At Chicago Neurological Services, we understand that neck and back pain can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your ability to work, exercise, and perform everyday activities. Whether you’re dealing with acute discomfort or chronic pain, Dr. Lenny Cohen, a board certified neurologist is here to help. We offer advanced, personalized treatments to address the root causes of your pain, providing long-term relief and restoring your mobility.
What Causes Neck and Back Pain?
Neck and back pain can result from a variety of conditions, ranging from poor posture and muscle strain to more complex issues like spinal injuries, degenerative diseases, or nerve compression. Some common causes include:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the soft inner material of a spinal disc leaks out, it can press on surrounding nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the discs between your vertebrae can wear down, causing pain and stiffness.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces within the spine that puts pressure on the nerves, often leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, back, arms, or legs.
- Sciatica: Pain that radiates down the leg, typically caused by compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower back.
- Muscle Strains: Overuse or improper posture can strain muscles in the neck or back, leading to acute pain.
- Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine that can lead to discomfort and pain.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage in the spine can lead to stiffness and pain.
If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause in order to develop the most effective treatment plan. At Chicago Neurological Services, our neurologist uses the latest diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your pain and provide the best treatment options.
Symptoms of Neck and Back Pain
The symptoms of neck and back pain can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include:
- Neck Pain: Stiffness, sharp pain, or dull aches in the neck that may radiate to the shoulders or arms.
- Back Pain: Pain that can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain, especially in the lower back or upper back.
- Radiating Pain: Pain that travels down the arms (for neck pain) or legs (for back pain), commonly due to nerve compression.
- Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of "pins and needles" or weakness in the arms or legs, often caused by nerve irritation.
- Difficulty Moving or Sitting: Pain may limit your ability to move, bend, or sit comfortably.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking professional care is crucial to receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Why Choose Chicago Neurological Services for Neck and Back Pain?
At Chicago Neurological Services, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating neck and back pain. Our neurologist is dedicated to understanding the root cause of your pain and offering personalized treatment plans designed to provide relief and restore function.
Treatment Options for Neck and Back Pain
We offer a range of treatments for neck and back pain, from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical options, depending on the severity and underlying cause of your condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, which can help relieve pain and prevent future injury.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as NSAIDs) or prescription medications may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments may be suggested to relieve tension and improve alignment in the neck and back.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For severe pain, steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and provide relief, especially in cases of herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage can help alleviate muscle tightness and improve blood flow, promoting healing in the neck and back muscles.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: We offer guidance on proper posture and workstation ergonomics to reduce strain on the neck and back, preventing future discomfort.
2. Advanced Treatments
- Epidural Steroid Injections: For patients with conditions like herniated discs or sciatica, epidural steroid injections may provide significant pain relief by targeting the nerve roots.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reduce pain by targeting the nerve causing discomfort.
- Surgical Treatments: If conservative treatments aren’t effective, we may recommend surgery for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis. Surgical options include discectomy, spinal fusion, or laminectomy.
Why Trust Chicago Neurological Services?
- Expert Care: Dr. Lenny Cohen is a Board Certified Neurologist and has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating neck and back pain. We are committed to providing the highest level of care.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach: We use advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT scans, and NCV/EMG testing, to identify the exact cause of your pain and develop a tailored treatment plan.
- Patient-Centered Care: We work closely with you to understand your symptoms and goals, offering treatments that are specific to your needs and lifestyle.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Our clinic offers access to the latest treatments and technologies, ensuring that you receive the most effective and up-to-date care.
- Holistic Approach: We focus on treating the whole patient, not just the pain. Our treatments are designed to relieve discomfort, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.
Preventing Neck and Back Pain
While some causes of neck and back pain are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent future episodes:
- Maintain Good Posture: Pay attention to your posture, especially while sitting or standing for long periods.
- Strengthen Core Muscles: Regular exercise that strengthens your back and abdominal muscles can help support your spine and reduce strain on your neck and back.
- Take Frequent Breaks: If your job or activities involve prolonged sitting or repetitive motions, take breaks to stretch and move around.
- Use Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in a chair that supports your back properly, and set up your workspace to reduce strain on your body.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain flexibility, strength, and overall spinal health.
Take Control of Your Neck and Back Pain Today
If you are experiencing neck or back pain, don’t wait to get the care you need. At Chicago Neurological Services, our neurologist is here to help you find relief, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. We take a personalized approach to your care, ensuring that we address your specific needs and work toward long-term solutions.