Neck and Arm Pain

 

Neck and Arm Pain can be from muscles, bones and nerves.

Read more about causes of Neck and Arm pain below.

 

Muscle Strain

“Whiplash” injuries are common causes of neck pain.

They are muscular in nature and most often resolve with time.

A brief period of brace wear is a reasonable.

Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles is the main treatment.

When a ligament injury is present causing instability, surgery may be necessary.

Image

Arthritis

The joints and discs of the neck wear out as we age.

Everyone develops neck arthritis to some degree, but not everyone experiences pain.

People will often have neck stiffness in the morning, and neck pain with bending activities.

Physical therapy to strengthen the neck muscles is the mainstay of treatment.

When arthritis leads to painful pinched nerves, sugery may be an option.

Image

Herniated Disc

Intervertebral discs are located between the bones of your neck.

Discs are the shock absorbers of your spine.

Pressure on the disc, often from bending, twisting or heavy lifting, can cause part of the disc to bulge out.

The bulged disc pushes against a nerve and causes nerve irritation

This can cause neck, shoulder, and shooting arm pain.

Treatment includes observation, anti-inflammatory medications, injections or surgery.

Fusion or disc replacement are surgical options.

Image

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal arthritis can sometimes lead to compression of the nerves in the spine, called stenosis.

Spinal stenosis can cause both back and leg pain.

Pain is worse with walking and improves when you sit down. You may find yourself bending forward more than usual.

Injections are the first step in treatment of spinal stenosis.

To permanently treat spinal stenosis, a surgery called decompression may be necessary.

Image

Treatment Options for Neck and Arm Pain

Multiple non-surgical and surgical options are available for neck and arm pain. Click below to learn more about treatment options for Neck and Arm Pain.

Physical therapy is important for prevention and treatment of many spinal disorders including acute back pain and chronic back pain.

Injections are the first line of treatment for many spinal pathologies.

Injections are useful for both diagnosing and treating spinal conditions.

There are many spinal surgical procedures available for the treatment of spine problems.

 

Nicholas Schroeder, MD


Dr. Nicholas Schroeder is a orthopedic surgeon who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of spine conditions. Call today for an appointment with Dr. Schroeder.