Stenosis of the Neck Treatment Doctor in NYC

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Neck stenosis can range from being a minor issue that resolves itself with little or no intervention, to a painful condition that requires surgery. Spinal stenosis of the neck is treatable by your New York City sports medicine doctor. Neck stenosis treatment in Manhattan always begins with the least invasive techniques to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. Come to our sports injury and pain management clinic to get your neck pain evaluation and treated.

The spinal column — containing the spinal cord, the vertebrae, accompanying discs and the long branches of nerves — all fit into a compact, tight space. Any trauma or disease affecting this column can cause symptoms ranging from mildly irritating to excruciating.

Spinal stenosis of the neck involves the narrowing of the spaces within the vertebrae of your neck, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through and exit the spinal column. Stenosis can occur in your lower back as well, but the tighter space of the neck makes it particularly susceptible. Most people who experience neck stenosis are over the age of 50, though there are rare cases of a congenital condition.

Neck Stenosis Basics

Neck stenosis can result from a variety of causes, such as:

• The wear and tear of aging
• Overgrowth of bone to form bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Thickened ligaments, the tough cords holding the bones of the spine together, that bulge into the spinal column
• Age-related destruction of cartilage
• Tumors

Additionally, spinal injuries – such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries or other traumas – cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae. The displaced bone or swollen tissue puts pressure on your spinal cord and nerves.

• A complete medical history
• An explanation of the extent of your symptoms
• Onset description2
• Physical exam
• X-rays of the cervical vertebra
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI
• Computed tomography or CT scan
• Blood work to rule out multiple sclerosis or vitamin B12 deficiency

Conservative Neck Stenosis Treatment

If you’re asymptomatic or your symptoms are mild, exercise and self-care — including modified activity and rest — may be sufficient. If these don’t help, your doctor may suggest:

• Pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen
• Anti-depressants used for chronic pain anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin that reduce pain caused by damaged nerves
• Opioids such as codeine-related drugs for short-term use
• Physical therapy to build strength and endurance, maintain flexibility and improve balance
• Steroid injections to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain

Aggressive Neck Stenosis Treatment

If conservative methods aren’t giving you the relief you need from the pain, tingling, and discomfort of spinal stenosis, your NYC pain specialist has surgical options available:

• This procedure removes the back part (lamina) or the thickened ligament of the affected vertebra. This eases the pressure on your nerves and may be done in conjunction with spinal fusion for spine strength.
• This procedure also removes part of the lamina, but usually through a hole just large enough for pressure release.
• A hinge is created on the lamina with metal hardware bridging the gap.

The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots by creating more space within the spinal canal. As with any surgery, risks are present. Possible risks include the pain continuing or worsening, a tear in the membrane that covers your spinal cord, blood clots in a leg vein or neurological deterioration.

The goal of your Manhattan pain specialist is to search for the neck stenosis treatment that gives you the most relief of your symptoms. He finds treatments that work to ensure your condition doesn’t worsen. Healthy and honest communication with your doctor about your lifestyle, history, and symptoms makes you an active partner in your neck and spine health.

Do you have any questions about the neck stenosis pain treatment we offer in NYC? Would you like to schedule an appointment with the best-rated neck pain doctor Febin Melepura MD of sports pain management clinic NYC? Please contact our office for a consultation with the top pain relief specialist in Midtown Manhattan.

Febin Melepura, MD is a top rated, best in class interventional pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New York City and the country. He is an award winning expert and contributor to a prominent media outlets.

Dr. Febin Melepura has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain and, among other accolades, has been named a “top pain management doctor in New York”, and one of “America’s Top Doctors™” for an advanced sports injury treatments.

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