Back, Neck, and Chest Wall Pain

Back, neck, and chest wall pain are common issues affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels

Back, neck, and chest wall pain assessments

These conditions can arise from acute injuries, chronic degenerative changes, or nerve-related disorders. At GC Sports Med, we specialize in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of spine and musculoskeletal-related pain to restore function and improve quality of life.

The Role of Cortisone in Diagnosis & Treatment

Cortisone injections serve both a diagnostic and therapeutic role in managing musculoskeletal conditions:

Diagnostic Use: If a cortisone injection provides significant temporary relief, it confirms that the targeted area is the primary pain source.

Therapeutic Use: It can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions such as tendinopathies, bursitis, and joint inflammation.

Common Sports and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Cervical/Neck Pain

Caused by degeneration in discs and facet joints or muscle tightness and often related to poor posture.

Treatment Options:

Comprehensive assessment including localisation of pain driver
Rehabilitation planning – improvement of muscle support and postural control
Chronic pain medication management (if required)
Corticosteroid injections (nerve root or facet joint) for pain relief.
RF ablation

Whiplash Injuries

Typically results from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, such as in motor vehicle accidents.

Treatment Options:

Comprehensive assessment to evaluate severity.
Bracing or soft collars in select cases.
Rehabilitation exercises for mobility and strengthening.
Pain management strategies – occasionally prescription of chronic pain medications

Thoracic & Chest-Wall Pain

May be due to muscular strain/injury, rib joint dysfunction (rib to sternum, rib to spine, rib cartilage to bone), facet joint injury, disc injury or nerve irritation.

Treatment Options:

Rehabilitation programs for muscle balance and joint mobility.
Peri-neural injections for nerve pain.
Bracing or postural support as needed.
Corticosteroid injections for pain management
RF ablation for management of persistent/chronic cases.

Costochondral Joint Injury

Involves pain and inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum.

Treatment Options:

Pain management and activity modification.
Rehabilitation exercises for mobility and stabilization.
Corticosteroid injections for persistent discomfort.

Costovertebral Joint Pain

Dysfunction of the joints connecting ribs to the spine, often linked to poor movement mechanics or trauma.

Treatment Options:

Rehabilitation programs focusing on mobility and strengthening.
Peri-neural injections for nerve irritation.
Pain relief strategies tailored to the condition.

Lumbar/Lower Back Pain

A common issue that can be related to muscle strain, disc degeneration, or joint dysfunction.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation control.
Rehabilitation exercises to improve core strength and flexibility.
Chronic pain medication management.
Peri-neural injections for nerve-related pain.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Pain in the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis, often mistaken for lower back pain.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroid injections for targeted pain relief.
Rehabilitation therapy to improve joint stability and function.
Bracing and splinting when required.

Piriformis Syndrome

A condition where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing buttock and leg pain.

Treatment Options:

Peri-neural injections to relieve nerve irritation.
Rehabilitation programs focusing on stretching and muscle balance.
Chronic pain medication management.

Referred/Nerve-Related Pain (Sciatica)

Pain radiating down the leg due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Treatment Options:

Peri-neural injections or hydrodissection to relieve nerve pressure.
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Rehabilitation therapy focusing on mobility and strength.
Chronic pain medication management

Discogenic Pain (Disc Bulge/Herniated Disc)

Caused by damage or irritation to the spinal discs.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation and pain control.
Rehabilitation strategies to improve posture and movement mechanics.
Chronic pain medication management.

Facet Joint-Related Pain & Spinal Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of the small joints in the spine, leading to stiffness and discomfort.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation relief.
Rehabilitation programs for posture and mobility improvement.
Chronic pain medication prescription for long-term management.
Referral for radiofrequency ablation if needed.

OUR APPROACH

1

ASSESSMENT

Identifying the root cause of pain through clinical examination and imaging as needed.

2

PLANNING

Recommending targeted treatments such as injections, rehabilitation, or medication.

3

REHAB

Tailoring exercise programs to improve mobility, strength, and function.

4

MANAGEMENT

Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment strategies to prevent recurrence.

Book your assessment today

Back, neck, and chest wall pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. Our team at GC Sports Med provides expert care to diagnose, manage, and rehabilitate these conditions. If you are experiencing persistent pain, book an appointment to explore personalised treatment options.

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Back, Neck, and Chest Wall Pain