Services

Severe Neck and Back Pain Q & A

What causes back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or go to the doctor. Nearly everyone experiences some type of back pain at least once over the course of their lives.

Dr. Singer and the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery treat many conditions that cause back pain, including:

Herniated discs

Discs absorb shock and provide cushioning between your back bones (vertebrae). A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material inside a disc bulges through the exterior. If the bulging disc presses on a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is commonly known as a pinched nerve. This condition occurs when something like a bulging disc or bone spur compresses and irritates a nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.

Skeletal irregularities like scoliosis

Scoliosis causes the spine to curve abnormally. This condition is commonly diagnosed in children but often doesn’t cause pain until adulthood.

Compression fractures

Fractures in the vertebrae most often result from osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to become brittle and break easily.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis happens when the tunnel your spinal cord passes through becomes narrow. This can create pressure on the spinal nerve roots and lead to pain.

What causes neck pain?

Your neck (cervical spine) is made of the seven smallest and most delicate vertebrae in your body. The cervical vertebrae are prone to many of the same conditions that affect the lower parts of your spine, such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy.

How are neck and back pain diagnosed and treated?

First, the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to determine the cause of your back or neck pain. They may also take tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

After they provide an accurate diagnosis, the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery explains your condition and all possible treatment options. They begin treatment with the most conservative methods possible. If your back or neck pain continues despite treatment, surgery may be necessary.

The team at Specialists in Spine Surgery uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to ensure the best outcome for you. If you suffer from back or neck pain, call TODAY!