Laminectomy

Neck pain is a common condition that can hinder a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and routines. While some instances of neck pain are temporary and heal fairly quickly, chronic neck pain can persist for months or years without treatment. Some people find relief with simple solutions, such as rest, physical therapy, medications or hot and cold therapy, while others need more intensive treatment to relieve their discomfort.

Treatment for neck pain ranges from non-surgical treatment to surgical procedures. Steroid injections or radio-frequency energy can sometimes help manage chronic neck pain, but more serious conditions causing neck pain may require surgery.

It’s important to consider surgery as an option only if necessary. If you struggle with persistent neck pain, an experienced physician can evaluate your situation and determine if you’re a candidate for surgery. There are many ways to treat and manage temporary and chronic neck pain, so it’s important to understand what causes neck pain and what your options are if you experience it.

One of the most common causes of neck and back pain is facet joint syndrome. Facet joints make up important parts of the skeletal system that support the spine and help people move, bend, turn and twist. Various factors such as aging, obesity, poor posture and spinal injuries can cause facet joints to degenerate over time.

Facet joint syndrome causes symptoms such as inflammation and pain, which affect movement and the ability to continue with normal daily routines. Facet joint syndrome cannot be reversed, but simple home therapies, as well as innovative non-surgical and surgical procedures, can help alleviate pain and improve a patient’s quality of life.

If you experience back pain, facet joint syndrome may be causing your discomfort. An experienced physician can evaluate the cause of your pain and recommend a facet joint treatment method based on your condition.

Spinal stenosis is when the spaces within the spinal column narrow, leading to spinal nerve and cord compression. While stenosis can develop anywhere within the spinal column, it is most common in the lumbar spine in the lower back and the cervical spine in the neck.

While some patients may not display noticeable symptoms with spinal stenosis, others often experience pain, discomfort and limited mobility. Muscle weakness, numbness and tingling are also common symptoms of spinal stenosis. Learn how to treat spinal stenosis with nine innovative treatments.