Back and Neck Pain Care

Because your spine provides structure and support for your entire body, injuries and pain can be incredibly common. From herniated discs to more complex disorders, our specialists offer comprehensive care for every back and neck issue.

Signs and Symptoms of Back and Neck Conditions

Back and neck pain can come from everyday wear and tear, injuries, or simply sleeping the wrong way. If you've been dealing with any of these symptoms, it might be time to connect with our team:

• Sharp, persistent pain in the neck or back
• Unable to bend over or rotate your lower back
• Inability to turn your head without pain
• Pain when you walk, sit, or perform light activity
• Muscle tightness or spasm in your neck or back
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• A loss of feeling in your arms or hands

Types of Back and Neck Conditions

At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, we take a team approach to your care. That means our orthopedic specialists, sports medicine specialists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, and physical therapists collaborate to treat a range of back and neck conditions, including:

• Herniated cervical discs
• Herniated lumbar discs
• Spondylosis (arthritis in the spine)
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures and sprains
• Spinal tumors
• Synovial cysts (fluid-filled sacs that develop along the spine)
• Whiplash

Our Approach to Back and Neck Pain at Virtua

During your initial consultation, our back and neck specialists will perform a thorough exam of any areas causing you pain. We'll measure your range of motion, check for swelling or tenderness, and gauge the structural integrity of your back and neck. 

From there, we might recommend additional testing to confirm a diagnosis, including: 

• MRI or CT scan: These tests will capture clear images that can show herniated discs or issues affecting your bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• X-ray: This common test can detect fractures, broken bones, and arthritis. 
• Blood tests: We might order this screening to see if an infection is causing you pain. 
• Electromyography (EMG): This nerve study measures the pressure on your nerves which can confirm a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Back and Neck Pain Treatment at Virtua

Your spine is complex, intricate, and impressive. It protects your spinal cord, plays a vital role in your movements, and connects your brain to the rest of your body. That's why you need a team of specialists that have a deep understanding of this unique structure.

Our experienced specialists will develop personalized treatment plans that focus on your goals and lifestyle. Depending on the severity of your condition, here's how we might approach your care:

• Physical therapy: Our team of therapists will develop strength-building exercises and activities that can improve motion and flexibility in your back and neck.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections could help with pain and arthritis-related symptoms in your spine. We can also help manage and modify prescriptions as needed.
• Surgery: If nonsurgical treatment methods are not helping, surgery might be the best option. Through a collaboration with Penn Medicine neurosurgeons and our network of orthopedic spine surgeons, you'll gain access to the region's best spine surgeons and services.