Neck Pain

Manhattan Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Astoria, & Brooklyn, NY

Pain in your neck may be due to cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine surgery specialist Vikas V. Varma, MD, uses the most advanced techniques to treat neck pain at Manhattan Orthopedics, located in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Astoria, New York. To find relief from your neck pain, call our office or schedule an appointment online today.

Neck Pain Q & A

What are common causes of neck pain?

Your neck is made of the seven uppermost bones in your spine, your cervical vertebrae. The small, delicate bones carry the weight of your head and allow a wide range of motion.

The cervical spine is vulnerable to a broad range of injuries and conditions that cause pain, including:

Muscle tension and strain
Whiplash
Osteoarthritis of the neck (spondylosis)
Spinal stenosis
Herniated cervical disc

One of the most common causes of neck pain is cervical radiculopathy, commonly known as a pinched nerve.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in your neck gets irritated or compressed as it branches from your spinal cord.

This may lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, muscle weakness, and a numb or tingling sensation that radiates into your shoulder and travels down your arm and into the hand.

The most common cause of cervical radiculopathy is age-related degenerative changes that affect your spine.

As you grow older, the discs that provide cushioning and flexibility in your spine dry out and tear more easily. This may lead to a herniated disc, which can put pressure on a nearby nerve.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Dr. Varma thoroughly reviews your medical history and performs an exam to determine the exact cause of your neck pain. He may perform diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm his diagnosis.

How is neck pain treated?

After he diagnoses the cause of your neck pain, Dr. Varma discusses the best treatments for your specific condition. Most people with cervical radiculopathy find relief from nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy and medication.

If your neck pain is severe and persists despite conservative treatment, Dr. Varma may recommend surgery. Depending on your needs, he may recommend one of the following surgical procedures:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) involves removing a degenerated or herniated disc through an incision in the front part of your neck. After he removes the disc, Dr. Varma fuses the bones together so they no longer move.

Disc replacement

Disc replacement is an alternative to ACDF that maintains movement in your neck. Instead of fusing the vertebrae, Dr. Varma replaces the removed disc with an artificial one.

For expert treatment of all types of neck pain, call Manhattan Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today.

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