Neurological Specialist (Dr. Shtender)

What Types of Neurological Assessments are Used for Neck and Back Pain?

A neurological assessment begins with a complete physical exam and evaluation, which may include range-of-motion and other types of exercises to elicit symptoms. The most common nerve symptoms associated with neck and back pain include:

• headache
• pain that radiates into the arms or legs
• numbness in the hands or feet
• tingling or burning sensation in the back, neck, arms, legs, buttocks, hands, or feet
• weakness or spasms in the areas served by the nerves that pass through the injured area of the spine
• in more advanced cases that involve the legs or arms, motor function can be impaired

When a physical exam fails to find the exact cause of the symptoms, our doctor may order testing to stimulate different nerves to check for abnormal responses or diagnostic imaging like an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to look for other causes.

What are the Most Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain?

Neck and back pain can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• falls
• car accidents
• sports injuries
• degenerative disc disease
• spondylolisthesis
• disc herniation
• osteoarthritis

This is just a partial list; there are many other causes. The best way to make sure you get the right treatment is to have an evaluation at the first sign of neck or back pain to prevent your condition from becoming more severe.

How are Neck and Back Pain Treated?

The treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but many types of neck and back pain can be treated with pain medication, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Often, a combination of approaches is needed to get the best results. Our doctor will determine the best therapeutic options for you based on your specific needs.