Symptoms of acute or chronic neck problems.
Thousands of Americans experience episodes of acute or persistent neck pain as a result of injury, strain, overuse or aging. But neck pain is just one of the symptoms that could indicate a disorder of the cervical spine. Other potential indicators include:
- Arm pain
- Neck stiffness
- Weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms & hands
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Gait problems & poor balance
Causes.
The most common cervical disorders are disc herniation or rupture, bone spurs and cervical stenosis/spondylosis, usually resulting from degenerative disc disease. Pinching or irritation of the nerves can cause pain and other symptoms. Severe degeneration can cause more significant symptoms and irreversible damage. To avoid further and more permanent damage, thorough assessment and prompt treatment are needed.
Diagnosis.
Thorough assessment of sensation, reflexes and strength at specific points can help pinpoint which nerve roots or sections of the spinal cord are affected. Physicians typically order an MRI study, but X-rays, myelography, CT and EMG studies can help in the diagnosis.
Surgical treatment.
To resolve cervical spine problems not helped by conservative therapies, Dr. E. Thomas Cullom, III performs today’s most effective and advanced cervical spine surgeries, including:
Anterior cervical discectomy – Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots by removing the disc, enlarging the foramina and removing bone spurs.
Minimally invasive posterior foraminotomy – Dr. Cullom can enlarge the foramen to allow more space for the nerve root to exit the spine... with a smaller incision and less dissection and manipulation of tissue.
Cervical corpectomy with fusion – During discectomy, Dr. Cullom can remove part of a vertebra – or one or more vertebrae – to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Laminectomy/laminotomy – Dr. Cullom exposes the posterior arch and removes all or part of the lamina to increase space in the vertebral canal.
Please visit our interactive Patient Education Library to learn more about neck pain.
The training, experience & advanced care you depend on.
Dr. Cullom is a well-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon with more than 15 years’ experience with all manner of spine disorders. During his career, he has performed many cervical spine procedures while earning a reputation for being personally dedicated, highly attentive and focused on advanced, effective care.
Don’t let neck problems devastate your life or cause permanent damage. Call Comprehensive Neurosurgery in Flowood, Mississippi at 601-664-1000. We are conveniently located just outside Jackson and Forest, Mississippi.