Neck Pain and Neuropathy

While neck pain (in the cervical spine) is less common than lower back pain (in the lumbar spine), millions of people experience neck pain and/or related arm pain at some point in their life. While many episodes of neck pain have no identifiable anatomical cause, certain types of neck pain and arm pain can be linked to a general cause (such as muscle strain) or a diagnosable condition.

Dr. Richard Francis

Dr. Richard Francis is a leader in the field of spine surgery, pioneering treatments related to artificial disc implants, robotic assisted spine procedures and conducting research that leads to better treatments for our patients. We offer cutting-edge treatments and the latest technology to ensure that you receive the best possible results. Neck pain related spine conditions that we treat include:

We also treat inflammatory and degenerative spine conditions, including, degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Symptoms

You should consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Neck pain that radiates down the arm
• Neck pain that is related to certain positions or activities
• Arm pain with lack of coordination
• Neck pain that persists for more than a few months and may fluctuate
• Neck pain that is worse in the morning and at the end of the day

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the exact cause of neck pain can be difficult due to the complex nature of the spine itself. Dr. Francis is an expert at finding the root cause of pain and prescribing treatments targeting that pain. Our first step is to talk with each patient, gather a complete medical history, and conduct a physical exam of the spine. Many times, additional diagnostic tests including X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scans are used to diagnose spine conditions.

Treatments

We offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating neck pain and neuropathy. We’ve built close relationships with teams of neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and radiologists who work together to create individualized treatment plans that account for a patient’s neck condition and lifestyle. The vast majority of episodes of neck pain will get better with time and can be addressed with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or injections. However, there are a few symptoms that are possible indications of a serious medical condition and patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

• Progressive neurological deficit (weakness in the arms or loss of feeling and coordination in the arms or legs) could indicate nerve damage.
• If sustained or increasing pain is accompanied by lack of appetite, unplanned weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or fever/chills/shakes, there could be a spinal tumor or infection.