Fellowship-Trained Neck Surgeons
Pain in the neck is most commonly the result of trauma, poor posture, muscle strain, or disc degradation. Neck injuries, like whiplash, can occur during sudden changes in direction of the head and neck. Common causes of neck injuries are car crashes and sports accidents.
If you are experiencing a cramping or tightening of the lower neck muscles, your neck pain may be emanating from poor posture or a muscle strain. Persistent neck pain that worsens over time is a sign of a degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis.
How Do I Know If I Need Orthopedic Neck Care?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of neck pain, it may be time to schedule a visit with a Steindler neck specialist.
Neck Symptoms
- Persistent headaches
- Disruption of sleep due to neck pain
- Stiffness of the neck and shoulders, especially in the morning
- Sensitivity in the arms and legs
- Joint pain or swelling in the neck and shoulders
- Weakness, numbness, and dizziness
How Can I Schedule an Orthopedic Consultation?
If not properly treated, a neck injury or condition can have a serious impact on your life. Call us at (319) 338-3606 to schedule an appointment with one of our neck specialists.
Common Neck Conditions
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper (cervical) portion of the spine becomes compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms. Cervical radiculopathy symptoms may be treatable with medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, or neck immobilization. In most cases, cervical radiculopathy can be treated without surgery.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Whether it is from age or years of neck strain, the cartilage of the spine can wear out and cause problems. The pain can range from your neck down to your buttocks and may cause numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Treatments can include icing and heat pads, physical therapy, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.
Herniated Disc (Cervical)
Rubbery spinal discs are located between each of the spinal bones. A herniated disc occurs when a disc ruptures and the soft center begins to push out. This herniation can compress a nerve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in a portion of the back and nearby limbs. A herniated disc in the lower (cervical) portion of your spine can manifest as symptoms in the lower back and legs. Herniated discs can often be treated by modifying your daily activities, medications, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. In severe cases, these non-surgical methods may not be effective and will require surgery to treat.
Myelopathy & Spinal Stenosis
Several conditions can cause the spinal cord or nerves to become compressed, including myelopathy and spinal stenosis. This compression can be caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, an injury, or a tumor. The symptoms can include back and limb pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control. Treatments may include medication, physical therapy, and non-surgical procedures. If these treatments do not provide relief, surgery could be an option to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our specialty-trained neck doctors, please use the links below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and suggestions on preparing for your appointment.
