Neck pain is a common problem; almost one-third of Americans suffer from it at least once every year. If your neck pain affects your mobility and well-being, contact Patrick S. McNulty, MD, FABSS, FABOS of McNulty Spine (Las Vegas Neurosurgery Institute) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. McNulty is an award-winning, double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine expert who specializes in diagnosing and treating neck pain. For expert assessment and individualized care for your neck pain in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
What Are Some of the Most Prevalent Reasons for Neck Pain?
A variety of injuries and conditions can cause neck pain. Poor posture, for instance is a typical source of neck pain. Your bad posture could be an indication of a serious structural spinal abnormality.
The typical American spends upwards of five hours a day looking at their phone with their head inclined down. The entire weight of your head pulls on the connective tissue and muscles on the rear of your neck, causing muscle tension and pain.
Other conditions that could trigger neck pain include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Osteoarthritis
- A lumbar spine or thoracic deformity
If your neck discomfort lasts longer than 2-4 weeks or worsens rather than improves, contact McNulty Spine for a professional diagnosis.
If you have trouble using your legs and arms or experience any tingling, weakness, or numbness in your legs and/or arms besides neck pain, you should arrange an appointment immediately.
How Can You Figure Out What Is Causing Your Neck Pain?
At McNulty Spine, Dr. McNulty does a comprehensive check on your health history, as well as conducts diagnostic tests and a physical examination to determine the source of your neck pain.
Your neck pain could be linked to changes in functionality of the legs and arms, which might not be noticeable. Dr. McNulty will extensively examine these possible fundamental problems.
In some situations, Dr. McNulty might be required to conduct tests to gather further information to identify and locate the root problem triggering your pain. Among the tests he may conduct include:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI
- Electromyography
- Myelography
- Nerve conduction study
- Bones scan
The findings of your examination and diagnostic testing allow Dr. McNulty to develop an individualized care plan to relieve your pain and repair the problem that is causing it.
What Are the Options for Treating Neck Pain?
Your care plan is created specifically for you. Dr. McNulty uses a combination of treatments to help you achieve your goals. Before recommending surgical techniques to alleviate neck discomfort, he usually starts with minimally invasive or conservative therapy.
Dr. McNulty is capable of treating the most basic to the most complicated cervical spine disorders. Some of the care options available for addressing neck pain include:
- Physical therapy
- Spinal injections
- Nerve block injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Cervical fusion reconstruction
- Cervical disc replacement
If neck pain or difficulties moving your legs and/or arms affect your life, contact McNulty Spine. Arrange an appointment over the phone or book online to receive a quality evaluation and treatments.
