It’s no wonder neck pain is a common complaint when so many people spend hours hunched over their computer or work area. Though neck pain isn’t usually a serious health issue, the discomfort can affect your quality of life, especially if the pain is chronic. At Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery in Battle Creek, Michigan, experienced spine surgeon Timothy Spencer, DO, offers innovative treatments to help you get relief from your neck pain. For a consultation, call the office nearest you today.

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What is neck pain?

Your neck, which contains your cervical vertebrae, is a flexible portion of your spine. In addition to supporting the full weight of your head, your cervical spine also allows you to move your head in a variety of directions. Unfortunately, the structure and function of your neck also makes it vulnerable to injury and pain. 

Neck pain includes any discomfort you experience in and around your neck and may include:

  • Localized or radiating pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Headaches
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Stiffness

Your neck pain and other symptoms may worsen when you hold your head in certain positions. 

What are common causes of neck pain?

Neck pain often develops from issues related to the structures that make up your cervical spine. The problems may develop from poor posture, an injury, or an underlying disease. 

Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

  • Whiplash 
  • Muscle strain
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Arthritis
  • Herniated disc
  • Pinched nerves

Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain and may increase your risk of developing a chronic pain condition. Making a few changes to your work environment to improve the alignment of your cervical spine may help prevent long-term pain problems.

When should I seek medical help for my neck pain?

Most acute cases of neck pain resolve on their own with at-home care. However, you should contact Dr. Spencer to schedule an evaluation if your neck pain is severe, gets worse, or is chronic, which means it lasts longer than three months.

You should also seek medical help from the experienced spine surgeon for your neck pain if you’re experiencing burning, numbness, or tingling sensations that travel into your extremities. 

How is neck pain treated?

Dr. Spencer develops a personalized treatment plan for your neck pain based on the underlying cause. Even though he’s a skilled surgeon, he typically initiates treatment using nonsurgical therapies, such as physical therapy, ergonomics, home-based exercises, and pain management and medication.

Dr. Spencer also offers injections to alleviate pain, including epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks. The types of injections that are best suited for you depend on the underlying cause of your pain.

What are minimally invasive treatments for neck pain?

Dr. Spencer specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and uses advanced tools and techniques to provide the surgical intervention you need while minimizing your hospital stay and recovery time. 

Minimally invasive surgical treatments for neck pain include:

  • Cervical foraminotomy
  • Cervical laminotomy
  • Posterior cervical decompression and fusion
  • Facet joint rhizotomy
  • Artificial disc replacement

For many surgical procedures, Dr. Spencer uses laser spine surgery or advanced robotic surgical systems. 

For relief from your neck pain from an experienced spine surgeon, call Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery to book a consultation today.