Neck and back injuries

Spine injuries can affect the neck, as well as the upper or lower back. Injuries to the neck and back can result from car accidents, sports injuries, on-the-job accidents, lifting injuries—even working around the house.

When you have a neck or back injury, Dr. Foroohar offers non-surgical and surgical treatments to relieve your pain and help you get back to normal.

What are the most common causes of neck and back pain?

• Herniated discs resulting from an injury

• Sprains and strains

• Spine fractures

• Ligament injuries

What are some symptoms of neck and upper-back injuries?

• Neck pain
• Pain in the shoulder, arm and hand
• Numbness and tingling in the arm and hand
• Arm weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Spasms

“When I examine a patient with a neck or upper-back injury, normally I do an MRI,” Dr. Foroohar explains. “Depending on the trauma, I may also do x-rays and/or a CT scan of the cervical spine.”

What are the most often-seen lower-back injuries?

• Musculoskeletal injuries, like a sprain or strain
• Herniated discs
• Spine fractures
• Ligament injuries

“With the lumbar spine, I take the same approach as with a cervical spine injury—I will order imaging studies including an MRI and possibly x-rays and a CT scan,” says Dr. Foroohar.

What are some common symptoms of lower-back injuries?

• Back pain
• Pain in the hip and leg
• Numbness and tingling in the leg and foot
• Leg weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Spasms

Dr. Foroohar answers questions about neck and back injuries

What is your approach to treating neck and back injuries?

I believe in taking a conservative approach, and will often prescribe a non-surgical treatment plan that may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Pain medication
• Bracing
• Injections from a pain management physician
• Physical therapy

If the symptoms persist, particularly pain, numbness and tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs, we could consider neck or lower-back surgery if conservative efforts fail.

What is the treatment for lumbar spine fractures?

Depending on what the imaging shows, sometimes we have to do surgery to stabilize lower-back fractures. Other cases can be treated by immobilization with a brace.

For older patients with thoracic and lumbar compression fractures, there are minimally invasive procedures called vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, where we inject bone cement into the bone. .

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 847.398.9100
Or email info@northwestneurosurgery.com.