Neck pain can be caused by a variety of causes, including disc degeneration, poor posture, or injury. For those suffering from chronic neck pain, the good news is that surgery is not the only solution. At The Center for Functional Regeneration in Orange County, Dr. Shounuck Patel offers advanced, non-surgical treatment options that promote long-term recovery and healing. These innovative therapies focus on regenerating damaged tissue, improving mobility, and reducing pain. In this guide, we’ll explore the available treatment options and how we can help you find relief.


Causes of Neck Pain

Understanding the cause of your neck pain is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

  • Muscle Strain: Poor posture, sleeping positions, or sudden movements can strain neck muscles, leading to discomfort. However, if muscle strains do not resolve or keep on recurring, they are usually a sign of something else going on underlying the repetitive irritation. 
  • Herniated Discs: A herniated disc in the cervical spine can put pressure on nerves, causing neck pain, numbness, or tingling. But interestingly, people can live with herniated discs and have no pain! In fact, there is research that suggests that 60% of people over the age of 40 with zero symptoms can have something going on in their discs on MRI.
  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis also do not necessarily cause pain! However joints that have arthritis can get irritated, resulting in chronic pain and stiffness.
  • Injuries: Whiplash and other neck injuries caused by accidents can result in damage to ligaments, joints, or discs, causing long-term pain, secondary muscle tightness, and limited mobility if not treated properly.
  • Pinched Nerves: Nerves in the neck may become compressed due to disc degeneration or bone spurs, causing significant pain and discomfort.


Non-Surgical Neck Pain Treatments

When dealing with neck pain, many patients assume that surgery is inevitable. However, regenerative medicine provides non-surgical alternatives that can be just as effective. Dr. Patel specializes in a variety of non-invasive treatments, focusing on reducing pain and promoting tissue repair. For patients with various neck conditions, these therapies offer a way to avoid surgery while still achieving significant relief.


Injection Treatments for Neck Pain

Injections can be an integral part of the comprehensive treatment plan that Dr. Patel provides for managing neck pain. The goal is to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and provide targeted relief.

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes the patient’s blood to create a concentrated solution of platelets, which are injected into the affected areas of the neck. The growth factors in platelets help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair, offering a natural and effective treatment for neck pain related to disc degeneration or injury.
  • Cell therapy offers an innovative approach to treating chronic neck pain caused by disc degeneration. By injecting specialized cells into the damaged areas, this treatment can trigger local cells to promote tissue regeneration and healing. This non-surgical option provides long-term relief without the risks associated with spinal surgery.
  • Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection technique that involves injecting a solution, typically containing dextrose, into weakened areas of the spine. This treatment stimulates the body’s natural healing response, strengthening ligaments and surrounding tissues, and providing relief from chronic neck pain.


Physical Therapy and Manual Therapy

Physical therapy is a critical component of a comprehensive neck pain treatment plan. At The Center for Functional Regeneration, we refer patients to highly skilled physical therapists who specialize in developing personalized programs that focus on improving neck strength, flexibility, and posture. In addition, Dr. Patel incorporates Osteopathic Manipulation or refers to trusted chiropractors, osteopaths, and manual therapists to ensure the entire functional spinal unit is treated for optimal recovery.


When to Seek Treatment

Common symptoms that indicate a need for neck pain treatment include stiffness, soreness, sharp pain, or radiating pain that travels down the arm. Conditions like cervical radiculopathy, where nerve root compression leads to neurological issues such as weakness or numbness, can also cause severe discomfort and impact daily activities. If you experience persistent or severe neck pain, seeking treatment early is key to preventing long-term damage.


Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Every case of neck pain is unique, which is why Dr. Shounuck Patel at The Center for Functional Regenerative Center takes a personalized approach to treatment. After conducting a thorough evaluation, he will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and condition. Whether you’re suffering from a recent injury or managing chronic pain, our goal is to provide lasting relief and help you regain full functionality.

If you’re dealing with neck pain and looking for expert care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at The Center for Functional Regenerative Center in Orange County. We offer comprehensive treatment options that can address the root cause of your pain and provide lasting relief. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.