Neck pain occurs due to problems in any of the components of the cervical spine, such as the bones, nerves, muscles, and joints. Most cases of neck pain usually resolve within a few days — however, persistent neck pain may indicate an underlying disease or condition necessitating medical treatment. Neck pain may be acute or chronic, and it may occur due to a wide range of problems, including neck injuries, trauma, degenerative changes in the spine, or other underlying diseases. Dr. Brian McHugh uses the most advanced diagnostic techniques to identify and treat the underlying root cause of your neck pain. Contact us today to schedule with our neck specialist on Long Island.
Neck Pain
Long Island
Why do I get neck pain?
Meet Your Neck Specialist
Dr. Brian McHugh is a board-certified neurosurgeon focusing on all aspects of neck and spine health. As the founder of McHugh Neurosurgery, he is dedicated to finding effective, less-invasive solutions to neck pain – even for conditions that might typically be treated with larger surgeries.
Whether you’re suffering acute or chronic neck pain, Dr. McHugh treats patients with a wide array of issues and concerns. By taking an individual approach with each of his patients, Dr. McHugh tailors his treatments to maximize your health goals, and only utilize surgery as a last resort.
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Potential Causes of Neck Pain
- Neck strains due to the overuse of neck muscles, such as cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder, poor posture while using the computer, etc.
- The gradual wear and tear of the neck joints.
- Nerve compression due to herniated discs applying pressure on the nerves.
- Whiplash injuries due to automobile collision.
- Cervical spondylosis or cervical disc degeneration.
- Arthritic disorders.
- Vertebral compression fractures.
- Underlying diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc.
How We Diagnose Your Condition
During your initial consultation, Dr. McHugh will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history. He will run some physical examinations to determine if you’re experiencing numbness, muscle weakness, or tenderness when you move your neck in different directions. Following the physical exams, he’ll run some imaging tests, blood tests, and other advanced tests to identify the precise root cause of your neck pain.
Imaging Tests: Dr. McHugh may recommend x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to examine the internal structures of your neck, including your ligaments, bones, and soft tissues. Imaging tests reveal if you have internal injuries, deformities, bone spurs, or other degenerative changes in your cervical spine.
- Blood Tests: Dr. McHugh may recommend blood tests if he suspects your neck pain may be caused by inflammatory or infectious problems.
- Electromyography (EMG): Dr. McHugh may recommend an EMG if he suspects your neck pain is caused by a pinched nerve. During the test, needles will be inserted into specific muscles to test your nerve response.
“Dr. McHugh was really clear about my situation. The people at his office are friendly and the place is very nice and clean.”
What Are My Treatment Options?
Dr. McHugh aims to treat neck pain using the least invasive procedures available. In most cases, neck pain can be treated with a combination of medications, cervical collars, physical therapy, or other non-invasive treatments. However, in some extreme cases, he may recommend neck surgery. The following are some of the neck pain treatment options.
Medications
Dr. McHugh may prescribe a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and narcotics to reduce swelling, relieve muscle spasms, and alleviate acute neck pain.
Cold/Heat Therapy
Dr. McHugh may recommend cold and heat therapy during the initial stages of neck pain.
Physical Therapy
Dr. McHugh may help you regain mobility and flexibility in your neck through a combination of massage, exercises, or neck traction.
Cervical Collar
You may be given a cervical collar to support your neck temporarily.
Surgery
Dr. McHugh only recommends surgery if all else fails and if you have severe or advanced neck pain. He specializes in the latest minimally-invasive and outpatient procedures that address the root cause of your neck pain, providing long-term pain relief.
Consult with our Long Island Neck Specialist
In most cases, neck pain resolves itself within a few days with over-the-counter medications, heating pads, and cold compresses. However, you must consult Dr. Brian McHugh, neck specialist on Long Island, in the following situations:
- Severe and persistent neck pain.
- Neck pain spreading down your arms or legs.
- Neck pain accompanied by weakness or numbness.
- Neck pain accompanied by headaches.
