Neck Injury Treatment in Buffalo, NY

Your neck is your body’s unsung hero. It is responsible for holding up and stabilizing your head, and it contains various nerves that control movements and let you engage in different activities. You don’t realize how much your neck does until you injure it. A neck injury can cause a great deal of pain and also make it difficult to engage in daily tasks.

If you’re suffering from a neck injury, you need to get the proper care. Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo is a traditional medical office that provides a wealth of treatment options in one spot. With diagnostic equipment, general and specialized practitioners, and options like physical therapy, you can get everything you need right here.

Types of Neck Injuries We Treat

Our providers see an assortment of neck injuries each year. Some of our patients come in with mild injuries, while others have experienced significant trauma. Learn more about the different types of neck injuries, and contact us if you need an evaluation and treatment.

Muscle Strain

Your neck is full of tendons and muscles that can stretch to a certain degree. If the tendons or muscles stretch too far, they will tear, and you’ll end up with a neck strain. People often refer to this condition as a pulled muscle, and the amount of pain depends on the significance of the strain. Some people report mild discomfort, while others have extreme and debilitating pain.

Strains can be caused by poor posture, lifting heavy items, falling, or repetitive motions. Some people can heal on their own, but it is important to seek medical attention if the strain was caused by significant trauma, such as a car accident. Also, medical attention is needed if you feel any tingling, numbness, or weakness. We will treat your neck injury and help you get back to your normal life.

Neck Sprain

A neck sprain occurs when the ligaments inside of the neck are torn. This is usually due to a sudden impact that causes the neck to snap back. For instance, people who suffer from whiplash often have muscle sprains.

Sprains can be very painful, and the pain intensifies with movement. Stiffness, dizziness, some numbness in the hands and arms, and ringing in the ears are also symptoms of a muscle sprain.

Whiplash

If your head moves back and forth with rapid force, you could end up with whiplash. You can get whiplash from a car accident, sports accident, or any other form of trauma. Neck sprains and strains can occur due to whiplash. You also might experience neck pain and stiffness, range of motion issues, headaches, shoulder and arm tenderness, and tingling in your arms. Fatigue and dizziness are also common.

If you have whiplash, you could have other medical issues as well. It is critical to get checked by a physician instead of trying to treat yourself on your own.

Herniated Disc

If you could peek inside of your body, you would notice that your vertebra contains small discs. These discs cushion the vertebra so you can move comfortably. The discs contain an annulus and nucleus. The annulus is the hard outer layer, while the nucleus is the soft jellylike material inside. If the disc ruptures, a piece of the nucleus will make its way into the spinal canal andphys can land on a nerve. This causes a great deal of irritation and can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

Herniated discs can be caused by excessive strain. Also, people can get herniated discs as they age due to disc degeneration.

There is a myth that herniated discs require surgery. However, that is rarely the case. Non-invasive treatments are usually effective for this condition. We will go over a treatment plan with you when you visit our office.

Neck Fracture

Your cervical vertebrae contain seven bones. These bones connect the body and shoulders and support your head. If one or more of the bones are broken, you will be diagnosed with a neck fracture.

Neck fractures are typically a result of significant trauma such as football injuries or car accidents. It’s important to take proper action after experiencing a neck fracture. You need to immobilize your neck and have X-rays taken immediately. Then, a treatment plan will be devised based on the severity of the fracture.

Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo has the proper equipment to diagnose and treat neck fractures.

Stingers and Burners

Stingers and burners get their name from the burning and stinging pain they cause. This type of neck injury occurs when the nerves in the shoulder or neck are compressed or stretched. The burning or stinging sensation can be so severe that it can feel like an electric shock.

People who play contact sports are at the greatest risk for stingers and burners. Most people can heal from this neck injury on their own. However, if symptoms persist for several days, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Cervical Dislocation

If one or more of the small bones in the neck becomes displaced, you’ll be diagnosed with cervical dislocation. This neck injury is due to significant trauma to the head or the neck. Sporting injuries and auto accidents are often the cause of cervical dislocation.

People experience sudden pain with cervical dislocation. The pain is usually severe and might radiate to the arm. Neck and muscle spasms can also occur, and you might notice weakness in your upper extremities.

Immediate care is needed when you have cervical dislocation. You might be taken to the emergency room directly after the neck injury, but you can then go to our office to continue your care.

Spinal Cord Injury

When you think of a spinal cord injury, you likely think of your back. However, you also have seven vertebrae located in your neck, referred to as the cervical spine. As a general rule, the higher the spinal cord injury, the more severe, so cervical spinal cord injuries must be treated with care.

Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically caused by significant trauma. For example, if you get in a head-on collision, you might experience a cervical spinal cord injury.

Cervical spinal cord injuries are grouped based on location. The first section is for the high-cervical nerves (C1-C4). This is the most severe and causes paralysis in the legs, trunk, arms, and hands.

A C8 injury is the least severe. While there is some nerve damage, people with a C8 injury can do most activities, including driving an adapted vehicle.

If you have a spinal cord injury, you will need a proper assessment to determine how severe it is. Then you will undergo a treatment program. Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo uses a multifaceted approach when treating spinal cord injuries. This allows us to address the physical and emotional issues you must deal with due to your neck injury. We also have an assortment of treatment options, including physical therapy and chiropractic care.

Seek Treatment for Your Neck Injury at Medical Care of Western New York

Neck injuries are painful and uncomfortable and can lead to other complications. If you have a neck injury, visit Medical Care of Western New York today. We accept no-fault and workers’ compensation claims and also take various types of insurance. Make an appointment or walk in to learn more about how we can help you with your neck injury.

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