01
Joint & Disc Degeneration
Cervical facet joints and discs wear down over time. Arthritis and disc changes irritate surrounding tissues, causing stiffness and persistent aching pain.
Open Hours
Tues - Fri 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Areas We Treat — Head & Neck
Advanced Treatment for Head & Neck Pain
Don't wait for it to worsen. Interventional Orthopedics of Washington provides non-surgical, regenerative medicine treatments for complex head and neck pain — focused on lasting relief, improved function, and treating the source of pain.
- Physician-Led Treatment
- Image-Guided Precision (Ultrasound & Fluoroscopy)
- Using Your Own PRP & Natural Biologics
- No Surgery & No Narcotics Required
Understanding the Cause
Why Does Head and Neck Pain Happen?
Neck and head pain are among the most common musculoskeletal issues affecting adults in the U.S. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly one in three people experience neck pain at least once per year. While pain in this area can be debilitating, surgery is not always the only or best option.
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Ligament Injury & Instability
Whiplash or trauma can stretch the ligaments that stabilize your neck, allowing excess movement that strains muscles and irritates joints and nerves.
03
Muscle Strain & Posture
Forward-head posture and weak deep stabilizers overload the muscles supporting your head, leading to chronic tension, trigger points, and headaches.
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Nerve Irritation & Inflammation
Compressed or inflamed cervical nerves can radiate pain into the head, face, shoulders, or arms — and contribute to chronic headaches and TMJ symptoms.
At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington, we specialize in non-surgical, regenerative medicine treatments that promote healing at the source. Whether you're suffering from chronic headaches, TMJ dysfunction, or cervical instability, our approach targets the root causes to restore mobility and reduce pain without invasive procedures.
Conditions We Treat
Common Head & Neck Conditions We Treat
Our clinic treats a wide range of complex head and neck conditions using advanced image-guided regenerative therapies. These include:
Neck Pain (Cervicalgia)
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Ligament Injuries
Cervical Facet Arthropathy
Spasmodic Torticollis
TMJ Pain & Dysfunction
Whiplash Syndrome
Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
Post-Surgical Neck Pain
Chronic Headaches & Facial Pain
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
By treating the soft tissues, joints, ligaments, and nerves involved in these conditions, we help patients experience lasting relief without relying on narcotics or surgery.
Surgery Guidance
When Is Surgery Needed?
Our primary goal at IOW is to help you avoid unnecessary surgery and medications whenever possible. In most cases, regenerative treatments provide long-lasting relief and improved function, eliminating the need for interventions like surgery, ablations, cortisone injections, and other degenerative approaches.
However, if conservative care does not produce the desired outcome or imaging reveals severe structural instability, we can coordinate with trusted specialists for further care.
Why Choose IOW
Why Choose IOW for Head & Neck Pain Treatment?
Patients choose IOW because we offer physician-led, patient-centered care focused on healing, function, and long-term outcomes.
- A personalized, patient-centered approach
- Board certified with additional expertise in interventional orthopedics
- Advanced, image-guided injection techniques using ultrasound and fluoroscopy
- A focus on functional recovery, not just symptom relief
- Proven, ethical use of biologics and natural healing agents
We're not just treating symptoms, we’re promoting long-term healing without drugs or surgery.
Specialized Anatomy
Head & Neck Areas We Specialize In
Regenerative treatments at IOW are highly targeted and precise. We focus on healing the following anatomical structures:
- Cervical Facet Joints and Capsules
- Cervical Ligaments: including supraspinous, interspinous, ligamentum flavum, PAOM and the nuchal ligament
- Key Muscles: scalenes, rectus capitis posterior minor, trapezius, multifidus, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and more
- Nerve Clusters and Bursae: such as the superficial cervical plexus and interspinous bursae
Using advanced imaging technologies, we can deliver regenerative treatments directly into these problem areas with accuracy and safety.
Visual Comparison
Healthy Neck vs Painful, Unstable Neck
Stable, Well-Supported Neck
- Strong ligaments holding joints in proper alignment
- Deep stabilizing muscles supporting the head with ease
- Healthy joints and discs cushioning everyday movement
- Smooth, pain-free range of motion — no guarding or stiffness
Unstable, Irritated Neck
- Lax or injured ligaments allowing excess joint movement
- Overworked, guarded muscles causing tension and trigger points
- Irritated joints and nerves radiating pain into the head, face, or arms
- Stiffness, clicking, headaches, and a "heavy head" feeling
Treatment Protocol
Our 2-Step Approach to Head & Neck Recovery
A physician-designed protocol combining precise diagnosis with targeted, image-guided regenerative treatment — tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation
Finds the true source of your pain
- Review your full medical history
- Perform a detailed physical examination
- Evaluate posture and any root cause for the problem
- Use ultrasound for real-time diagnostic imaging
- Review any imaging brought to the appointment or order additional imaging
Image-Guided Regenerative Treatment
Stimulates your body's natural healing mechanisms
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections — derived from your own blood, rich in growth factors that enhance healing of soft tissues and joints
- Image-Guided Prolotherapy — a dextrose-based solution that triggers a controlled inflammatory response, encouraging tissue regeneration
- Stellate Ganglion & Cervical Plexus Blocks or Hydrodissections — for nerve-related conditions or chronic pain syndromes; reset nerve pathways and reduce inflammation
- Cervical Facet and Epidural Injections — target inflamed joints and nerves in the neck to improve function and reduce pain
Precise diagnosis. Targeted regeneration.
All treatments are precisely delivered using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance to maximize effectiveness and safety.
Your Journey
How Head & Neck Recovery Works
1
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your physician reviews your history, examines your neck, evaluates posture, and uses real-time ultrasound to identify the true source of your pain.
2
Personalized Treatment Plan
An integrative plan is built around your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals — targeting the specific joints, ligaments, muscles, or nerves involved.
3
Image-Guided Regenerative Therapy
Precise, physician-administered PRP, prolotherapy, or nerve treatments are delivered directly to the problem areas under ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance.
4
Healing & Functional Recovery
Over the following weeks, treated tissues strengthen and inflammation settles. Follow-up visits track your progress toward lasting, functional relief.
Expected Outcomes
What Results Can You Expect?
Gradual Pain Relief Over Weeks
Results develop progressively as treated tissues heal, with pain, tension, and stiffness typically easing over the weeks following treatment.
Improved Stability & Mobility
As ligaments and supporting tissues strengthen, many patients notice better head support, smoother range of motion, and less guarding.
Fewer Headaches & Radiating Symptoms
Treating irritated joints, ligaments, and nerves at the source may reduce chronic headaches, facial pain, and pain radiating into the shoulders or arms.
Lasting Function — Without Surgery or Narcotics
The goal is durable, functional recovery that restores your daily life while preserving your natural anatomy and keeping all future options open.
Please note: individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, condition severity, overall health, and treatment plan.
Ideal Candidates
Who Is This Best For?
Chronic Neck Pain Despite Conservative Care
A strong fit if physical therapy, chiropractic, or massage brought only temporary relief and your pain keeps returning.
Whiplash or Post-Injury Pain That Never Resolved
Ideal for pain, instability, or a "heavy head" feeling that lingers months or years after a car accident, fall, or sports injury.
Headaches, Facial Pain, or TMJ Linked to the Neck
A good fit for chronic headaches, facial pain, or jaw symptoms driven by cervical joints, ligaments, muscles, or irritated nerves.
Told You May Need Surgery — Want Alternatives First
Ideal for patients exploring every non-surgical option before committing to fusion, ablation, or repeated cortisone injections.
Patients Who Want Natural, Drug-Free Healing
Ideal for those who prefer using their body's own healing agents — without narcotics, hardware, or high-dose steroids.
Best way to know: a personalized evaluation determines whether regenerative treatment matches your anatomy, condition, and goals. And if imaging reveals severe structural instability, we coordinate with trusted specialists for further care.
Take the First Step
Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Care?
In-person and telemedicine evaluations available. Find out if regenerative treatment is right for your neck or head pain — before committing to surgery.
Know Your Options
Why Consider Non-Surgical Care Before Surgery?
Surgery has its place — but it's rarely the only option, and it's never reversible. Here's what the research says about cervical spine surgery, and how our approach differs.
Cervical Fusion & Neck Surgery
- Studies report complication rates of roughly 1 in 5 patients following anterior cervical fusion (ACDF)1
- Fusion transfers stress to neighboring levels — about 1 in 4 patients develop symptomatic adjacent-segment disease within 10 years2
- Permanent loss of natural motion at the fused level, hardware risks, and possible revision surgery
- Weeks to months of recovery, time away from work, and frequent reliance on pain medication during rehab
- Repeated high-dose steroid injections — a common pre-surgical step — have been associated with tissue and cartilage breakdown in joint studies3
The IOW Regenerative Approach
- Minimally invasive, image-guided injections — no general anesthesia, no hardware, no fusion
- Uses your body's own healing agents (PRP, prolotherapy) to treat the source — not just mask symptoms
- Preserves your natural anatomy and motion — surgery remains an option later if ever truly needed
- Minimal downtime — most patients return to daily activity quickly, without narcotics
- Honest candidacy screening — if imaging shows severe structural instability, we coordinate with trusted surgical specialists
Dr. Silva explains when regenerative treatment may be considered as an alternative to neck surgery.
Sources:
1. Fountas KN, et al. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion associated complications. Spine. 2007. PubMed |
2. Hilibrand AS, et al. Radiculopathy and myelopathy at segments adjacent to the site of a previous anterior cervical arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999. PubMed |
3. McAlindon TE, et al. Effect of intra-articular triamcinolone vs saline on knee cartilage volume and pain. JAMA. 2017. PubMed.
This information is educational and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
Patient Stories
Real Results, Without Surgery
“I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Silva and the team at Interventional Orthopedics. I was referred to Dr. Silva for PRP treatment for TMJ.”
“My neck feels stronger since having PRP with Dr. Silva and I am no longer experiencing constant headaches and the feeling of a ‘heavy’ head.”
“I felt understood, heard, and confident moving forward with Dr. Silva after my consultation for cervical instability.”
Individual results vary. Review excerpts may be shortened for display while preserving their original meaning.
From the IOW Blog
Keep Learning About Your Recovery
Explore related articles on TMJ pain, craniocervical instability, nerve pain, and regenerative treatment options for head and neck conditions.
TMJ Pain & Regenerative Medicine
PRP for TMJ Pain: Can Regenerative Medicine Help Jaw Joint Dysfunction?
Learn how PRP may support jaw joint healing, reduce pain, and improve function in patients with TMJ pain and dysfunction.
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TMJ & Neck Stability
Can TMJ Be Related to Craniocervical Instability? What Patients Should Know
A helpful resource for understanding the connection between jaw mechanics, posture, neck stability, and nerve irritation.
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Craniocervical Instability
Craniocervical Instability (CCI): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and the Role of Regenerative Medicine
Best for patients learning about instability-related symptoms, diagnosis, and regenerative medicine options for CCI.
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Nerve Pain & Platelet Releasate
Platelet Releasate for Nerve Pain: How It Works, Benefits, and What to Expect
Good support for nerve irritation, cervical plexus, hydrodissection, radiculopathy, and chronic pain education.
Read ArticleFrequently Asked Questions
Head & Neck Regenerative Medicine FAQs
Answers to common questions about neck pain, head pain, non-surgical treatment options, and when to seek specialist care.
Your neck supports your head and allows movement, but because it’s the thinnest part of your spine, it’s prone to strain, injury, and instability. Pain may stem from muscles, joints, nerves, discs, or even referred pain from nearby areas like the shoulders or jaw.
Common causes include poor posture, whiplash, arthritis, disc herniation, jaw dysfunction, cervical instability, and nerve irritation. Craniocervical instability and tight or weak muscles can also contribute to chronic headaches and facial pain.
Women are more likely to experience chronic neck pain. Other risk factors include prior trauma, weak posture muscles, spinal degeneration, joint instability, disc problems, and nerve compression.
Yes. At IOW, we use non-surgical regenerative therapies like PRP, prolotherapy, cellular treatments, and image-guided injections to help heal tissues and restore function. Care may also include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging before progressing to advanced procedures.
If your neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, radiates to your arms or head, causes headaches or facial pain, or disrupts your daily function, it may be time for a deeper evaluation. Early intervention can help prevent chronic issues.
Can’t find your condition on the list?
You might be a candidate. Schedule your free discovery call and let’s explore your options.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otoño Silva, M.D.
Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Fellowship-Trained in Interventional Orthopedics, Centeno-Schultz Clinic
Last reviewed