Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Cervical Facetogenic Pain

Chronic neck pain, either after trauma (e.g. whiplash injury) or due to arthritis, is a significant issue for many Canadians. Steroid injections into the small joints of the neck can provide temporary pain relief, but patients require repeat injections every few months. The investigator will assess whether a different type of injection (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) can provide enhanced and longer-lasting pain relief compared to steroid. PRP is made from the patient's own blood but contains higher levels of components that promote healing. Patients with neck pain will receive either an injection of steroid or PRP into the small joints of the neck, but they won't know which one they are getting. After the injection they will be contacted to answer questions about their pain and function, up to 12 months after injection. The goal of this study is to determine if PRP is a viable alternative to current treatments to help reduce chronic neck pain and improve function after a whiplash injury. PRP may be a more permanent treatment for chronic neck pain which could reduce the need for repeated injections, thus reducing health care costs and wait times.