Back to home July 2012
The Spine Center
For Most, Neck Pain Not a Permanent Condition
From whiplash in a car wreck to herniated disks, neck pain can put
a halt to a quality life. Physicians who treat patients with neck pain
carefully evaluate each situation and try to treat the pain as quickly as
possible.
“Most conditions can be treated, at least initially, with conservative management—including NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug), steroid injections and therapy,” says interventional physiatrist, Reggie Augusthy, D.O. “Surgery is primarily necessary for pathology and injuries contributing to true neuro compression, resulting in symptoms such as severe pain and weakness, or pain that is unresponsive to conservative management.”
While some injuries, including those of some falls and car wrecks, cannot be avoided, others can. “Try to limit traumatic events, extremes of range of motion (up/down, turning head), and heavy lifting, pushing and pulling,” Dr. Augusthy says.
If the pain persists, surgery may become the best option, says orthopedic surgeon, Jon Kimball, M.D. “We consider surgery in non-emergency situations if the symptoms resist ordinary forms of treatment of nonsurgical care, last longer than three months, or if there is pain that is difficult to treat and/or progressive neurologic deficits,” he says.
Dr. Kimball treats patients for muscle strains, whiplash injuries, arthritis, exacerbations from falls, accidents, or overuse; and patients with pinched nerve symptoms.
While neck pain can be severe, and at times, debilitating, it does not have to be permanent, Dr. Kimball says. “One of the best things to do is to maintain a strong core through exercise,” he says. “Our goal is to minimize our patients’ symptoms and maximize their return to work or play activities without pain or disability.”
Common causes of neck and shoulder pain:
- Whiplash
- Degenerative arthritis, which can pinch nerves
- Degenerative disc disease
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Bursitis—swollen or stiff joints
- Tendonitis—swollen or stiff tendons
- Gallbladder disease—referred pain in the right shoulder
strong>“Our goal is to minimize our patients’ symptoms and maximize their return to work or play activities without pain or disability.”
Treating Job Related Back Pain
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Jon Kimball, M.D.
Joint Implant Surgeons
7331 College Parkway,
Suite 300
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-337-2003