Neck and Back Pain

Dealing with neck and back pain means understanding the different signs that can show up. At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we know everyone's experience is unique, and our way of looking at your situation goes beyond just easing the symptoms.

Symptoms of neurological neck and back pain can include:

• Numbness or weakness
• Radiating pain that extends into the limbs
• Bowel changes
• Limitations in mobility
• Not responding to anti-inflammatory treatments

Neurological conditions that cause neck and back pain often involve issues with the nerves within the spinal column, leading to symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.

Identifying the root causes of your neck and back pain is fundamental to crafting effective treatment plans. Our team at Haynes Neurosurgical Group specializes in addressing a range of conditions contributing to these discomforts.

• Herniated Discs - A common cause of neck and back pain is a herniated disc. This occurs when the cushion-like discs between your spinal vertebrae rupture or bulge, putting extra pressure on nearby nerves. Our expertise lies in pinpointing and treating these issues to alleviate your pain and restore mobility.
• Spinal Stenosis - Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows, leading to nerve compression and subsequent pain. Our team is skilled in addressing the intricacies of spinal stenosis, tailoring treatments to relieve pressure and enhance your overall spinal health.
• Degenerative Disc Disease - Age-related changes, often manifesting as degenerative disc disease, can contribute to neck and back pain. We focus on understanding the unique aspects of your condition, utilizing advanced techniques to manage degenerative changes and improve your quality of life.
• Scoliosis - Scoliosis is marked by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. As the spine twists and turns, it may lead to compression or irritation of spinal nerves, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected areas. Tailored interventions may include surgical procedures to correct the curvature and alleviate pressure on nerves.
• Spinal Fractures - Spinal fractures can disrupt the spine's normal alignment and result in compression or damage to the spinal cord or adjacent nerves. Treatment may involve immobilization with braces, medications for pain management, and surgical interventions to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on neurological structures.
• Tumors Affecting the Spine - Spinal tumors, whether benign or malignant, can directly impact neurological structures in the spine. Tumors may compress or invade the spinal cord or nerves, leading to localized or radiating pain, weakness, sensory changes, and even issues with bowel or bladder control. Treatment suggestions may include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.
• Lifestyle and Other Factors - Lifestyle factors, injuries, and the natural aging process can also play significant roles in the development of neck and back pain. Whether you live a sedentary lifestyle, struggle with a past injury, or experience age-related weakness, our approach starts with a comprehensive evaluation to offer tailored treatments that address your specific situation.

Neurosurgeons specialize in the anatomy of the nervous system. When neck and back pain involve neurological factors, seeking the expertise of a neurosurgeon ensures a thorough understanding of the underlying causes.

At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, our diagnostic evaluations include imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans, to visualize the details of your spinal issues. Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective treatment plans. 

Precisely identifying the exact nature and location of your problem helps us tailor interventions that manage the root causes of your neck and back pain.

For many, relief begins with conservative approaches. This can include:

• Physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength
• Pain management strategies to provide relief and minimize the need for more invasive interventions

However, in cases where surgical intervention is warranted, our neurosurgical team is equipped with a wealth of expertise. We recommend minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, ensuring smaller incisions and quicker healing times. 

This can include procedures such as:

• Discectomy: Part or the entire intervertebral disc that may be pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord is removed. It is useful when herniated or bulging discs cause nerve compression.
• Laminectomy: The lamina (the back part of the vertebra) is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is helpful in the case of spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord or nerves.
• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Injection of bone cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize and relieve pain. It is useful in the case of vertebral compression fractures.
• Peripheral Nerve Surgery: Surgery addresses nerve compression or entrapment outside the spinal canal. It is used for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
• Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A damaged cervical disc is replaced with an artificial disc in the neck region. It is helpful for degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine.

The choice of procedure is always highly individualized, and not all patients with neck and back pain will require traditional surgery. 

At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we combine unmatched precision in neurosurgical techniques with personalized care, tailoring each intervention to your unique needs. 

Our brain and spine care experts are focused on your full recovery as they guide you toward a future of restored health.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.