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Neck Injuries & Conditions

Neck pain can appear as either sharp or dull and may radiate to the head, jaw, shoulders, arms or even legs. Some patients also experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the upper limbs. Because neck pain has many potential causes, it’s important to work with your medical provider to identify the underlying issue and any factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Neck pain can stem from several conditions that affect the cervical spine and surrounding muscles.

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Woman with Neck Pain

Cervical Spine Conditions

What conditions commonly cause neck pain?

Cervical Herniated Discs

A cervical herniated disc—often referred to as a “slipped disc”—occurs when the soft, gel-like center of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). The cervical spine contains seven vertebrae separated by discs that cushion and provide flexibility. When a disc herniates, it can put pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Chemicals released from the damaged disc can also irritate surrounding nerves, leading to inflammation and pain.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. This narrowing may occur due to aging, injury or gradual degenerative changes. Over time, spinal discs lose water content and weaken, causing the vertebrae to shift or collapse and potentially leading to the development of bone spurs or thickened tissues that crowd the spinal canal.

Neck Osteoarthritis (Cervical Spondylosis)

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of the cervical spine. It commonly leads to chronic neck pain and stiffness as the spinal structures break down over time.

Symptoms

Many neck conditions share similar signs & symptoms.

Patients may experience:

Numbness and tingling (often in the shoulder, arm & hand)
Radiating pain
Stiffness of the neck
Muscle weakness in the upper and lower extremities
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty with balance & coordination

In more severe cases, patients may experience:

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Loss of sensation
Significant balance and coordination problems
Paralysis of the upper and lower limbs

If you have been involved in an accident that may have caused a neck injury, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact the spine physicians at Specialty Orthopaedics. Our team provides patient-centered care focused on accurately diagnosing and effectively treating neck pain and stiffness.

Our Outpatient Surgery Center

Specialty Orthopaedics is pleased to offer our on-site ambulatory surgery center, where patients can receive same-day surgical care. Our center provides the convenience of surgery outside a hospital setting, allowing patients high-quality care at a reduced cost, shorter wait times, no extended hospital stays and streamlined scheduling. As the only orthopedic outpatient surgery center in Hall County, we are committed to delivering the best patient care and surgical experience.

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Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics?

Our vision is to provide excellent, patient-focused, comprehensive orthopedic care to patients of all ages across North Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Orthopaedics has grown to become a pillar of the North Georgia medical community with four convenient locations in Gainesville, Dawsonville, Braselton and Duluth.

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To schedule an appointment or for information about the treatment options offered at Specialty Orthopaedics, contact us today.

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