in persistent pain if they don’t heal properly or cause permanent damage.

Diseases

Certain diseases and medical conditions can result in chronic neck pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain and swelling in the neck.

Meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) often includes neck pain or stiffness as a symptom. Some types of cancer can also cause chronic neck pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of the protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones. 

 

In the neck, osteoarthritis can cause the cushions (discs) between your neck bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate over time. This results in chronic neck pain.

Cervical Spondylosis

This is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. This is an age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your neck. It can cause chronic neck pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy

This is the medical term for when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or compressed, causing pain that radiates down into the arm, also known as a ‘pinched nerve.’ This condition can cause chronic neck pain and is often due to a herniated disc or bone spurs.

Fibromyalgia

A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Neck pain is a common symptom in people with fibromyalgia.

Poor Lifestyle Habits

These can include:

• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Smoking
• High levels of stress

All of these factors can contribute to muscle tension and inflammation, thus potentially leading to chronic neck pain.

Infections

Although less common, infections can cause chronic neck pain. These can include:

• Tuberculosis of the neck
• Neck abscesses
• Throat infections
• Infections of the spine bones in the neck (osteomyelitis and septic discitis)

Tumors

Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a tumor in the spine or the neck area. Each of these causes of chronic neck pain has unique characteristics and treatment considerations. It’s important to have a healthcare professional diagnose you.

Persistent Pain

This is the primary symptom of chronic neck pain, characterized by pain that lasts for three months or more. The pain may be constant or come and go. It can range from a mild ache or discomfort to severe, disabling pain.

Stiffness or Tenderness

The neck may feel stiff or difficult to move, often worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. There may also be tenderness in certain areas of the neck.

Headaches

Chronic neck pain is often accompanied by headaches. These headaches particularly include tension-type or cervicogenic headaches, which originate from the neck structures.³

Radiating Pain

The pain may radiate from the neck into the:

• Shoulders
• Arms
• Hands
• Head

This often indicates nerve irritation or compression in the neck.

Numbness or Tingling

Nerve compression or damage can lead to feelings of numbness and tingling. It can also lead to feelings of ‘pins and needles’ in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.

Weakness

If a nerve that controls certain muscles is affected, it can lead to muscle weakness in the arms or hands.

Reduced Range of Motion

You may have difficulty turning your head side to side or tilting your head up and down. This can interfere with daily activities like driving or exercising.

Trouble Swallowing or Speaking

Some people with chronic neck pain may also experience difficulty with swallowing or changes in voice. This is due to the proximity of the throat and voice box to the cervical spine.

Popping or Grinding Noises

Some people may hear popping or grinding sounds in their necks when they move them. This is often due to changes in the joints and ligaments of the neck.

Dizziness or Vertigo

In some cases, particularly with conditions like cervical vertigo, chronic neck pain may be accompanied by dizziness or a feeling of the room spinning.

Fatigue

Chronic pain can often lead to general fatigue, as the body is continually trying to cope with the discomfort.

Remember, chronic neck pain can manifest differently in different people. If you are experiencing persistent neck pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention to accurately diagnose the cause and find an effective treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Chronic Neck Pain Treatments

These include the following:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common non-surgical chronic neck pain treatment. It involves exercises and treatments to help reduce pain and restore function. It also helps prevent further injury.

Physical therapy might include stretching, strengthening exercises, and posture training.

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are often used as a first-line chronic neck pain treatment. These might include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen
• Muscle relaxants
• Opioids

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

This non-invasive treatment involves using a small device to deliver low-voltage electrical current to the skin. This can help relieve chronic neck pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections

These are injections of corticosteroid medication directly into the space outside of the sac of fluid around your spinal cord. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic neck pain.

Trigger Point Injections

These injections are given directly into painful knots of muscles (trigger points) in your neck to alleviate pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to manage chronic neck pain. The idea is to improve spinal motion and improve the body’s physical function.

Acupuncture

This is an ancient Chinese medical practice. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body.

It can help to reduce chronic neck pain by affecting neurotransmitters, hormone levels, or the immune system.⁴

Massage Therapy

This involves manipulating the muscles and other soft tissues to relieve tension and alleviate chronic neck pain.

Mind-Body Therapies

This includes techniques like:

• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Tai chi

They can help reduce chronic neck pain by teaching you how to relax and better manage your response to pain.

Surgical Chronic Neck Pain Treatments

Surgery is typically the last resort for chronic neck pain treatment. It is used when other options have not worked and if the pain is due to a condition that can be improved with surgery.

Each of these chronic neck pain treatments has potential benefits and risks. It’s important to consult with your doctor on which one of these chronic neck pain treatments is best for you.

Aftercare for Chronic Neck Pain Treatments

Following a chronic neck pain treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, the aftercare process is vital for achieving the best possible outcome and reducing the likelihood of pain recurrence.

Aftercare often involves a combination of the following:

• Self-care measures
• Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider
• A prescribed rehabilitation program

Examples of Aftercare Programs

Some examples of aftercare programs include the following:

• Pain management
• Rest
• Gentle exercise
• Heat and cold therapy
• Maintaining good posture
• Regular doctor’s appointments
• Lifestyle adjustments like healthy eating and hydration
• Stress management

What We Offer

At J. Flowers Health, we understand that chronic pain can be challenging to live with. That’s why we offer several evidence-based chronic neck pain treatments to ensure that you don’t have to.

Some of these treatment approaches include:

• Biofeedback therapy
• Physical therapy
• Use of medications for pain management
• Alternative therapies like yoga and meditation

Our Treatment Environment

In addition to the above, we recognize that there is a direct link between effective chronic neck pain treatments and the treatment environment. 

 

That’s why we offer individualized chronic neck pain treatments in the most conducive environment that’s perfect for treatment.

Contact J. Flowers Health Today

Reach out to us today, and let us get you started on the path to a pain-free future.