Dr. Cully White

Learn More About Treating Neck, Back, And Spine Injuries With These Helpful Links

Because the spine is such a delicate structure, it is important to seek specialized care when you experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the back and neck. For superior spine care in the Milwaukee area, visit the practice of neurosurgeon Dr. Cully White. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms online or call (414) 649-3232.

• See the potential dangers of automobile related injuries by reading this Forbes magazine article.
        
• Understand how you can avoid exercise injuries at MedicineNet.com.
       
• Review the types of skull fractures that can occur in this article from the National Institutes of Health.
      
• WebMD.com explains why you should always seek medical treatment for head injuries.
        
• Is neurosurgery the answer for your skull injury? Find out with Medscape.com.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Myelopathy: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

In many cases of back and neck pain, an obstruction is causing a specific nerve root to become irritated. This leads to pain and other symptoms that are generally isolated to one area of the body. However, it is possible to experience more widespread symptoms that are caused by damage to the whole spinal cord. Damage of this nature is referred to as myelopathy, and there are many causes that can contribute to it.

Conditions that may lead to myelopathy:

Myelopathy is most common among older patients, as the structures of the spine weaken as the body ages. Still, younger patients can experience problems if an injury is to blame for trauma to the spinal cord. Apart from injury, the most common cause of myelopathy is spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal column. As the space in the spinal column becomes compressed, the spinal cord is subject to greater damage.

How myelopathy is identified:

Patients who are suffering from myelopathy will experience symptoms characteristic of nerve damage. including severe pain. Muscle weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, and difficulty performing daily tasks are also among this list of symptoms. When these signs are noted, a neurosurgeon will need to perform a series of diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that can be the source of signs of this nature. Myelopathy is typically detected later in its progression, as the symptoms will develop gradually over time.

Treating myelopathy:

Each patient’s unique needs will need to be taken into account when considering treatment options for myelopathy. Surgery is an option, but it can present more risks than benefits in some situations, so it will need to be thoroughly discussed by you and your doctor. More conservative options include minimally invasive surgical techniques and spinal decompression to relieve the spinal column from pressure.

If you are suffering from symptoms that might be related to myelopathy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cully White in Milwaukee. Call our practice at (414) 649-3232 or visit our website to learn how we can help you.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Watch This Video to Hear OSHA's Recommendations for Back Safety

Back injuries in the workplace are often related to heavy lifting, because many people do not use a proper stance when trying to lift a large object.

This video explains the ideal posture for lifting so that you can minimize pressure on your lower back when moving heavy items. Instead of lifting with a straight back, give your spine a slight bend and focus the effort of lifting on your legs. The leg muscles have the strength to support heavy objects without putting strain on your spine.

If you have sustained an injury because of poor lifting posture, seek treatment with Dr. Cully White in Milwaukee. Our practice is focused on minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of injury-related pain. Schedule a consultation with us on our website or call us at (414) 649-3232.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Neck Pain Symptoms to Share with Your Spine Specialist

Pain that originates in the spine is a common issue for many patients, and it is often associated with a surprising number of other related symptoms. Discussing these signs that accompany your neck pain with your neurosurgeon is important to identify the exact cause of your condition. Here is a quick guide to common neck pain complications that your doctor should be notified of:

• Numbness in the extremities: Your neck houses a significant portion of your spinal cord, which communicates messages to all other areas of the body. When an obstruction in the neck is pressing on a nerve root in the spinal cord, it may prevent communication to the arms, legs, or hands causing numbness or tingling sensations.
       
• Headaches: Nerve damage may cause radiating pain in the head that is not affected by over-the-counter pain medication. Headaches associated with neck pain can also lead to light and sound sensitivity, which may greatly disrupt your daily activities.
      
• Reduced range of motion: As the spine is weakened by injury, you may notice a reduced ability to move in certain directions. Stiffness in the neck might be worst in the morning and get better throughout the day, or it can be persistent all day long. Take note of your ability to move your head comfortably during different times in the day so that you can discuss this symptom clearly with your doctor.
       
• Trouble maintaining balance: Certain neck injuries can reduce your coordination, so you may notice that you have increased difficulty walking in a straight line, standing up without dizziness, or using your hands for various activities. These symptoms can indicate a serious problem in the nerves, so you should always have them addressed right away.

Discuss all the symptoms of your neck pain that are causing you concern by scheduling a visit with Dr. Cully White. Call (414) 649-3232 or go online to make your initial consultation.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Learn More About Treating Neck, Back, And Spine Injuries With These Helpful Links

Because the spine is such a delicate structure, it is important to seek specialized care when you experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the back and neck. For superior spine care in the Milwaukee area, visit the practice of neurosurgeon Dr. Cully White. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms online or call (414) 649-3232.

• SpineUniverse.com reviews the anatomy of the cervical spine.
       
• Find out what may be causing your neck pain with this article from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
      
• Visit HowStuffWorks.com to find out how the spinal cord communicates to the rest of your body.
     
• Explore how spinal stenosis can lead to myelopathy in this Spine-Health.com article.
         
• Stay safe from work-related spine injuries with these tips from the Mayo Clinic.