Cervical Spine Specialist

Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group

Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine located in Carmel, NY, Newburgh, NY, Mt. Kisco, NY, Fishkill, NY, & Danbury, CT

Your cervical spine consists of the vertebrae that make up your neck and is a common source of pain and stiffness. If you're experiencing neck pain, the board-certified physicians at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group can help. The practice has four New York locations in Carmel, Newburgh, Mount Kisco, and Fishkill, with another in Danbury, Connecticut, where you can benefit from cutting edge on-site diagnostic facilities and expert treatment. For relief from cervical spine pain, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.

Cervical Spine Q & A

What is the cervical spine?

The cervical spine consists of the vertebrae in your neck. Below the cervical vertebrae are the thoracic vertebrae in your upper back, and the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back.

Each vertebra has facet joints that link the bones on either side. The attached vertebrae form your spinal column, inside which is a hollow space called the spinal canal. Your spinal cord – a bundle of nerve fibers that's part of your central nervous system – runs down this channel. Nerves come off the spinal cord and branch out to the rest of your body.

Your spine also has spongy pads called discs that sit between each set of vertebrae. The discs protect your vertebrae from shock, and along with ligaments and tendons, stabilize your spine.

What problems can affect the cervical spine?

Muscle strains or having poor posture can often cause neck pain. Sleeping with your head at an odd angle and waking up with a sore neck is something most people experience at some time.

Sports injuries are also a frequent cause of neck pain, as is whiplash from an auto accident. Muscle tension from stress is another widespread source of cervical spine problems.

Chronic pain in your cervical spine could be due to:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression)
Herniated cervical discs
Degenerative disc disease
Cervical stenosis

Many cervical spine conditions develop over time as part of the aging process. They can cause numbness, tingling, "pins-and-needles" sensations, and difficulties moving your neck, as well as pain.

How are cervical spine conditions treated?

Initial treatments for cervical spine problems are likely to consist of non-invasive therapies, which are frequently successful in relieving symptoms.

Your provider at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group prepares a treatment program for you based on the cause of your condition, its severity, and factors like your age and general health.

Treatments in your plan may include activity modification, physical therapy, manual manipulation, and medication.

For more persistent or severe diseases and injuries of the cervical spine, treatment options can include:

Epidural steroid injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Surgery might be necessary for a minority of patients. Procedures that can help with serious cervical spine conditions include disc decompression, fusion, and artificial disc replacement.

Find the right treatment for your cervical spine disorder by calling Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group or request an appointment online today.