Breaking Through the Pain: The Latest Interventional Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain

John K. Hong, M.D. | 5/18/2025

Chronic neck pain affects millions of people worldwide, often stemming from poor posture, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or nerve compression. While conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications can help, many patients seek more targeted, lasting solutions. Fortunately, interventional pain management has evolved significantly, offering new hope through minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

🔍 Understanding Interventional Pain Management

Interventional pain management focuses on diagnosing and treating pain through image-guided procedures that target the source of discomfort. These techniques are especially valuable for individuals who haven't found relief with traditional therapies. Below, we explore some of the most promising and widely used interventional treatments for chronic neck pain as of 2025.

💉 1. Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)

Cervical epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. This approach is particularly effective for patients experiencing radiating pain due to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Studies indicate that ESIs can provide partial relief in 40–84% of patients, though the duration of relief varies.

🔥 2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to disrupt specific nerves transmitting pain signals. This technique is commonly applied to the medial branch nerves associated with facet joints in the cervical spine. Patients often experience significant pain relief lasting from 6 to 12 months, and in some cases, up to two years. 

💉 3. Facet Joint Injections

Facet joints, which connect the vertebrae in the spine, can become sources of pain due to arthritis or injury. Injecting a combination of anesthetic and steroid medication into these joints can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. This treatment is often used both diagnostically and therapeutically. 

🧠 4. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

SCS involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, altering pain signal transmission to the brain. This treatment is considered when other interventions have failed and can be effective for managing chronic neck and upper extremity pain. Patients can adjust the stimulation levels to control their pain.

🩸 5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy utilizes a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote healing in damaged tissues. By injecting PRP into affected areas of the neck, this regenerative treatment aims to reduce inflammation and facilitate tissue repair. While research is ongoing, PRP has shown promise in treating various musculoskeletal conditions.

💊 6. Ketamine Infusions

Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has emerged as a potential treatment for chronic pain due to its NMDA receptor-blocking properties. Administered in controlled, low doses, ketamine infusions can provide rapid pain relief for some patients with chronic neck pain, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.

💡 Conclusion

The landscape of interventional treatments for chronic neck pain is continually evolving, offering patients a range of options tailored to their specific conditions and needs. From injections and nerve ablations to regenerative therapies and neuromodulation, these minimally invasive procedures can significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from persistent neck pain.

If you're experiencing chronic neck pain, consult with a pain management specialist to explore these interventional options and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.