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 a patient with a neck or upper-back injury is examined, normally an MRI is ordered. Depending on the trauma, x-rays and/or a CT scan of the cervical spine may also be ordered.

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, the same approach is taken as with a cervical spine injury—imaging studies including an MRI and possibly x-rays and a CT scan will be ordered.

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