Neck Pain

Neck Pain services offered in Wasilla, AK

Neck pain can cause headaches and make it hard to complete simple everyday activities like dressing. If you develop neck pain, visit Pioneer Peak Orthopedics in Wasilla, Alaska. The practice’s board-certified surgeons offer noninvasive treatments like physical therapy and steroid injections and advanced spinal surgeries like cervical discectomy. Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics to request an appointment or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic for a same-day neck pain evaluation.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain can result from wear or damage affecting the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Common causes include:

Poor posture

Sitting at a desk, looking down at a phone, or sleeping in an awkward position can strain the neck.

Muscle strain

Overuse or sudden movements can lead to tight, painful neck muscles.

Herniated discs

If a disc in the cervical spine (neck) weakens or suffers trauma, it may bulge or rupture. The damaged disc can press on spinal nerves, causing pain and numbness.

Osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness in the neck.

Whiplash

A sudden forward-and-back motion, often from car accidents, can strain the neck’s muscles and ligaments.

Spinal stenosis

Any narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on nerves, triggering neck pain and weakness.

Neck pain symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include stiffness and difficulty turning the head, headaches originating from the neck, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands, and pain that worsens with movement or poor posture.

How is neck pain treated?

Neck pain treatment options include:

Physical therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Manual therapy and posture correction
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Muscle relaxants
Prescription painkillers for severe pain
Steroid injections and nerve blocks

Most people with neck pain don’t need surgery, but it could be your best option if other treatments don’t work. Surgeries for neck pain include:

Microdiscectomy and discectomy

If a herniated disc is pressing on nerves, the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team may remove part of the disc (microdiscectomy) or the entire disc (discectomy).

Decompression

Decompression involves removing structures that are compressing the nerves in your neck. Discectomies are one form of decompression surgery, but the procedure might also include removing bone spurs or areas of bone in the vertebrae.

Spinal fusion

With spinal fusion, the team fuses two or more vertebrae to stabilize the neck, typically after removing a disc or performing decompression.

Artificial disc replacement

In this procedure, the team replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one. This alternative to spinal fusion for suitable patients helps to maintain neck movement.

Open surgery might be necessary for some procedures. However, the team uses minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery where possible to improve precision, reduce recovery time, and minimize scarring.

Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics or visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.