Neck Pain Treatment with Radiology in Houston, TX

Neck pain is a very common condition with a wide range of potential causes, from minor daily habits to more serious medical conditions. One of the most frequent culprits is muscle strain or tension, often a result of poor posture while working on a computer or looking down at a smartphone for extended periods. This is sometimes referred to as “tech neck.” Other common causes include:

Repetitive Stress Injuries: Activities that involve repetitive neck movements, such as swimming or painting ceilings, can lead to muscle fatigue and strain.

Sleeping Position: Sleeping in an awkward position can cause the neck muscles to become stiff and sore.

Physical Injuries: Injuries from a car accident (whiplash), contact sports, or falls can lead to significant neck pain due to a sudden jolt that forces the neck’s soft tissues and joints out of alignment.

Degenerative Conditions: As we age, the cervical vertebrae can undergo wear and tear. This can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage between the bones to wear down, and degenerative disc disease, where the spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity.

Nerve Compression: Conditions such as a herniated disc or bone spurs can put pressure on the nerves branching off the spinal cord, leading to radiating pain.

Neck pain can be a sign of many different underlying issues, and its characteristics can often provide clues to its cause. In most cases, mild to moderate neck pain is a sign of a temporary issue, such as a muscle strain from poor posture or sleeping in an awkward position. This type of pain often resolves on its own within a few days. However, neck pain can also be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition that requires professional attention.

Referred Pain: Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness, can be a sign of a compressed nerve. This is a common symptom of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Infections and Tumors: While rare, persistent or severe neck pain that is not related to an injury can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as spinal infections or, in very rare cases, tumors.

Arthritis: Chronic neck pain, especially when accompanied by stiffness and a grinding sensation, can be a sign of osteoarthritis in the cervical spine.

Systemic Conditions: In some instances, neck pain can be a symptom of a systemic condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. It is always important to pay attention to the nature of the pain and seek medical advice if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Radiology plays a vital role in the diagnosis of neck pain by providing a detailed look at the internal structures of the cervical spine. While a doctor can often make a preliminary diagnosis based on a physical exam and a patient’s description of their symptoms, imaging studies are crucial for confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other conditions. Radiology provides objective evidence of the underlying cause, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

For example, a physical exam might suggest nerve impingement, but a radiologist can use an MRI to precisely locate the source of the compression, whether it’s from a herniated disc, a bone spur, or a thickened ligament. Similarly, for patients who have experienced an injury, X-rays can quickly identify a fracture or a dislocation. This diagnostic clarity allows a doctor to move from a general assumption to a specific diagnosis, ensuring the patient receives the most appropriate and targeted care, which could include physical therapy, injections, or in some cases, surgery. The ability to visualize these structures is a game-changer in modern pain management.

Several different imaging techniques are used to diagnose the cause of neck pain, with each one providing a unique view of the cervical spine’s structures. The choice of which technique to use depends on the suspected cause of the pain.

X-ray: This is often the first imaging technique used. An X-ray provides a quick and affordable way to visualize the bones of the cervical spine. It is excellent for detecting bone-related issues, such as fractures, dislocations, bone spurs, and signs of arthritis. It can also give a general idea of the alignment of the spine.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is the gold standard for viewing soft tissues. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the spinal cord, nerves, discs, and ligaments. This makes it an ideal tool for diagnosing conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and nerve root compression.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan uses a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional views of the bones and soft tissues. While an MRI is superior for soft tissue, a CT scan provides more detailed images of bone structure. It is often used to get a better look at fractures, bone spurs, or to help doctors determine the stability of the spine after trauma.

Myelogram: In some cases, a contrast dye may be injected into the spinal canal before a CT scan (CT myelogram) to highlight the spinal cord and nerve roots, providing even greater detail for diagnosing nerve compression.

Neck Pain Treatment with Radiology is available at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online now. We are conveniently located at 1213 Hermann Dr Suite 255, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Jacinto City TX, Spring Valley Village TX, Stafford TX, Bunker Hill Village TX, and surrounding cities.