Neck Pain Brooklyn, NY

The Range of What Patients Describe

Tight, stiff, or achy are the descriptions we often hear from people if they have neck issues. A feeling of sharp pain is also common in their descriptions. Here is what I hear most:

• Can’t turn the head comfortably while driving
• Discomfort looking down at a phone
• Pain into the upper back or shoulder blade
• Ache at the base of the skull
• Burning pain into the arm or hand
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

Numbness, tingling, or weakness, along with sharp or burning pain that travels, most likely indicates a nerve issue, such as cervical radiculopathy. Headaches are the most common patient complaint we receive; after examining them, they are diagnosed with either a cervical spine or muscular dysfunction.

Neck Pain Evaluation at Our Brooklyn Office

• 1 Taking into account what happened: Know when the pain started, if there is an injury, where symptoms spread or move, what improves or worsens the symptoms, and other symptoms that you have, like headaches, numbness, balance problems, and etc.
• 2 When needed, cervical range of motion, joint and muscular function, strength, sensation, and reflexes must be examined too.
• 3 Orthopedic and neurological testing must be done, and shoulders and upper back must be checked too, as symptoms from those areas overlap with the neck.
• 4 Imaging is only used when necessary. We have a digital X-ray available in the office in case you need one. However, if there is a suspected disc herniation, nerve-root compression, or spinal cord involvement, further evaluation is needed, and an MRI referral will be given.

X-ray is not required for every neck evaluation. It just needs a good evaluation to tell if imaging will be beneficial.

You Do Not Have to Be Cracked

I usually hear concerns about having their necks cracked on the first visit. It is a valid concern, though, but examination comes before any treatment.

Using instrument-assisted methods, such as an Activator or other low-force methods, is a great alternative if the patient is nervous about traditional cervical adjustments. Also, patients who are old and the ones who are injured badly are treated with gentler methods.

Treatment Options I Consider

• Properly chosen chiropractic adjustments, mobility and stretching, massage or soft-tissue therapy, IASTM, postural and ergonomic changes, and progressive exercise for the neck and upper back do well with mechanical neck pain and stiffness.
• Spinal decompression may be added to the routine when it is clinically appropriate for disc-related neck pain or cervical radiculopathy.
• Some treatments are not meant to be there by default. They are only used if the benefits outweigh the risks, such as Class IV laser, PEMF, and cryotherapy.

Priority shifts from treating to investigating if there is a suspected neurological involvement. Further medical evaluation is needed if the patient has significant or worsening arm or hand weakness, persistent loss of sensation, trouble with coordination or fine motor tasks, and new problems with walking or balance

When Neck Pain Is an Emergency

Knowing when to adjust a neck is crucial. I do co-management with a neurologist, orthopedist, pain-management physician, or physical therapist if the case is complicated. Conservative care is part of healthcare, and it must co-exist with the other fields.

Neck Pain FAQs