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Minimally Invasive Neck Surgery – Understanding its Advantages over Open Spine Surgery

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Neck SurgeryJust the thought of undergoing neck surgery for a degenerative spine condition like a herniated disc is enough to make anyone a little squeamish. That’s probably because most people envision the traditional form of surgery, where at least one large incision is made in the neck or throat to access the cervical spine, and muscles and other soft tissues are dissected and pulled apart to reveal the cervical vertebrae.

This open spine approach used to be the only option for patients requiring surgery to address some form of neck pain caused by a degenerative cervical spine condition. Thanks to enormous advancements in science and surgical techniques in the past few decades, some patients are now able to undergo a far less invasive form of neck surgery that offers a number of advantages over the traditional form. Read more

Carotid Artery Dissection, Neck Pain, and Horner’s Syndrome

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carotid artery dissection and neck pain and horner's syndromeThe majority of acute onset neck pain is due to muscle tension but in some cases left-sided neck pain, right-sided neck pain, or neck pain that presents with Horner’s syndrome are the result of carotid artery dissection or carotidynia. It appears that carotid artery dissection, whilst once thought fairly rare, is actually a risk for many people, young or old, active or inactive. Indeed, activities such as running, golf, and contact sports can all lead to acute trauma to the carotid artery and neck pain, and for some patients this can be fatal. In today’s blog post we take a look at a case of Horner’s syndrome as a result of carotid artery dissection. Read more

Increasing Neck Pain, Low Libido, Weight Gain – Maybe Your Opioid Medication Is to Blame?

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low testosterone opioids and chronic neck pain

Symptoms of chronic pain or signs of OPIAD?

The sharp rise in the use of opioids for pain management in recent years has also led to an increase in opioid induced androgen deficiency. However, awareness of this condition remains poor and so many patients with chronic neck pain are suffering with symptoms of low libido, weight gain, fatigue, and depression that may be treatable with androgen replacement therapy. Is low testosterone to blame for your symptoms? Are your pain medications to blame for your low testosterone? Read more

US-Wide Aspirin Recall – Rugby-Label May Contain Acetaminophen

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aspirin acetaminophen recall rugby labelTaking aspirin for your neck pain? Make sure to check the contents of that bottle before popping those pain pills. A nationwide recall has been issued in the US after a bottle of 81mg aspirin tablets was found to contain 500mg acetaminophen tablets, putting people at risk of serious liver damage through accidental overdose or drug interactions. Read more

Learning More About Your Cervical Herniated Disc Diagnosis

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Herniated Disc DiagnosisIf you’re like many people, receiving a cervical herniated disc diagnosis gives rise to mixed emotions. On the one hand, it is likely a relief to finally know the cause of the neck pain and other forms of discomfort that you may have been struggling with for weeks or months. On the other hand, it can be scary to find out that you are suffering from a degenerative condition that has the potential to get worse over time.

The important thing to keep in mind when you do receive your diagnosis is to remain positive and patient. The treatment process many involve a certain degree of trial and error. It is unlikely that any one treatment will provide total relief, but a combination of conservative treatments like exercise, stretching, medication, and hot/cold compresses will probably help to alleviate your neck pain and other symptoms. Read more

Why a Herniated Disc Causes Referred Pain

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Herniated Disc CausesA herniated disc causes many different types of symptoms, from shooting pain to muscle weakness to a pins-and-needles sensation. Depending on the location of the herniated disc, these symptoms can reach as far as the fingers and toes. Why? Because all of the nerves that provide muscle and sensory stimulation throughout the body are extensions of the spinal nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord. If an anatomical abnormality like a herniated disc intrudes on the spaces in the spinal column where the spinal cord and its nerve roots reside, and nerve tissue becomes compressed, pain signals may be sent along the entire path of the compressed nerve.


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Volleyball and Neck Pain

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beach volleyball and neck painThe sun is shining, you’re in your best beach attire, you’re working up a sweat (and a tan) with some beach volleyball and neck pain strikes. Don’t end up sitting this season out; make sure to avoid injuries by following these simple steps to have fun in the sun and do some great smashes over that volleyball net. Read more

Neck Pain from Breastfeeding

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breastfeeding with neck pain lying downThe trials and tribulations of new motherhood are wide-ranging but one particular problem that is often overlooked is shoulder and neck pain when breastfeeding. For some women this can be so intensely painful that they end up in the emergency room, are prescribed strong analgesics and anti-inflammatories, and often give up on breastfeeding because it becomes impossible. Luckily, there are chiropractors and breastfeeding specialists who can offer good advice to mothers struggling with neck and shoulder pain related to feeding their infant. Read more

What is Cervicothoracic Junction Kyphosis?

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cervicothoracic junction deformityUnlike lumbar and thoracic curves, cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) kyphosis, a distinctive and complex cause of neck pain and other symptoms, is not normally associated with scoliosis. Instead, CTJ deformity involves a sagittal imbalance, where the spine takes on abnormal curvature front to back rather than side to side.

Treating CTJ deformity can be difficult and likely involves back and neck surgery to reconstruct the spine in order to restore balance and realign the neck and head. Read more

Treating a Herniated Disc in Your Neck

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Herniated disc in the neckIf you have a herniated disc in your neck, you may be experiencing a number of symptoms. A herniated disc is a deteriorating intervertebral disc that has a tear in its outer wall (annulus fibrosus) which can allow the release of its inner, gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. This extruded disc material can come into contact with the spinal cord or nerve roots, which is typically the cause of discomfort for patients with this condition. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain and an aching shoulder or numbness, muscle weakness, and shooting pains in your arm, you are probably looking for a way to relieve those symptoms. Read more