Regenerative Orthobiologics for Neck Pain

Regenerative orthobiologics for neck pain relief are now being offered in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding communities of Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan and Mesa, AZ by various orthopedic and pain management physicians.

Overview of Neck Anatomy 

One of the most common presentations of neck pain is due to whiplash injury of the cervical spine.  This can occur from various strong forces to the neck but is most commonly from motor vehicle accidents and contact sports such as football and mixed martial arts.  After the initial force, the neck experiences a quick back and forth motion that is referred to as a whiplash.  This motion creates sprain and strain on the ligaments, muscles, discs and tendons of the cervical spine that collectively make up the neck.

Signs and Symptoms

• Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Muscle Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion of the neck
• Dizziness
• Radiating pain into the arms
• Muscle tenderness or trigger points in the neck

Conventional Approaches

Neck pain due to whiplash injury can commonly be diagnosed in office by a detailed case history and orthopedic physical exams that evaluate the neck’s range of motion, tenderness, and nerve function.  Usually, x-ray and MRI imaging are ordered to evaluate the severity of the injury and for auto accident liability purposes.  Generally, conservative care such as resting, rotating ice and heat, stretching, and over the counter pain medications are used initially.  This can include NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen or analgesics like Tylenol.  If pain persists beyond this point, prescription medications may be used to control pain severity.  This could include opioid pain medications, or muscle relaxers such as Flexeril.  Some doctors may also suggest physical therapy at this time to restore functionality and range of motion of the neck.  For severe cases, steroid injections into the neck may be used to control pain and inflammation for the patient.

Regenerative Orthobiologics for Neck Pain Relief

High dose Platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of neck pain due to whiplash injuries with the aim of healing the damaged tissue and restoring full function back to the joint.  The treatment involves taking a sample of the patient’s own blood and then extracting the platelets from the other components of the blood.   The PRP helps activate the growth factors and recruit additional stem ells.  Once the platelets are extracted, concentrated they then can be injected into the the damaged structures of the neck.  The aim of the treatment is to restore structural strength of the neck by treating the laxity and micro trauma of the ligaments and tendons.  This typically involves the intertransverse, supraspinous, ligamentum nuchae, and the posterior and lateral atlantooccipital ligaments of the cervical spine.  Physicians can also treat the microdamage of the supraspinatus, levator scapulae, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, superior obliquus capitis, inferior obliquus capitis, rectus capitis posterior, and splenius capitus muscles.

Regenerative Injection Therapy Benefits

• Pain Relief
• Improves Ligaments, Tendons, Cartilage, and Connective Tissue
• Utilizes your Natural Growth Factors and Cells
• Minimal Downtime
• Non-Surgical / Non-Invasive
• Cost-Effective

This comprehensive approach to neck pain allows the body to re-heal from the damages sustained during the whiplash.  The regenerative orthobiologics injections treat the damaged ligaments and tendons that were stressed and micro damaged from the force of the injury, while strengthening all the supporting structures of the neck.  This type of integrative regenerative pain management provides a new approach to neck care and an alternative treatment option to steroid injections.  This approach also combines nicely with physical therapy and chiropractic care for longer lasting results.  Patients begin seeing improvement typically within the 6 weeks with the best results observed 6-12 months post injection.  Improved range of motion and functionality can be restored depending on the severity and comprehensive treatment approach taken.  These outcomes provide attractive alternatives to conventional care with minimal expense and downtime.

Additional Resources

Facebook Knee Pain Support Group

Author:

Dylan Krueger, NMD

Stop Suffering and Live the Pain Free Life YOU intended Today!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are for educational purposes only.  Statements are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.  Always consult with your physician about your medical care options.