Neurologic Injuries

Neurologic injuries can occur through trauma, repetitive use, or as sequelae of degenerative arthritis in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Symptoms would be manifested as a radiating pain from the originating site, either from the neck, the thoracic spine or lower back, into a distant area such as the arms, hands, fingers, or the legs, feet and toes.

Treatment of these entities require a thorough history and diagnostic evaluation, as well as appropriate radiographic tests including x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and possibly, at times, a myelogram and CAT scans. 

Additional information can be obtained by using electrodiagnostic studies consisting of an EMG and nerve conduction studies. A majority of these injuries can be treated non-operatively through immobilization, physical therapy, traction, steroid injections, epidural blocks and anti-inflammatory medicine, including short courses of prednisone. Should these fail, surgical intervention may be required such as carpal tunnel release, ulnar nerve transposition, disc removal and fusions of the cervical and lumbar spine, to name a few.