Neck pain is a prevalent issue that affects around 80% of people at some point in their lives. It could just be an annoyance, but it could also be a symptom of something more serious. In addition, disregarding neck pain could lead to other health problems and negatively influence your quality of life. Orthopedic experts Evan O’Brien, MD, and Chris Hennessey, PA, focus on diagnosing and treating neck concerns, ranging from spinal cord compression to radiculopathy. Do not hesitate to seek care for your neck pain, despite how mild it might seem. Schedule a consultation with a skilled Woodbury neck pain specialist today through mobile or book online.
Identifying the Root Cause of Neck Pain
The cervical spine, located at the apex of your spinal column, is the fragile region of your neck. It only has seven vertebrae, which are the tiniest bones in your spine. Nonetheless, this framework is robust enough to sustain your head’s weight, which is about 10-11 pounds for adults. Besides, it is flexible enough to turn and bend in various directions.
However, due to its complicated structure, it is susceptible to degenerative disorders and trauma, including:
- Whiplash from injuries, such as a car collision or fall
- Spinal stenosis
- Fracture
- Muscle stress
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Disc herniation
Bad habits like slouching, poor posture, or laying in odd positions could also result in neck pain.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Neck Pain?
Neck discomfort could be caused by degeneration, trauma, or bad habits in the cervical spine. However, it can also be caused by inherent health disorders such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve entrapment
- Cancer
- Coronary artery illness
- Infection
Whether your neck discomfort is caused by trauma or an inherent issue, it has the potential to develop and negatively impair your life quality. Neck pain, for instance, might cause migraines, problems moving your head or sleeping, as well as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arm and shoulder.
If you experience neck pain regularly or if your symptoms persist more than a week and do not diminish, schedule a consultation at Woodbury Spine for professional diagnosis and an individualized care plan.
How to Diagnose and Treat Neck Pain?
At Woodbury Spine, you will meet Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Hennessey, competent orthopedic spine specialists. Thanks to their superior qualification and skills, they can determine the root of even the most complicated neck problems.
Your doctor conducts an extensive examination and talks about your symptoms throughout your initial visit. If necessary, they might also suggest digital imaging procedures such as an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or nerve examination.
Your specialist devises a care plan to relieve your pain and improve the functionality of your neck. Often, one or more of the following procedures will help relieve your symptoms:
- Prescription medicine
- Physical therapy
- Facet joint nerve blocks
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Radiofrequency ablation
However, for structural issues or symptoms that fail to diminish with conservative therapy, Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Hennessey could suggest surgical alternatives, including:
- Anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF)
- Artificial disc replacement (ADR)
Is your regular life being disrupted by neck pain? Contact Woodbury Spine over the phone or request an appointment online to establish the inherent reason for your pain and discover the right therapy for you.
