Neck Pain Specialist
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Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists
Krishna Chunduri, MD
Anesthesiologist & Pain Management Physician located in Garfield Ridge, Chicago, IL
Chronic neck pain can affect how you move, how you think, and what you’re able to do. At Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, experienced anesthesiologist Krishna Chunduri, MD, offers on-site diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of your chronic neck pain. Dr. Chunduri also specializes in custom treatment plans using conservative therapies to provide long-term pain relief and improve the overall function of your neck. To find out more about treatment options for neck pain, call Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists or book an appointment online today.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Many people experience acute neck pain that lasts less than six weeks because of fatigue or overexertion of the neck muscles.
Chronic neck pain generally lasts longer than six months and can be the result of trauma to your cervical (upper) spine from a fall or other type of injury. Auto accidents can also cause whiplash, a condition that describes the forceful back-and-forth movement of your neck that strains your muscles and other soft tissues.
You might also be at increased risk for chronic neck pain as you get older due to degenerative changes in your cervical spine and because of:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
Lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, smoking, and working in a physically demanding job can also contribute to chronic neck pain.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation for neck pain that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter medications, rest, and heat or ice therapy.
Dr. Chunduri spends time evaluating the range of motion you have in your neck, your medical history, and the severity of your pain to identify the underlying cause of neck pain. You might also need X-rays or other diagnostic imaging tests that allow him to assess the bones and soft tissues of your cervical spine.
Based on your test results, Dr. Chunduri personalizes a care plan that focuses on long-term pain relief and restoring full function in your neck.
How is neck pain treated?
Your treatment plan for neck pain might begin with physical therapy to improve the health and strength of the muscles that support your neck.
If you can’t function because of pain, Dr. Chunduri might recommend prescription medications or steroid injections to reduce persistent inflammation that irritates the nerves in your neck. You might need a series of injections to achieve your desired results depending on the nature of your condition.
For severe pain, Dr. Chunduri might suggest a stellate ganglion block. This treatment involves injecting anesthetic medications into the stellate ganglion, a part of your sympathetic nervous system that sits on either side of your voice box in your neck.
The injection stops pain signals from traveling to your brain to provide you with long-term pain relief.
To find relief from chronic neck pain, schedule a consultation online or by calling Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists today.
