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Neck

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. Call us today at (318) 362-4411 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online. We have clinics in Monroe, Ruston, and West Monroe, and we also offer rehabilitation services at our Monroe Rehab and West Monroe Rehab facilities.

Our doctors understand that some injuries require immediate attention. If your neck pain can’t wait, visit our Orthopaedic After Hours Clinic at our main location in Monr Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.

Expert Neck Care You Can Trust

Since 1951, our doctors have remained dedicated to providing specialized bone, joint, and muscle care to the communities of northeast Louisiana. They are backed by a knowledgeable and professional staff and are equipped with the latest resources, technology, and tools they need to deliver the very best orthopaedic care to all patients.

At North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Counts, is an expert at understanding the multitude of neck issues that exist and the most appropriate ways to treat them. Our neck surgeons and doctors believe in exhausting all conservative treatments first, such as physical therapy or injections, before considering a medical procedure or surgery. However, if our surgeons diagnose your spine damage as severe, they may recommend surgery and will educate you about the process, which includes what you need to consider, how you can prepare for surgery, and what you can expect during recovery.

Our specialty-trained physical therapists work closely with our neck surgeons to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan. Our expert therapists are dedicated to helping all patients return to their daily activities quickly and safely, combining specific activities and exercises in ensuring that patients can restore joint and muscular function, strength, and range of motion.

If you have concerns about your neck, schedule an appointment to talk through your options with one of our expertly trained neck surgeons by calling us at (318) 362-4411 or requesting an appointment online.

Jeffrey R. Counts, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained: Sports Medicine

Stanley D. Crawford, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained: Spine