Relieving neck pain: Non-surgical solutions
Dr. Kade Huntsman shares how neck pain can be a constant source of irritation and provides some non-surgical options to alleviate neck pain.
Neck pain can be a constant source of irritation, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. The good news is that there are effective treatments available that prioritize minimal risk, quicker recovery times, and less discomfort compared to surgery. Dr. Kade Huntsman, a renowned spine surgeon, sheds light on some of these non-surgical options to help alleviate neck pain.
Understanding Neck Pain
Neck pain can have various causes, from degenerative conditions that develop over time to sudden injuries like whiplash from a car accident. Since the reasons behind neck pain are diverse, the solutions should be as well. Dr. Huntsman emphasizes the importance of exploring less invasive methods before considering surgery:
"People often underestimate the range of options available for managing neck pain. We have a toolbox filled with conservative treatments that can provide relief, and the majority of patients can experience improvement without resorting to surgery," says Dr. Huntsman.
Here are three less-invasive techniques that Dr. Huntsman recommends to alleviate neck pain:
1. Cervical Steroid Injections
Cervical steroid injections are effective in treating neck pain caused by herniated discs. These discs can lead to excruciating pain radiating down the back and arms. Dr. Huntsman explains the procedure:
"The term 'epidural' might evoke thoughts of childbirth, but it refers to the space around the spinal cord where the treatment is administered. We inject an anti-inflammatory steroid into this epidural space, which lies between layers of tissue covering the spinal cord. This injection helps reduce pain and inflammation, allowing the body time to heal."
In most cases, individuals with herniated discs in the lower back or neck can naturally recover over time. However, steroid injections can make this healing process less painful and more manageable:
"Patients may receive steroid injections two or three times to relieve pain while the body heals. This technique alleviates inflammation and discomfort, facilitating a quicker return to well-being," Dr. Huntsman notes.
2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a valuable treatment for individuals dealing with neck arthritis. It effectively alleviates pain by interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain:
"While we can't cure arthritis, we can cauterize the nerve endings responsible for transmitting pain signals, offering significant relief," Dr. Huntsman explains.
During the procedure, performed in an injection suite, Dr. Huntsman utilizes X-ray guidance for precise targeting of the tiny nerves in the neck that transmit pain signals to the brain. By using electromagnetic current and a heated needle, he disables these nerves, providing much-needed relief.
3. Trigger Point Injections
For those experiencing pain resulting from whiplash or muscle-related issues, trigger point injections can help relax tight muscles and alleviate stubborn knots:
"While trigger point injections are often used in conjunction with physical therapy, they can be an essential component of pain management," Dr. Huntsman states.
These injections target specific muscle points, providing relief and aiding in overall recovery. Dr. Huntsman highlights the importance of physical therapy as part of the treatment plan for all these non-surgical options:
"Physical therapy is a crucial component, as it helps address muscle weaknesses and ensures proper alignment. Patients learn exercises they can perform at home to maintain strong neck muscles and overall neck health," Dr. Huntsman advises.
Take the First Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
If you're struggling with neck pain, there's no need to endure unnecessary discomfort. Dr. Kade Huntsman and the team at East Falls Sport and Spine offer expert guidance and non-surgical solutions to help you regain a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Huntsman at St. Mark’s Hospital and explore the range of options available to address your neck pain.
Schedule an appointment now! Call to Schedule 801-715-4152
Dr. Kade Huntsman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in treatment of the spine and practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Huntsman specializes in advanced, minimally invasive procedures that allow patients to recover faster. He uses the latest generation of high tech robotic assistance during surgery, which allows him to perform fusion surgeries far less invasively and with much more accuracy. Among other spine procedures and conditions, Dr. Huntsman cares for degenerative conditions of the spine. Scoliosis, spine trauma, intricate spinal surgeries such as cervical spine disc replacements, lateral approaches to the lumbar spine, spinal fusion surgeries, microdiskectomy and decompression procedures for nerve roots. You can learn more about Dr. Huntsman here.