How Can I Prevent Shoulder And Neck Pain
- To prevent injuries, examine your home for potential hazards and correct them to reduce the chance of accidental injury.
- Proper exercise of the shoulders and neck can reduce the risk of injury.
- When performing hazardous tasks, have someone present to reduce the likelihood of injury. For example, when climbing a ladder, have someone hold the base of the ladder to keep it from sliding to either side.
- Know your limitations. Do not perform activities that you do not have the training, skills, tools, or strength to accomplish.
- Wear seat belts and use other safety equipment to reduce injuries.
When To See Neurosurgeons Vs Orthopedic Surgeons
Traditionally, neurosurgeons were the doctors of choice for spinal surgery. In the last several decades, some orthopedic surgeons have also been treating spinal conditions.
However, while orthopedists handle musculoskeletal conditions and may have special training in spine treatment, the focus of neurosurgeons is to treat the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. And whereas the field of orthopedics is very generalized, neurosurgery is very specialized.
Lets explore the differences and similarities between these two types of physicians.
Neurologists Make A Long
Surgeons dont generally care for patients with back pain and neck pain over the long term. The last time you see your surgeon is likely during a follow-up visit a month or two after surgery, long before you are fully recovered. There are a plethora of cracks to fall through, later on, the most important being a return to the same posture and muscle conditioning that led to the injury in the first place.
If a surgeon refers you to physical therapy at all, hell leave it up to you to pick a physical therapist off the internet. Not only will the therapist you find be a generalist, but they will also have little more to go on than a few words about the type of surgery you had.
Back injuries are a long-term problem, and to fix them requires a great deal of commitment from the patient. That commitment can keep you healthy and out of surgery, but you cant do it on your own. You need nurses, physicians, and physical therapists to support you all along the way. If you start with a Neurologist, you will have the continued support of someone who understands your case.
Experiencing chronic;back pain? If you are in the Kansas City area, visit me at Rowe Neurology Institute and we can begin the process of evaluating your situation. If youre not local, read my article on the 5 facts you should know BEFORE you get tested;for the things to consider before you see a neurologist.
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Can Neck Pain Cause A Headache On One Side
Along with causing headache neck pain at times can be observed on only one side of the neck like right side neck pain or left side neck pain with a headache. This kind of pain on the particular side may be the offshoot of many underlying conditions like injuries, blood vessel problems, and inflammatory diseases. Tension headaches and migraines can also lead to pain on one side of the head.
What Kind Of Doctor Should I See After A Car Accident
Life after any car accident can be a very stressful time. Aside from having to deal with insurance companies and paying for car damage, theres also the problem of dealing with medical issues. Many people are in a lot of pain after a car accident and dont know who to call to get the medical help and professional advice they need. At RightPath Pain & Spine Centers in Davenport, Florida, you can see a personal injury doctor who fully understands your situation.
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What Is An Otolaryngologist Head And Neck Surgeon
Insight into ear, nose, and throat specialists
Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat , and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx , oral cavity, and upper pharynx , as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
What Do Otolarygologists Treat?
The Ears-Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise , nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital disorders of the outer and inner ear.
The Nose-About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of otolaryngologists expertise.
Should You See A Neurologist For Back And Neck Pain
People often think of a chiropractic doctor for chronic pain, but neurologists also diagnose and treat back pain and neck pain. Neurologists specialize in conditions and diseases that affect the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system; this often includes chronic pain in the back and neck.
Talk to your primary care provider if you experience chronic back pain or neck pain. Your doctor can help you determine if you should see a specialist, such as a neurologist, for your symptoms. Some health insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic to schedule an appointment with our board-certified neurologists in Northwest Arkansas.
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Pain That Keeps You Up At Night
Back pain that keeps you up at night, or gets worse when you rest, is generally not life-threatening. That said, its best to get it checked, especially when accompanied by fever.;
Back or neck pain with fever may be a sign;of an infection such as meningitis.;Infections can get serious, fast, so dont delay that call to your doctor prompt diagnosis and treatment may save your life.
What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do
An orthopedic doctors main focus is narrower than a neurologists. The better part of an orthopedic doctors day is spent on treating injuries of the spine, back, and neck. They also follow their patient from the start of treatment all the way through to recovery. They are with patients every step of the way including diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation, all the while following up on a patients progress until rehabilitation is completed.
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Neurosurgeons And Orthopedic Surgeons Can Specialize In Spine Surgery
Many years ago, neurosurgeons were primarily responsible for spine surgery, but in the past 20 to 25 years spine surgery has evolved so that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons specialize in spine surgery, and for most of the typical spine operations both types of surgeons are equally well qualified.
How Is Neurosurgery Different From Orthopedics
Neurosurgeons practice almost exclusively on the spine and the brain. Neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, treating health issues such as:
- Congenital anomalies
- Infections of the spine and brain
- Stroke
- Degenerative diseases of the spine
A neurosurgeons entire scope of study revolves around the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, and the proper surgical treatment of conditions that affect these systems.
Orthopedists, on the other hand, spend their time divided between shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, foot, ankle, and spine treatment. And most orthopedists perform much less surgery than a neurosurgeon.
In the past, orthopedic surgeons performed more surgeries on spinal deformities like scoliosis and neurosurgeons did more intradural surgery . Only a board-certified neurosurgeon is permitted to operate inside the dura mater of the spinal cord or on the brain.
The field of orthopedics originally focused on treating children born with physical deformities, thus the root word ped, which means child. Orthopedics has expanded to adults and now largely serves the senior community and athletes including sports medicine. Orthopedic surgeons are the physicians who typically perform hip and knee replacement surgeries.
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Know When Its Time To Get Help
If you are experiencing any of the types of pain described belowespecially if you have been experiencing it for more than a few daysschedule an appointment with a neck specialist or doctor who specializes in treating back- or spine-related pain:
- Achiness or stiffness in the lower back after sitting
- Back or neck pain that keeps you awake at night
- Back pain that causes you to hunch over
- Loss of balance when walking
- Neck pain caused by swelling
- Neck pain you would describe as stiff
- Numbness in the affected area
- Sudden, sharp pain in a localized area of the back
A specialty-trained back, neck, or spine doctor may diagnose you with one of these back, spine, or neck conditions or injuries:
- Cervical myelopathy
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Who Can Help With My Joint Pain Or Arthritis
Your PCP will guide you in the right direction regarding which specialist you need to see in further treating your health concerns. Many health insurance plans require that a PCP first refer the patient to a consulting specialist before a visit to this specialist is covered by your medical plan.
If you suffer pain and disability due to arthritis, body trauma, injury, or an accident , an orthopedist can help. The staff at Orthopaedic Associates utilizes both cutting-edge therapies and traditional treatments to address a variety of orthopedic conditions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 892-1440 or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Go To Doctorrowecom For More Videos On Back And Neck Pain
Dr. Vernon Rowe has a web-based informational website that provides in-depth information about each of the neurological conditions that we specialize in, including informational videos like this one, with transcripts, that are unlike anything else on the webthey are NOT SPONSORED by any pharmaceutical company or other commercial entity. Go to DOCTORROWE.COM. The information provided will help you navigate your care wherever you go, with knowledge about the questions you should ask your doctor, and the tests that may be recommended, as well as some tips on how to obtain cost effective care, wherever you live.
Internists And Family Practice Physicians
Internists and family physicians are the most typical entry into the world of medical treatment. The second most common reason for a visit to your primary care doctor is back pain. These individuals have one of the most difficult jobs. These doctors have to know about heart disease, circulation, lungs, liver, kidneys, diabetes, infectious disease, as well as spine. They have the hardest job in medicine.
These docs might initially use medications and activity restrictions. If their treatment is not effective, they might refer to a physical therapist. Some may refer to chiropractors. Osteopaths may treat the problem themselves with manipulation and muscle techniques. No matter to which you go, if the problem is resolved, obviously there is no further need of treatment.
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Delaying Neck Pain Treatment
If you decide to put off your treatment, you are running the risk of making your symptoms even worse. For people who suffer from whiplash, immediate treatment and care after an accident will result in a better outcome for your injury. Delayed care, other the other hand, can result in chronic neck pain that can move down into the shoulders and, over time, result in:
- Limited function
Doctors Can You Tell Me Why Does Neck Pain Cause Headaches
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How Does A Chiropractic Specialist Treat Neck Pain
;Chiropractors treat patients with neck pain using gentle non-invasive treatments, known as adjustments, to reduce spinal subluxations, neck muscle spasms or restrictions in motion of the neck.
However, before such adjustments can begin a chiropractor collects medical information from the patient as well as details about a patients lifestyle. A chiropractor will then feel the neck to check for any problem areas. A chiropractor looks for any areas of excess neck stiffness, muscle spasms of the neck, and specific areas that might be causing excess neck pain.
A chiropractor will also ask the patient to move his or her neck in various ways to check for mobility as well as to see which movements reproduce this neck pain.; He will also check for the curvature of the spine, posture and reflexes to assess the musculoskeletal and nerve function. If necessary the chiropractor will refer the patient for additional tests including x-ray or MRI to get an inside look at the underlying neck issues.
Manipulation is just one form of treatment for neck pain though. A chiropractor also employs several other techniques such as hot and cold therapy as well as stretching exercises for the neck. Heat applied to the neck will relax neck muscles and reduce neck tension. Cold is used primarily to reduce swelling the neck or inflammation. Stretching exercises help to loosen the neck and increase the overall flexibility of the neck.
When Should You Call Your Doctor
911 or other emergency services immediately if:
- Neck pain occurs with chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath and nausea.
- A person has signs of damage to the spine after an injury . Signs may include:
- Being unable to move part of the body.
- Severe back or neck pain.
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse numbness in your arms, buttocks or legs.
- You have new or worse weakness in your arms or legs.
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels.
- You have long-term neck pain that suddenly gets much worse, and you didnt cause it by being more active.
- You have a history of cancer or HIV infection, and you have new or increased neck pain.
- Pain wakes you from sleep.
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What Are Some Good Habits For Relieving Neck Pain
Neck pain is usually the result of habits acquired over the years. Poor neck habits often result in bad posture and cause excessive strain on the neck. They can also lead to neck stiffness and waking up with a sore neck every day. The good news is that you and a chiropractic neck pain specialist can correct these poor habits and work towards keeping your neck pain-free.
Maintaining good posture is key when creating habits to alleviate neck pain.; Many people slouch when sitting down or performing daily tasks. Instead of slouching or hunching the back, try keeping objects at arms reach and position things like workstations and televisions at eye-level. Also, when reading, people should hold their books at eye-level and not drop their chins into their chests.
Other things for neck pain sufferers to avoid include holding their phones with their necks bent to the side, carrying heavy bags or purses on one side of the body, bending over to pick up something dropped and sleeping on a couch or bed that sags.
Some good habits include lowering overall stress levels and performing neck exercises. Eating a healthier diet can also have beneficial effect that may prevent neck pain from occurring as frequently.
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Midtown NYC, Dr. Alex Kaminsky is a chiropractor in New York who specializes in neck pain treatment.
A Neurologist Is Highly Specialized In Diagnosing Back Pain And Neck Pain And In Assessing Risks And Treatment Options
Every back pain and neck pain patient is unique, with different degrees of problems associated with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist is trained to discover the causes of symptoms, as well as using EMG testing to assess the injury to nerves and whether it is reversible in the short and long term.
However, conflicts in assessment can come in if a neurologist sees a patient sent to them by one of their surgical friends working in the same hospital system. On the one hand, he/she has a primary duty to the patient to provide the best care possible. On the other, the neurologists salary might be paid by the hospital system, which receives compensation, as does the surgeon, when surgery is done.
To have a true and unbiased second opinion about whether surgery is necessary,;its best for you to see an independent neurologist or, at least, one in another hospital system. In most non-emergency cases, a conservative approach is both possible and optimal.
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