• What are the symptoms of neck pain?

• What causes neck pain?

• How is neck pain evaluated?

• How is neck pain treated?

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Patients will typically experience pain along the neck, corresponding to the level of where the pain is being generated from. Neck pain may be felt in the shoulders, upper back or may even sometimes cause headache. Neck arthritis may result in compression of the nerves of the neck. With involvement of nerves, radiating pain may be present in the shoulder, arm or fingers.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is usually caused by degenerative conditions of the spine, most commonly arthritis. This arthritis involves the disc, which serves as a cushion between the vertebrae. Arthritis can also involve the neck joints, called facets. Neck pain can also be caused by an injury, such as a fall or car accident. An injury can cause pain by hurting the joints, the disc or the ligaments.

How is neck pain evaluated?

The first step in the evaluation of neck pain is a careful history and physical examination. Often, a history will give many clues as to what part of the neck is causing the pain, the joints or the disc. When conservative care with medications and therapy fails to bring relief an MRI gives doctors a look inside the neck.

How is neck pain treated?

The first step is treatment with therapy and neck exercises. Medications can relieve pain and inflammation. In patients that don’t respond a spinal pain management evaluation can be performed. In this highly specialized evaluation, we determine which of the structures in the neck the pain is emanating from. Spinal injections can bring relief and confirm the source of pain. Minimally invasive surgery is reserved only for cases that do not improve with spinal injections.

Neck Pain treatments

The following spinal injections may be used to treat neck pain:

• Epidural steroid injection

• Facet block

• Median branch nerve injection

The following minimally invasive surgical procedures may be used to treat neck pain:

• Percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy

• Cervical Rhizotomy

Who is Dr. George Rappard?

George Rappard, MD is the director and founder of Los Angeles’ Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, located in the Miracle Mile area of the Wilshire Corridor. Dr. Rappard is a board certified neurointerventional surgeon specializing in spinal pain management, spinal injections and minimally invasive surgery for neck and back pain. Dr. Rappard performs a spectrum of “band aid” procedures of the spine, commonly employing x-ray and endoscopic guidance, designed to relieve back and neck pain as well as repairing damage caused by wear and tear of the spine. The use of x-rays and an endoscope mounted camera allows proven procedures to be performed through small tubes, allowing tiny incisions while still getting the job done. These procedures are typically associated with lower costs and quicker recovery times than conventional spine surgery techniques. In addition to seeing and treating patients, Dr. Rappard and the Institute are involved in several spine research trials. By offering advanced minimally invasive procedures and groundbreaking spine research, Dr. Rappard’s Minimally Invasive Spine Institute delivers leading edge spine care in Los Angeles