Neck Pain
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Pain Physicians of Indiana
Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in Merrillville, IN
Neck pain can radiate through your shoulders or lead to headaches that can make it difficult to think straight or move your head properly. Expert physician Tarek H. Shahbandar, MD, offers effective testing and treatments to determine what’s causing your neck pain and the best way to treat it at the Pain Physicians of Indiana, P.C., in Merrillville, Indiana. From lifestyle changes to selective nerve root blocks, there are myriad treatments available to ease your pain and headaches. Book your personal consultation by calling the office or clicking on the online scheduler today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Some of the possible causes of neck pain include:
- Consistently carrying a bag on the same shoulder
- Cervical spondylosis
- Emotional stress
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Injury or trauma from accidents
- Worn joints
- Whiplash
Mild neck pain can subside within a few days. Chronic neck pain lasts for several weeks or longer.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
To diagnose your neck pain, Dr. Tarek Shahbandar typically starts by discussing your medical and family history and your current symptoms. He might also request any necessary testing or imaging, such as an MRI, X-rays, or blood work.
Dr. Shahbandar checks for numbness, tenderness, and muscle weakness in your neck and shoulder area and evaluates how your neck functions.
How is neck pain treated?
In some cases, your neck pain might respond to exercises, alternating heat and ice packs, massages, soft collars and other supportive devices for your neck, warm showers, and better posture.
Dr. Shahbandar might suggest lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and nutrition, and the limited use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories.
Spinal stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation therapy involves a procedure to place a small implantable device under your skin. When switched on, the device delivers gentle electrical pulses through thin wires from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of your spinal cord. The electrical pulses mask and modify the pain signals from reaching your brain.
Epidural steroid injections
With epidural steroid injections, corticosteroids and local anesthesia are typically injected into the epidural space around your spinal cord to decrease pain, inflammation, and swelling. Dr. Shahbandar also offers selective nerve blocks to specifically target an inflamed and irritated nerve root.
Radiofrequency neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the function of your nerves and block your nerves from sending pain signals.
Intrathecal pump
An intrathecal pump involves surgically placing a small pump under the skin of your abdomen that delivers a special medication through a catheter to the area around your spinal cord and nerves. The pump is programmed and slowly releases medication depending on your changing needs.
Percutaneous disc decompression
Percutaneous disc decompression is a procedure to remove tissue from the center of the disc to reduce pressure within the disc. This also reduces the pressure the disc applies to nerve roots or the spinal cord.
Dr. Shahbandar can help you relieve your neck pain. Call or schedule online today.
