Neck pain results from either inflamed or prolapsed discs, or from inflamed facet joints
Symptoms
Disc pain results in localised or referred pain. Both types can be associated with headaches.
Localised pain is present in the side of the neck and often at the back of the neck. Sometimes lower cervical discs refer pain to the scapula or shoulder blade.
Referred pain occurs when a disc is prolapsed and a nerve root is being irritated, pain radiates in the distribution of supply of the nerve root, e.g. to the shoulder, if the C5 nerve is involved, or further down the arm to the hand, with lower nerve roots.
Cervical facet joint pain is often present if it is difficult to turn the head because of pain or restriction.
Diagnosis
This is made from the history and tests – MRI and SPECT CT. Sometimes a plain X-ray is needed but this is not usually a first line investigation.
Treatment: This depends on the cause and the results of the tests, in particularly the SPECT CT scan.
If facet joints are affected then radiofrequency denervation is very effective and can abolish this pain for many years.
If discs are seen on the SPECT CT to be inflamed, or prolapsed, then transforaminal root blocks with steroid can be very effective.
Follow up physiotherapy is recommended.
For the risks involved in these treatments see here.
How I Can Help
There is no need to suffer with debilitating neck pain; help is at hand! If you are suffering with neck pain and it will not go away despite the passage of time and using simple pain relieving medications, physiotherapy etc., then I can see you for a comprehensive evaluation of your problem.
Sometimes I alone cannot help you and I work closely with colleagues – surgeons, physiotherapists and psychologists which is important in such care – the multidisciplinary team.
Email health@gmail.com or call us on 0845 225 2215 for an appointment. Leave a message if you get through to a voicemail and you will be called back.