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Neck Pain

The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is a complex structure composed of bones, nerves, muscles, and joints. It serves to support the head, enable movement and contain the spinal cord and nerves. Neck pain will often resolve within a few days or weeks on its own, but if the discomfort persists, an underlying condition that may exist and require medical treatment.

An Overview

Common causes of neck pain include acute and chronic cervical strain or sprain. A neck strain can develop from overuse of the neck such as holding a phone between the ear and shoulder, or poor posture while working in front of a computer. A neck sprain is caused by a more forceful injury, such as whiplash from a car accident. Both types of injury can be successfully managed with Dr. Akamnonu's conservative neck pain treatments.

Persistent or recurrent neck pain, accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers, suggests degenerative changes in the spine. Cervical spondylosis is a collective term describing the wear and tear of the joints. Degeneration of cervical discs and joints may appear in young adults, but more commonly occurs after age 40.

Causes of Neck Pain

  • Arthritic disorders

  • Herniated disc

  • Vertebral compression fracture

  • Injury to the bones, joints, or ligaments

  • Disease (e.g., cancer, meningitis)

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Symptoms

Neck pain symptoms can vary depending on the type of condition or injury. For example, varying degrees of discomfort, along with a headache and stiffness, are common with soft tissue injuries. However, a stiff neck accompanied by a high fever, vomiting, nausea, or sensitivity to light could be signs of meningitis – a condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Radiculopathy, also referred to as a “pinched nerve,” is attributed to symptoms resulting from the compression of a nerve root. Degenerative and/or herniated disc changes alter the anatomy of the spine and can affect the nerve root branching out from the spinal cord. When the spinal cord itself is compressed or subjected to disease or infection, the symptoms that developed are termed myelopathy.

Symptoms of Radiculopathy Include:

  • Pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, or down the arm

  • Tingling and/or numbness in the arms or hands

  • Weakness with or without muscle atrophy

Symptoms of Myelopathy Include:

  • Loss of normal motor coordination in the arms or hands

  • Trouble with fine motor movements (e.g. using keys, buttoning, or writing)

  • Dropping items (e.g. coffee mugs/drinking glasses)

  • A feeling of weakness or heaviness in the affected hand or arm

  • Disruption of walking speed or balance

  • Falling and/or tripping

When to See a Doctor

Most instances of neck pain will slowly improve with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, cold compresses, heating pads, mild stretching. An appointment with our office should be made immediately if the pain fails to respond to at-home remedies or is:
 

  • Persistent and severe

  • Spreading down the legs and arms

  • Resulting in any weakness, numbness, and/or headache or other neurologic symptoms

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Neck Pain Treatment

Dr. Akamnonu will in most cases be able to diagnose the cause of neck pain after reviewing symptoms and performing a physical exam. Depending on when the pain started and the severity of the symptoms, imaging studies may be ordered. X-ray EMG (electromyography) or CT/MRI may be conducted to confirm a diagnosis or eliminate other disorders.
 

There are many surgical options to help lessen the nerve pain, relieve cord compression and restore spinal stability. However, surgery is not needed in most cases. There are many neck pain treatments that can help relieve symptoms. These include:

  • Anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling, muscle relaxants to alleviate spasm, or narcotics to lessen acute pain

  • Cold/heat therapy is the most important to administer during the first 24-48 hours following the onset of symptoms

  • Soft cervical collar for neck support

  • Physical therapy, which can sometimes include therapeutic exercises, gentle massage, or traction to decrease pain and increase function

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Neck Surgery

For the patients in NYC who do ultimately require neck surgery, Dr. Akamnonu offers a number of advanced treatment options including a variety of motion-preservation treatments and minimally invasive outpatient procedures. Akamnonu prides himself in specializing and performing the top neck surgery New York has to offer and as always, he and his staff welcome any questions and ensure that all patient concerns are thoroughly addressed and handled.
 

The best candidates for Dr. Akamnonu's neck surgery are individuals who have not been able to experience an improvement in their symptoms with physical therapy, medications, and rest. Neck Surgery is only recommended once all other approaches have failed to improve your condition. It is often performed to:
 

  • Calm a nerve that is pinched by bone spurs or a herniated disc

  • Alleviate spinal cord pressure due to bone spurs

  • Prevent the vertebrates from grinding together

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