Neck pain is something many people face at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors, from poor posture to a more serious injury or condition. An orthopedic doctor in New York specializes in diagnosing and treating these problems.
If you are dealing with chronic neck pain that affects your daily life, seeking the expertise of an orthopedic and pain management specialist is important for an effective treatment plan.
Understanding Neck Pain and Its Causes
Neck pain can stem from numerous issues, including muscle strains, herniated discs, or spinal conditions like arthritis or stenosis. It can develop from activities as simple as sitting at a desk for too long or sleeping in an awkward position.
However, neck pain may also be a symptom of more complex conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or a slipped disc. Sometimes, nerve involvement can cause additional symptoms like numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
When neck pain persists for more than a few days or worsens over time, it is important to consult with an orthopedic doctor in New York to get a clear diagnosis. They will carefully examine your condition and explore the most effective treatments to relieve your symptoms.
How an Orthopedic Doctor Can Treat Neck Pain
An orthopedic doctor in New York uses both non-surgical and surgical methods to treat neck pain. This depends on the severity of the condition. These treatments are personalized to the patient’s specific needs. They allow for the most effective relief possible. Here is a look at some common treatment options.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Neck Pain
Before recommending surgery, orthopedic doctors will often try non-surgical approaches to manage your neck pain. These treatments are aimed at reducing inflammation, strengthening the muscles, and improving posture to prevent future pain.
- Medications
Pain relief medications, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, can help reduce pain and inflammation. These medications are often the first step in managing neck pain and are used to control symptoms.
- Physical Therapy
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments is physical therapy. A physical therapist will teach you exercises that can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back.
Physical therapy also focuses on improving posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the spine and neck. This can prevent future injuries.
- Injections
If pain persists despite other treatments, injections may be recommended. Corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks can help reduce inflammation and block pain signals from reaching the brain. These injections are typically used when conservative treatments are not enough to manage the pain.
Surgical Treatments for Neck Pain
If non-surgical methods do not yield enough relief, your orthopedic doctor may suggest surgery as a last resort. Spine surgery aims to correct structural issues that are causing the pain, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or other abnormalities that are pressing on the nerves.
- Discectomy or Laminectomy
In cases where a herniated disc or bone spur is causing nerve compression, a discectomy or laminectomy may be necessary. During these procedures, the doctor will remove the part of the disc or bone that is causing the pressure on the nerves.
- Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion surgery may be recommended when there is damage to the vertebrae or discs in the neck. This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to limit movement and relieve pain caused by instability or degeneration.
- Artificial Disc Replacement
In some cases, instead of fusing the vertebrae, an orthopedic surgeon may opt for an artificial disc replacement. The surgery involves removing and replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain more natural movement in the spine.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
An orthopedic doctor will not only help treat your current neck pain but will also offer strategies to prevent future episodes. A large part of managing neck pain is learning to take care of your body to avoid strain on the spine.
Maintaining good posture is one of the most effective ways to prevent neck pain. Your orthopedic doctor will give advice on how to sit properly at work and adjust your workstation to avoid strain. They will also teach you exercises that can help strengthen the neck and back muscles to deliver better support.
For many people, avoiding heavy lifting or using proper lifting techniques is also a key factor in preventing injury. Staying active while avoiding overexertion is another key recommendation from orthopedic specialists. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help you stay flexible and avoid neck pain in the future.
Hart Orthopedics recognizes how disruptive neck pain can be to your daily life. Our team of orthopedic doctors and pain management specialists is dedicated to diagnosing your condition. We will recommend the most effective treatment plan for you. Contact us today for more information.