If you’re experiencing neck pain, it may be caused by a specific spinal problem that can be diagnosed and treated, such as arthritis, nerve compression, infection, fracture, or a tumor or other growth. However, most neck pain is defined as nonspecific, which means that it isn’t caused by any specific pathology. Read on to learn more about treatment options for nonspecific neck pain.
Common causes for nonspecific neck pain include strain on the neck (for example, bending it for a long period of time or sleeping on an unfamiliar pillow) as well as age related wear and tear. Usually, neck pain is defined as nonspecific unless it is combined with pain traveling down the arm or weakness in the hands. If you do have either of those sympto determine the cause of your pain.
While nonspecific neck pain has no cure, it typically resolves itself after a few days. You can help alleviate some of the pain with home remedies, such as stretching, rest, and over the counter anti-inflammator can recommend exercises that may help. Applying heat or ice might also be helpful.
Another recommendation is tors avoid prescribing medications for neck pain unless it persists for longer than a few days and is not resolved with over the counter medications combined with self care strategies.
One of the most common causes of specific neck pain is a whiplash injury, typically associated with a car accident. If you’re involved in a collision, see your docto those for nonspecific neck pain.
If your neck pain is combined with headaches, it’s important tor can recommend exercises that may be beneficial.
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About the Author
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, with 20+ years of clinical experience in advanced rehabilitative medicine. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment ((SMST), and the only clinician in New York certified by the ISMST to perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), and has developed his own unique approach to dynamic functional and fascial ultrasonography.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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