On any given day, 10-20% of adults suffer from neck pain. As a specialist in spinal disorders, Ripul Panchal, DO, at American Neurospine Institute, PLLC has years of experience treating the many potential causes of neck pain. Dr. Panchal starts your treatment with a holistic plan that includes the least invasive therapies. But when conservative options fail and surgery is the best option, his expertise in minimally invasive spinal surgery produces exceptional results. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or use the online booking system.

Neck Pain Q & A

What causes neck pain?

Your neck is vulnerable to sprains and strains, whether from an injury or repetitive use. As you get older, degenerative changes occur, leading to problems such as herniated discs, facet joint osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease — all of which result in chronic neck pain.

Myopathy is a general term that refers to diseases affecting your muscles. Several types of myopathy are known for causing weak neck muscles, subsequently leading to neck pain.

You may also develop neck pain from damage or dysfunction in the nerves, a condition called neuropathy. Neuropathy may arise from:

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, develops when conditions such as a herniated disc, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments protrude into the spinal canal. As a result, the nearby nerves are compressed. Spinal stenosis may cause myelopathy, which is when the nerves within the spinal cord are pinched, or cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is pinched. The root is a cluster of nerves where they leave the spinal cord. Radiculopathy is often caused by degenerative changes, such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or a herniated disc.

What other symptoms develop with neck pain?

When nerves are pinched or damaged, you may also have tingling, numbness, and pain that radiate down your arm and into your hands. In severe cases, you may develop muscle weakness in your arms or clumsy hand movements.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment for neck pain begins with nonsurgical therapies, such as medication, temporary neck immobilization, and physical therapy. The team at American Neurospine Institute partners with local therapists, pain specialists, neurologists, and your primary care provider to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

When conservative therapies fail to relieve your symptoms, surgery may be the best solution. As a specialist in spine disorders and spinal surgery, Dr. Panchal has years of experience and uses cutting-edge technology, such as computer- and robot-assisted surgery, to ensure the highest quality of care.

Spinal decompression, a common surgery for neck pain, can be accomplished several ways:

  • Discectomy and disc replacement
  • Laminotomy or laminectomy
  • Foraminotomy or foraminotomy
  • Osteophyte removal
  • Interspinous process devices

Dr. Panchal alleviates your neck pain using minimally invasive spinal surgery. Making small incisions and sparing your muscles by separating the fibers rather than cutting through the muscle, helps you recover quickly and with less postoperative pain.

If you suffer from neck pain, call American Neurospine Institute or schedule an appointment online.