Neck Pain Treated by a Board-Certified Spine Surgeon Near Spring, TX
Neck pain is a common issue that affects the cervical spine, which consists of the first seven bones (C1-C7) of the spinal column. The pain can be dull or sharp and may be accompanied by numbness, burning or tingling sensations that radiate from the neck into the head, upper back or arms.
Is neck pain a serious medical issue? Not always. However, it should be evaluated by a physician if it is agonizing, develops after a trauma or does not improve with conservative therapy, such as rest, ice applications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you have severe or chronic neck pain, you can confidently turn to R. Alexander Mohr, MD, FAAOS, near Spring, Texas. Dr. Mohr is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon who practices at Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. He specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and offers the latest solutions for neck pain.
What Causes Neck Pain?
In addition to trauma, neck pain can result from age-related degeneration, heavy lifting, poor posture or stress. Some potentially painful conditions that can affect the cervical spine include:
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging and herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Nerve compression
- Facet syndrome
- Whiplash
To identify the source of your discomfort, Dr. Mohr will conduct a comprehensive clinical review, which will typically include a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, a physical examination focused on the structure and mobility of your cervical spine and imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
How Is Neck Pain Treated?
After considering the specifics of your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health, Dr. Mohr will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to help you find relief from your neck pain. Initially, he may suggest trying one or more nonsurgical interventions, such as pain medication, physical therapy or spinal injections.
If your neck pain does not improve after several weeks of conservative treatment, Dr. Mohr can help you explore your surgical options, which may include cervical decompression, cervical stabilization or motion-preserving surgery. As an early adopter and strong proponent of minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Mohr is highly skilled and experienced in performing the latest spine procedures.
If you would like to explore your neck pain treatment options with Dr. Mohr, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today to schedule an appointment at his office near Spring, TX.