Diagnosis and Treatment of Neck Pain in Central GA

What is Neck Pain?

The neck, or the cervical spine, serves the crucial function of supporting the head. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs which serve as shock absorbers. The neck is also made up of many muscles, soft tissues, ligaments, and nerves. Since this area of the body does so much, it is subject to various conditions and injuries that cause pain and reduce range of motion. There are many causes of sudden and chronic neck pain, and an accurate diagnosis ensures that you can take the right steps to find relief. At OrthoGeorgia, we work with those of all ages to diagnose and treat the causes of neck pain so our patients can live and move more comfortably every day.

What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?

The specific symptoms of neck pain depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Patients may notice that pain increases when holding the head in one position for a long time, like while driving or sitting at a computer. Muscle tightness or stiffness may indicate that something is wrong with the cervical spine. Additional symptoms of injuries and conditions of the neck include headaches, a decreased ability to move the head, and numbness in the arms and hands. In some cases, neck pain is acute and lasts for only a few days, while in others, the pain becomes chronic and long-lasting.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Neck Pain

Your spine specialist may start by recommending conservative treatments for neck pain before considering surgery. Common nonsurgical treatment options include rest, ice/heat, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and taking medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories. Steroid injections are another potential option. Injections such as these target the nerve root, spinal joint, or neck muscles. Physical therapy is another effective nonsurgical option for addressing neck pain. If your doctor refers you to one of our physical therapists at OrthoGeorgia, they will work with you on improved posture, alignment, neck-strengthening exercises, and more to help address your neck pain. Our physical therapists in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide the highest quality of care for each patient who walks through our doors.

Surgery for Severe Neck Pain in Central GA

Surgery is rarely necessary for neck pain. However, if neck pain is severe and conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgery may be considered to relieve compression in the cervical spine. Before considering surgery, your doctor will discuss whether your symptoms have worsened over time and will ensure that you are in good physical health. Some of the surgical options for neck pain in Central GA include:

• Cervical discectomy – removing a portion of a disc to relieve pressure on the nerve roots
• Cervical laminotomy or laminectomy – removing part of the bony arch of the spinal canal to increase the size of the canal and relieve pressure
• Cervical disc replacement – removing a diseased cervical disc and replacing it with an artificial disc.
• Cervical spinal fusion – permanently fusing two or more cervical vertebrae to reduce painful motion