Neck & Spine
To begin with, the spine starts just below the base of the skull and extends all the way down to the lower back, near the pelvis. Structurally, the spine is composed of individual segments called vertebrae, which are connected to one another by soft tissues such as ligaments. Additionally, located between these spinal segments are discs—soft, cushion-like tissues that help absorb impact from daily activities. Moreover, these discs play a critical role in maintaining spinal flexibility and shock absorption. As a result, proper functioning of the neck and spine is essential for overall body movement. This includes your ability to bend, twist, lift, and carry out everyday tasks with ease.
View Common Conditions
Common Sources of Neck & Spine Pain
When the neck or back area becomes painful or injured, there can be a variety of underlying causes. In many instances, pinpointing the exact source of pain on your own can be challenging. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your pain and related symptoms accurately. Through a thorough assessment, they can help identify the root cause and guide you toward effective solutions. Fortunately, for many common neck and back conditions, there are several treatment options available. These may include conservative approaches, such as physical therapy, as well as more advanced interventions when necessary.
- In many cases, overuse or repetitive strain outside and around the joint area can lead to pain. This is especially true for individuals whose occupations involve prolonged desk work, frequent lifting, or repetitive carrying tasks.
- Other conditions, like arthritis, can impact the inside of the joint, which can lead to stiffness, pain, or limitations in range of motion. Spinal stenosis also affects the inside of the spine – it refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to pain or other symptoms.
- In some cases, ligaments or muscles surrounding the spine may become injured or overstressed. As a result, this can lead to sprains in the ligaments or strains in the muscles. Additionally, another common cause of neck or back pain is a herniated disc, which occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer.
- Changes in sensation or motor control can signal other, non-musculoskeletal causes of neck or back pain, which can require medical intervention, such as cancer or infection. Fractures of the vertebrae may require immediate intervention or surgery to repair. Fractures can occur due to collisions, falls, or repeated stresses over time.
Common Neck & Spine Conditions
Common Neck & Spine Treatments
Experiencing pain can be both frustrating and limiting; therefore, seeking help from a healthcare professional is essential. From there, they will work closely with you to explore appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.
- Physical therapy is a common treatment for individuals experiencing neck or back pain. After evaluating your symptoms, a physical therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
- This plan may involve therapeutic exercises and manual treatments, such as soft tissue mobilization or the application of heat or ice to relieve pain. It may also include exercises designed to enhance strength, improve postural alignment, or develop abdominal control. In addition, the treatment plan can incorporate lifestyle adjustments, home modifications, and educational support to help you better understand your body and condition.
- In some cases, a physician may also recommend medications or injections to complement physical therapy. These interventions are typically intended to reduce inflammation or relieve pain. If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be discussed as a possible option.
Possible Treatments for Neck & Spine Conditions
OUR NECK & SPINE SPECIALISTS
The neck and spine surgeons of Orthopedic ONE perform thousands of neck and spine procedures each year. With advanced fellowship training in spine surgery, our experts are on the leading edge of advancements in both conservative and surgical intervention of spine disorders. If you are experiencing spine pain, numbness or weakness, call Orthopedic ONE today for a thorough evaluation with our qualified team of spine experts and let us help you get back to enjoying life.
These lists are not inclusive of all conditions and procedures. In order to obtain a complete and accurate diagnosis, a physician should assess your individual situation. Following diagnosis, your physician will discuss appropriate treatment options with you – both surgical and non-surgical. Schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician.
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