Our specialty-trained neck doctors at North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic are experts in providing experienced care for patients’ neck injuries and conditions.

When a patient is in need of a neck doctor, many times, it is because they have been in an accident and suffered cervical acceleration-deceleration syndrome, also known as whiplash. It could also be due to dealing with painful neck arthritis. While these issues are common, there are many other reasons someone may find it necessary to consult with a neck doctor.

The neck itself is a structure composed of numerous bones or cervical discs, muscles, and many other soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons. When a person does something as simple as turning their head too quickly when they hear a loud, unexpected noise, it can cause considerable neck pain.

Small repetitive movements that occur over time can wear down the joints in the neck and cause pain that gradually gets worse, which is when many seek a neck doctor to relieve their symptoms. Neck specialists also frequently treat people who have pinched nerves in their neck. Neck doctors can help people with any neck injury or condition, and they draw on their specialized expertise to help restore their patients to a better quality of life.

When It’s Time to Seek Neck Care

Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing and communicate those to your doctor so they will have a better understanding of what may be happening. Here are just some of the symptoms that people with neck problems typically have:

• Electric sensations that radiate down the spine
• Neck clicks or grinds when you move it
• Muscle fatigue
• Muscle spasms
• Neck is kinked
• Neck pain that radiates to the shoulders
• Numbness or feeling that the hands are asleep
• Pain in one arm or both
• Tendency to slouch or back appears rounded
• Tenderness
• Unable to straighten the neck

If any of these symptoms describe your issue, it’s possible that you may have one of these conditions or injuries:

• Cervical acceleration-deceleration syndrome (whiplash)
• Cervical kyphosis
• Cervical radiculopathy (damaged or pinched nerve)
• Cervical stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Muscle strain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Neck pain can have a negative effect on your life, leaving you unable to complete everyday tasks. If the pain and underlying condition remain untreated, there is a risk of further injury or damage occurring, which is why it’s imperative to contact one of our specialists and set up a consultation.