That pain in your neck might be muscular, or it might be a herniated disc. Figuring out which and choosing the proper treatment is where Dr. Amory Fiore of ONS in Greenwich comes in.
There is this misconception that seeing a surgeon means you are going to be forced into surgery. Probably 85 percent or more of our patients dont require surgery, Fiore says. The neurosurgeon performs a number of procedures for the head, neck and back at the ONS offices and at Greenwich Hospital.
If you come to see us at our practice we are going to consider the safest, simplest and least invasive solutions first, Fiore says. That could mean physical therapy, medications and in some cases injections to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Fiore says he is seeing an increase in injuries related to people working at computers. And it turns out that carpal tunnel syndrome isnt the only danger. If your monitor is too high or low, you could spend hours holding youre head at an awkward angle, Fiore says.
In his own practice, one of the most harrowing experiences did involve surgery. A young boy, around 13 years old, injured his neck while wrestling with friends, Fiore said. He was sore and stiff, but mostly fine. And then, during an examination, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He became paralyzed right before the doctors' eyes.
Fiore and the team reacted rapidly and got him into surgery. The repairs werent easy and the situation was terrifying, according to Fiore. But it worked. With rehab, the patient made a complete recovery. That was one of those times when you end the day feeling really good about your job, Fiore says.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.