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Roughly one out of every three Americans suffers from neck pain. Though it typically isn’t serious, neck pain often worsens without treatment, so identifying the cause is crucial. At DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics in Hinsdale, Illinois, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Koutsky, MD, and the team offer minimally invasive, conservative neck pain treatment. After an exam, they make personalized treatment recommendations to help you feel better. Call DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.
Neck Pain Q&A
Should I see an orthopaedic surgeon about neck pain?
Make an appointment with Dr. Koutsky and the DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team if you have neck pain that lasts for a week or longer and doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or activity changes.
Your neck has seven vertebrae surrounded by dozens of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These tissues support your head, letting you move it up, down, and side to side. Although it is tough, your neck is susceptible to general wear-and-tear and overuse injuries.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Neck pain symptoms include:
- Difficulty moving your head
- Headaches
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Stiffness
- Pain that’s worse when holding your head in certain positions
Most neck pain occurs because of poor posture, but it can also happen after a car accident or work injury. The DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team regularly provides workers’ compensation services to employees in DuPage and Cook counties.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose neck pain?
Dr. Koutsky reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and whether it’s worse during certain activities, like sitting at the computer or driving.
Dr. Koutsky carefully examines your neck and shoulders, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. He gently presses on your neck to identify sensitive areas and asks you to look up and down and from side to side.
Most causes of neck pain are diagnosed visually. Dr. Koutsky orders an X-ray or MRI if he suspects a more serious injury, like a vertebral fracture or a herniated cervical disc.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat neck pain?
Dr. Koutsky and the DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team treat neck pain with a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:
- Ice and rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Wearing a soft neck brace
Most neck pain improves with one or more of these treatments, but if your symptoms continue, you might benefit from surgery. Dr. Koutsky performs minimally invasive and traditional open orthopaedic surgery to treat problems like spinal cord compression and pinched nerve roots.
Call DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.