There is nothing quite so draining as significant back pain or neck pain. Because it can hurt with every motion, chronic pain in these regions can be downright debilitating, as you seek to avoid permanent discomfort. And oftentimes, the solutions to these problems require complex and considerable treatments.
At Longstreet Clinic, our board-certified physiatrists and neurosurgeons utilize a balance of innovation and experience to provide the best approach to curing back pain and neck pain.
We also educate our patients and stay up to date on the most advanced techniques in alleviating a condition that can easily take you away from your everyday life.
Know the source of your back pain and/or neck pain
Identifying your specific condition is the first step toward improvement, and it is important to choose a neurological specialist who is well versed in the various disorders related to the spine.
Because the spine represents an extraordinarily complex mixture of bones, muscles, and nerve tissue, a keen understanding is necessary in order to provide the best care.
And spinal pain can stem from any number of sources including these common conditions:
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – A condition in which the discs that cushion the individual vertebra become compromised through wear and tear.
- Herniated Disc – Occurs when a portion of the nucleus of the disc pushes through a crack in the annulus.
- Osteoporosis – When a bone degeneration disease can cause the vertebra to become compromised.
- Spondylolisthesis – Occurs when a vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below it.
- Spinal Stenosis – A narrowing of the spaces within your spine.
- Spinal Fractures – The vertebra in your spine can be broken in both severe and non-severe instances.
- Sciatica – Occurs when a vertebral condition, usually a herniated disc or bone spur, puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which stems from your lower back/pelvis.
Some of these conditions are the natural result of aging, like degenerative disc disease or osteoporosis, while others may be caused by injury, such as stenosis, herniation, or spinal fractures. Still others may be the result of years of repetitive motions and/or the combination of lifelong conditions such as scoliosis.
Whatever the cause, it is not always easy to identify the cause of back pain and neck pain, as spinal conditions can present in several areas. And the longer it is ignored, the more areas it may affect.
Factors your physician will consider in diagnosis include the location of the pain, severity of symptoms and medical history. Our specialists use multiple and cutting-edge diagnostic tools to determine the specific condition. And while we start with physical examination, we also utilize MRI and CT scan and in some cases electromyography.
Treating back pain and neck pain
After a condition has been identified, your provider will determine the best patient-focused treatment plan. Treatment options vary from non-invasive rehabilitation to surgical procedures – and many of these procedures have advanced rapidly in recent years. In some cases, patients may require a mix of both therapies to experience the best results.
So, whether you need rest and specific stretches and exercises, or you require spinal disc replacement or fusion to find relief, our neurosurgeons will work with you to determine the best outcome for your health.
Prevention and early intervention are crucial in the success of managing or curing neurological conditions. If you have a family history of back pain or osteoporosis, it is important to begin preventive care and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
And thanks to the development of Longstreet Clinic’s Neuroscience and Orthopedic Center, our neurosurgeons work side by side with other highly trained healthcare professionals that can help you find relief for your back or neck pain. That includes Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Interventional Pain Management specialists, physical therapists, and more – each dedicated to helping you overcome your spinal concerns and get you back to full health.
If you would like to request an appointment, please call 678-207-4100 or contact us.
