Neck Pain Specialists: 5 Treatments for Lasting Relief

Neck pain can feel like a constant weight on your shoulders. You might wake up with stiffness, or it may gradually worsen throughout the day as you sit at your desk or perform daily tasks. Perhaps you’ve felt a sharp pain in your neck after a sudden movement, or maybe it’s a dull ache that won’t go away. Whether it’s caused by poor posture, muscle strain, or something more severe, neck pain can significantly affect your daily life. It might limit your ability to turn your head, sleep comfortably, or even concentrate at work.

If you’re experiencing neck pain that doesn’t seem to improve with rest or basic neck pain treatments, it’s time to consult with a neck pain specialist at VIP Medical Group. Our team of expert pain treatment doctors is dedicated to helping you find relief with advanced, minimally invasive neck pain treatments tailored to your specific needs. We offer a range of solutions, from injections to targeted therapy, to alleviate pain and restore your quality of life.

1. Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are one of the most common neck pain treatments we offer at VIP Medical Group. The epidural space is a region surrounding the spinal cord, and inflammation can cause pain radiating to the neck, arms, or shoulders. The injection delivers a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the epidural space, directly targeting the inflamed nerves.

The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, which helps alleviate pain, while the local anesthetic numbs the affected area immediately. This combination reduces pain that originates from the spine and surrounding nerves, allowing the body to heal more efficiently. The procedure is minimally invasive and generally takes less than an hour, with minimal downtime.

Epidural injections are ideal for patients experiencing pain due to conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. If your neck pain is caused by nerve irritation or inflammation, this treatment may provide significant relief. Most patients experience pain relief for several months, allowing them to resume normal activities without persistent discomfort.

2. Facet Joint Injections

Your spine is made up of small joints called facet joints, which allow movement and flexibility. When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they can cause neck pain. Facet joint injections target the joints causing pain by injecting steroids and anesthetic into the facet joint.

The steroid medication reduces inflammation in the affected joint, while the anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the pain. This procedure helps to confirm whether the facet joint is the source of your neck pain. If you find significant relief from the injection, it’s a strong indication that further neck pain treatments or targeted therapy will be beneficial.

Facet joint injections are ideal for patients with chronic neck pain due to conditions such as arthritis, spondylosis (spinal degeneration), or facet joint syndrome. This treatment works well for those whose pain is localized to the neck area and may radiate into the shoulders. Facet joint injections provide relief for weeks or even months, depending on the individual’s condition.

3. Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Thermal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an advanced neck pain treatment that uses radiofrequency waves to heat and deactivate nerve fibers that transmit pain signals. By targeting the specific nerves responsible for your neck pain, RFA offers long-lasting relief.

During the procedure, a needle is inserted near the nerve causing pain. Radiofrequency waves are then used to heat the nerve and stop it from transmitting pain signals to the brain. While the nerve is deactivated, it doesn’t cause permanent damage, allowing your body to adjust and recover. This procedure is particularly effective for patients with chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease.

RFA is most beneficial for patients with chronic neck pain that has not responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications. It is especially effective for patients with pain due to arthritis or issues with the facet joints. Patients who undergo RFA typically experience pain relief for several months or longer.

4. Genicular Nerve Block

The genicular nerve block is another highly effective treatment for relieving neck and shoulder pain caused by nerve irritation. This procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic into the genicular nerve cluster, which is located near the neck and upper back. By blocking the nerve signals, this treatment can reduce pain and inflammation.

The injection blocks the pain signals being sent from the nerves to the brain, offering immediate relief from neck and shoulder pain. This technique is particularly useful when the pain is coming from specific nerve pathways rather than widespread spinal issues. It can also help diagnose the cause of the pain by observing whether the symptoms improve following the injection.

This treatment is ideal for patients with localized neck and shoulder pain, particularly those who have not found relief with other treatments. It’s also effective for patients with nerve irritation who do not require a more invasive procedure. Most patients experience relief within days, which can last for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition.

5. Iovera

Iovera is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that relieves neck pain by freezing the nerves responsible for transmitting it. It is particularly effective for patients with neck pain resulting from chronic conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease.

The Iovera device uses a controlled cooling process to target the specific nerves responsible for your pain. The cooling therapy effectively numbs the nerves, offering immediate relief. Over time, the treated nerves regenerate, and the pain often doesn’t return as strongly.

Iovera is perfect for patients with chronic neck pain that has not responded to other neck pain treatments. If you are looking for a non-surgical option to manage nerve-related pain, Iovera can offer significant relief. This treatment is especially effective for patients who need to return to their daily activities quickly, as the procedure is quick and requires little downtime.

Why Neck Pain Treatment from a Pain Treatment Specialist is Essential

Seeking treatment from a neck pain specialist is essential because diagnosing and treating neck pain requires a comprehensive approach. Neck pain can stem from various causes, including nerve irritation, muscle strain, joint problems, and degenerative conditions. A pain treatment specialist has the knowledge and experience to determine the exact cause of your pain and recommend a tailored treatment plan that fits your needs.

At our pain treatment center, our specialists are highly trained to diagnose neck pain and provide neck pain treatments. We work with 100+ medical insurance companies and provide comprehensive care in New York, New Jersey, California, and Maryland, making it easy to access the best care for your neck pain. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our expert knee pain doctors or neck pain doctors today, and find the relief you deserve.