Neck Pain and When It's Time to Get Help
We all get a headache from time to time, but persistent neck pain should not be brushed aside. Pain that begins in your neck but radiates through the back and arms may indicate an underlying spinal disorder or neurological disease. For neck pain requiring surgery, consult the physicians at Neurosurgery of Central Florida. With our extensive experience in spinal fusion and surgery, we can help you treat not just your neck pain but the root of the problem.
Why Neck Pain Is No Small Inconvenience
Your neck sits atop your spinal column, or cervical spine, which comprises seven vertebral bones. These vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, with an intervening disc that acts as a cushion and shock-absorber. The bones in your spinal column are located near the bundle of nerve fibers called your spinal cord, which originates from your brain and communicates neural commands to your arms and legs. With its proximity to the brain and spinal cord, your neck acts as a crucial indicator of muscle, nerve, and joint health. Pain in your neck could signify muscle tension, arthritis, disc degeneration, or even cancer or meningitis. Don’t ignore persistent, severe neck pain; seek swift diagnosis and thorough treatment before the problem worsens.
Causes of Neck Pain
In diagnosing the cause of your neck pain, there are several possible culprits. Your pain could be the result of an injury or whiplash from a recent car accident. Something as simple as poor posture can worsen neck pain and lead to muscle tension. A degenerative disease such as arthritis might be eroding the discs in your spinal column, or a bone spur could be putting uncomfortable pressure on various spots along your spinal cavity. Each of these causes can and should be treated before your pain worsens, and your spine suffers more damage.
Treating Your Neck Pain
There are many treatment options for neck pain, and not all of them are as invasive as surgery. Depending on the nature of your symptoms and the cause of your pain, you may be able to simply wear a brace or other stabilizing device to align your spine and allow the body to heal. You may be prescribed a pain reliever such as an oral steroid or cortisone shot to soothe the pain for a predetermined time. If the pain persists, you may need more aggressive treatment. Spinal fusion can correct the problem of a degenerated disc by fusing two vertebrae. Your spine may require the support of a plate or other surgically-embedded device to curb chronic pain. If you have severely injured your neck in a sporting or automobile accident and are experiencing numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, seek medical help right away.
Contact Us
You don’t have to put up with the pain in your neck, and you shouldn’t let more insidious symptoms such as numbness go unchecked. Consult a physician at Neurosurgery of Central Florida; we can address your neck pain by treating its source. Call us today at 407-624-5028.
