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The neck is an essential body part that most people may take for granted. Long hours at work, strenuous activities, and sitting over a computer for hours, and age-related degeneration may cause severe neck pain. If you need treatment for acute or chronic neck pain in New Jersey, visit Dr. Chris Hennessey and Dr. Evan O’Brien in Woodbury for effective and long-term relief.
Causes of Neck Pain
While going about the daily chores, sleeping, or official duties, one may overstretch soft tissues in the neck, prompting nerve irritation. Therefore, it is highly recommended to adopt healthy sitting and sleeping postures to reduce nerve irritation that may culminate into chronic neck pain. If left unchecked, nerve stress affecting the neck can cause discomfort, stiffness. Muscle strains, whiplash, and injuries can also cause acute neck pain.
Conditions Responsible for Chronic Neck Pain
Neck pain may result from:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoporosis
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis
The conditions highlighted above may alter the connective tissues and vertebrae to affect the health of your spine. If left untreated, changes to your spine may cause pressure on the nerves in your cervical spine, commonly known as radiculopathy.
Diagnosis of Neck Pain
Dr. O’Brien explores your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms to determine the most effective approach for an accurate diagnosis. Folks who participate in sports and jobs requiring sitting for long hours may develop neck pain that worsens if left unchecked.
Dr. O’Brien proceeds to complete a physical exam. After feeling your neck for abnormalities, you are required to make specific movements allowing the detection of pain and loss of function.
You may need further tests like CT scans, X-Ray, and MRI scans to get a closer look at the extent of the damage. Dr. O’Brien may recommend electromyogram (EMG) tests or nerve conduction velocity in case of suspected nerve problems. At Woodbury Spine, you stand to benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques.
Treatment for Neck Pain
In case of mild neck pain, you may benefit from using hot and cold compresses, rest, and over-the-counter pain relief medication. For severe neck pain resilient to self-care and lifestyle adjustments, you may need immediate medical attention.
Drawing from your examination and test results, Dr. O’Brien prepares you with a fully personalized treatment to deliver the best results. Your treatment plan may comprise.
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Facet joint nerve blocks
- Epidural steroid injections
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
If your neck pain persists after exposure to the treatment options above, your doctor may recommend urgent surgery. For more severe cases, an operation comes in handy to help you move past the pain and live healthier.
Surgical Options for Neck Pain
Dr. O’Brien considers the available surgical options to deliver long-term relief for neck pain. Most surgical options are designed to address complications to your intervertebral discs cushioning and stabilizing the spine. You may qualify for anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) and artificial disc replacement (ADR) based on your needs and lifestyle.
If you need surgery, Dr. O’Brien takes advantage of the latest technology and treatment techniques to minimize the pain and optimize outcomes.
Bottom Line
Neck pain may disrupt your life’s quality and limit your productivity at home, school, or work. Reach out to Woodbury Spine for effective and long-term relief for neck pain.
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