At last, another one!
I've found the same thing with my chronic neck pain. Diagnosed as arthritis, prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain meds, also facet injections.
However my new pain Dr examined me and said it was more likely caused by stiff muscles.
After a few sessions of remedial massage on the shoulders and neck, I have had a dramatic improvement.
I have a lot of muscle problems there to work through.
So at this stage I'm sure the pain Dr is right, and I'll stop the Mobic from now on.
I'm taking far fewer pain meds, sleep better, and can even think about doing things.
I'm sure many sufferers, and medical people, look only at the spine and largely ignore the muscles.
I always thought that the pain came from the arthritis, and this then caused my neck and shoulder muscles to get stiff and sore.
Seems also that these sorts of muscle problems can also cause spinal damage if not corrected.
Let's hope we can spread the word that as well as looking into the spine, have a good look at the muscles as well.
I'm also doing physio stretches and exercises to get some tone and strength back.
Will be a long road but at least I'm on it and moving.
Was going backwards up until now.
I was lucky that my other pain Dr retired and I chose this one.

I couldn't agree with you more. Spinal specialists do not seem to show any interest in muscles and soft tissue as a source of pain symtoms.

It would not have made a big difference in my medical care, as I had spondylolisthesis and needed a fusion to deal with my issues. But now I believe what I am doing is helpful in preventing the "domino effect" where the adjoining vertebrae deteriorate from the pressure of the fusion.

I have acupuncture and massage therapy weekly and I also go to a person who does body work. He keeps me aligned and as helped me with various exercises and changes in posture that help keep the pressure off the stressed areas.

It only makes sense that if your body is showing stress in one area, the muscles and ligaments stretch or contract to support the spine. For example, when the pelvis tips, it can put additional stress on one side of the spine.

For any spiney, it is very important to learn about using good body mechanics and to use good posture at all times...to keep the core muscles strong to provide support for the spine. Muscles are a very important part of keeping the spine healthy.