Nothing can pull you away from the game of life quicker than back or neck pain. While a mild ache or soreness may be experienced from time to time, paint that does not resolve on its own, after a few days of rest, may require medical intervention. Before missing valuable time from recreational activities or more importantly work, a doctor’s help should be enlisted.
The Back:
The back provides essential support for the neck and shoulders, balance for standing and walking, as well as flexibility for physical activities. It also protects the spinal cord, the delicate network of nerves linking the brain and body. While the back can withstand a multitude of pushing, pulling, and lifting, it can easily be overworked or strained. Up to 80% of all people will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime. To receive proper treatment, and to rule out a more serious health problem, a consultation appointment should be scheduled at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics.
Potential Causes of Back Pain:
Mechanical Problems are related to the way your spine moves during activities:
- Disc degeneration
- Wearing down of Facet joints (between vertebrae)
- Muscle tension or spasms
- Herniated or ruptured discs
Physical Injuries can cause significant strain on the back, these include:
- Sprains
- Fractured Vertebrae
- Other injuries such as accidents or falls.
Medical conditions can contribute to chronic back pain:
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis
- Other conditions include pregnancy, kidney stones, infections, endometriosis, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia
- Tumors and cancer
The Neck:
The neck is an important part of the body’s network of muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and bones. Trauma to the neck or shoulders can result in significant stiffness or pain. Issues of the neck are quite common and can be experienced at any age. Normally, a few days of rest will return the normal range of motion, but if this does not happen, it may be time for medical evaluation.
Potential Causes of Neck Pain:
The most common cause of neck pain is related to a strain on the muscles connecting the head, neck, shoulders, and back. The Levator Scapula Muscle is particularly prone to discomfort.
Other causes of neck pain can include:
- Sleeping in an unusual position (straining neck muscles)
- Sports injuries
- Swimming
- Activities requiring head to repetitively turn side to side
- Poor posture while standing or sitting at a computer
- Stress, leading to tension in the neck
- Holding neck in abnormal position for extended period of time (cell phone between neck and shoulders.
The Ideal Candidate for Treatment:
Men and women of any age may benefit from medical management of back or neck pain. The ideal patient will be in overall good health and have realistic expectations for their results. To determine if treatment is right for you, contact Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics to schedule an evaluation.
The Consultation Appointment:
People experiencing back and neck pain should set up a consultation at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics. Dr. Whipple will take this opportunity to get to understand each patient’s unique situation. He will review in detail the patient’s medical history, their current medications, and perform a brief physical exam. X-rays or a CAT Scan may be performed for further evaluation. Dr. Whipple will carefully explain the cause of a patient’s discomfort, as well as the potential treatment options. If it is determined that medical intervention could be beneficial, a personal treatment plan will be created.
Treatment of Back and Neck Pain:
There are a wide variety of treatments available to reduce pain and stiffness of the neck or back. Dr. Whipple will perform a thorough physical examination to determine the best treatment path for the individual patient. At Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics, noninvasive methods to eliminate back and neck pain are key. When these options have been exhausted, however, surgery may be necessary to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Nonsurgical Treatment:
Dr. Whipple is a nationally acclaimed leader with noninvasive treatments for spine and neck pain management. There are a wide variety of options for patients, including physical therapy, medications, steroid injections and an innovative application of radiofrequency energy through the intact skin to dull the transmission of pain signals through small, sensory nerves (ReleFTM). - Pain Management Injections:
One successful way to manage the back and pain discomfort is through adequate pain medication. Nerve blocks, peripheral joint injections, cortisone injections, and other types of pain management schedules may be used, depending on the patient’s needs. - Surgical:
While surgery is often left as the final option, some patients will require an invasive approach to improve their neck or back troubles. Dr. Whipple is skilled with the most innovative surgical techniques available today.
Back and neck pain can be elusive to diagnosis and difficult to address. Treatment can prove to be long and frustrating; at times it can even be unsuccessful. For that reason, it is vital patients only trust their back and neck to an experienced, respected Orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Terry Whipple is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; he has spent over 30 years expertly treating problems of the neck, back, and spine. In 2000, he founded Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics with Dr. Ruth Hillelson. Together, they make up the top plastic surgery and orthopaedic practice in the Richmond, Virginia area.
Cost:
Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics accepts cash, all major credit cards, and healthcare financing through CareCredit. At the consultation appointment with Dr. Whipple, the cost of upcoming procedures will be determined, and a payment plan arranged. For more information on medical financing, visit www.carecredit.com
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, Hillelson-Whipple Clinic Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedics provides patients with a state-of-the-art office suite, designed with their comfort and confidentiality in mind. Dr. Whipple has consistently provided patients with safe and successful back and neck pain treatments. Contact our office for a complimentary consultation at 804.290.0060.