Neck Pain Specialist
Neck pain could be due to an injury or damage from overuse. Long-term problems with the discs, nerves, and bones (cervical vertebrae) at the top of your spine also cause neck pain. Common neck conditions include:
- Muscle strains
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
- Whiplash injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurs
- Osteoporosis
- Cervical radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is a term for nerve compression in your spine. It can cause other problems, like weakness, numbness, or unpleasant tingling and prickling. Symptoms often spread into the shoulders and arms.
How is neck pain treated?
Mild neck pain from a strained muscle should improve within a few days if you rest your neck, apply ice or heat, and take anti-inflammatory medication. Moderate to severe neck pain might need physical therapy. In some cases, patients require epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
If your condition isn’t improving with these treatments, Dr. Weinstein might recommend surgery.
What surgery would I need for neck pain?
The surgery Dr. Weinstein recommends for your neck pain depends on what’s causing the pain and your suitability for specific forms of surgery. Procedures that can address the causes of neck pain include:
Discectomy
Discectomy is the removal of a damaged disc from your spine. If the disc is worth saving, Dr. Weinstein can do a microdiscectomy, just taking out the damaged part of the disc.
Decompression
Decompression surgeries widen your spinal canal if you have cervical stenosis. Dr. Weinstein removes parts of the vertebrae that make the spinal canal too narrow.
Fusion
Fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae with a bone graft. You might need fusion to stabilize your spine after a discectomy or decompression surgery.
Artificial disc replacement
An artificial disc is a substitute for the disc removed during a discectomy. The new disc works similarly to a natural one, so you retain flexibility in your spine.
Dr. Weinstein specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). He uses advanced techniques like laser and endoscopic surgery to minimize tissue damage. The advantages of MISS for patients include reduced pain after surgery, faster healing, and a shorter hospital stay.
If you’ve got neck pain that won’t go away, find out how Dr. Weinstein can help by visiting Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care. Call the office today or book an appointment online for an effective solution to neck pain.
