About neck pain.
Neck pain includes any discomfort that affects your neck, or cervical spine. This may range from a dull aching sensation to electric shock-like pain that travels into your arms, upper back, or head.
Neck pain is common and not always a serious health problem. However, you shouldn’t ignore it if it’s ongoing and affects your daily routine. Chronic cervical pain may be a symptom of an underlying spinal condition.
What causes neck pain?
Common causes include poor posture, injuries, or degenerative conditions that affect the structure of your cervical spine.
Conditions that cause severe or chronic neck pain include:
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Arthritis
- Cervical stenosis
- Nerve compression
- Degenerative disc disease
Though not as common, spinal tumors, cancer, and infections may also cause neck pain.
What happens during a neurosurgeon’s evaluation?
Dr. Nkrumah takes a well-rounded, personalized approach to care. You can expect a comprehensive and patient-focused exam when you visit Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine for a neck pain evaluation.
Dr. Nkrumah asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. He also asks about your typical day, including your workday, to identify any activities that might trigger your neck pain.
He evaluates your spine, looking for sources of pain and areas of redness and inflammation. Dr. Nkrumah also orders imaging tests, such as CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs, to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.
Many people experience pain after spending hours hunched over their computers, tablets, or smartphones. This usually resolves on its own with at-home care. If it’s an ongoing problem, you may have an underlying spine condition that would benefit from a visit with Louis Nkrumah, MD, PhD, at Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine in Lake Success, New York. Dr. Nkrumah is an experienced neurosurgeon who can find the root cause of your discomfort and provide the most effective treatment. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
How is neck pain treated?
Dr. Nkrumah will create an individual treatment plan based on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, and your medical history.
He may initially recommend non-surgical treatments to alleviate your discomfort, such as medication, physical therapy, or spine injections, depending on your unique diagnosis.
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide significant relief from your neck pain, Dr. Nkrumah can talk to you about spine surgery. While Dr. Nkrumah is trained to perform advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive or complex spine surgery, he will work with you to create a plan that suits your individual needs, so you get the best possible results.
Don’t let chronic neck pain keep you from living your life. Call Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine or request a consultation online today.