Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Meet Han Jo Kim, MD – Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Spine surgery is extremely complex, and Dr. Han Jo Kim and his team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island prides themselves on providing a comprehensive patient care approach when determining treatment options. He believes in having a dynamic approach to surgery and aims to provide the best surgical treatment for each patient based on an individual’s needs, expectations, and lifestyle. He works to help patients explore all other surgery alternatives before recommending patients for surgery.

Spine surgery is extremely complex, and Dr. Kim prides himself on providing a comprehensive patient care approach when determining treatment options. He believes in having a dynamic approach to surgery and aims to provide the best surgical treatment for each patient based on an individual’s needs, expectations, and lifestyle. He works to help patients explore all other surgery alternatives before recommending patients for surgery.

Dr. Kim believes in a comprehensive approach to patient care. Working with internists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, radiologists, physiatrists and pediatricians, all avenues for alternatives to surgery are explored before surgery is considered. With individual patient goals in mind, if surgery is necessary, he will perform spine surgery utilizing the most effective and safe techniques tailored for each person in an effort to minimize complications, recovery time and optimize outcomes.

Dr Kim has also visited and operated with leading spine surgeons in the US and around the world. He has dedicated his time as a volunteer surgeon at the FOCOS hospital in Ghana, West Africa where he has surgically treated some of the rarest and complex spinal deformities in pediatric and adult patients. The severity of scoliosis he has seen and treated are so rare that the average spine surgeon may only see one to two cases a year. Over the course of his career, he has successfully operated on hundreds of rare and complex spinal deformities.

Currently serving as the Director of the Spine Fellowship, he is also the lead investigator for numerous research studies and has won multiple awards in the national and international arena. He is also actively involved in the education of residents, fellows and physician assistants.

Dr. Kim has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 35 book chapters, including his own textbook which he co-authored with Dr. K. Daniel Riew on cervical spine surgery titled The Riew-Kim Manual for Cervical Spine Surgery. Through the AO Spine Foundation, he has been invited by international leaders in spine surgery to author surgical reference guides that teach other spine surgeons performing scoliosis surgery. He was also selected by the Scoliosis Research Society for the prestigious Edgar G. Dawson Fellowship in 2013 and subsequently was selected for the Scoliosis Research Society Traveling Fellowship in 2017 and has also served as the IMAST Chair in 2020. He is also an active member of the Cervical Spine Research Society.

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HSS Long Island – The Omni

333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 106
Uniondale, NY 11553

Tel: +212.774.2837

Some nerves extend from your brain and spinal cord that send messages throughout your body. When a nerve is pinched, minor or severe damage can result. It can result in temporary or long-lasting problems. The earlier you address nerve compression, the quicker you will find relief. Dr. Han Jo Kim specializes in handling pinched neck nerves and can provide neck pain treatment on Long Island through surgery or nonsurgical treatment options. Continue reading to learn the signs and symptoms of a pinched neck nerve.

Causes of a Pinched Neck Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when compression or irritation is put on the nerve connected to the neck where it branches away from the spinal cord, resulting in neck pain. Nerves are located in vulnerable places in the body and travel through narrow spaces with little soft tissue to protect them. Therefore, nerve compression can occur when the nerve is pressed between ligaments, tendons, or bones. Pinched neck nerves can also occur due to degenerative changes or an injury that causes a herniated disk. Degenerative changes include arthritis in the disks of the spine that wear down and begin to bulge as we age. A herniated disk can also bulge out towards the spinal canal. Herniated disks can result from heavy lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting motions.

Symptoms of a Pinched Neck Nerve

Pain in the neck is often the main symptom of a pinched neck nerve. Pain can worsen with specific movements such as turning your head or straining your neck. The longevity of pain and other symptoms can differ from person to person. To treat pain associated with a pinched neck nerve, seek neck pain treatment on Long Island. Additional symptoms that can occur alongside pain include the following:

Numbness/tingling in the arm or hand
Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Loss of sensation in the arm or hand

Pinched Nerve Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

When getting a physical examination to see if you have a pinched neck nerve, the doctor will first ask for your medical history and symptoms. They will then evaluate your neck, shoulder, arms, and hands for muscle weakness, sensation loss, or reflex changes. Our doctor can then carry out tests to confirm your diagnosis. Some tests that can be administered during neck pain treatment on Long Island include:

X-rays
Computerized tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Electromyography (EMG)

Nonsurgical Treatment For a Pinched Nerve

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of pain and the cause of the pinched neck nerve. In most cases, the most beneficial treatment is to rest the injured area and avoid activities that can worsen symptoms. If pain is more severe and persistent, see our doctor for neck pain treatment on Long Island. Our specialist can recommend one or more types of treatment to shrink swollen tissue around the affected nerve. Some examples of nonsurgical treatment include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain.
Narcotics used for brief periods to deal with severe pain.
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and allow the nerves to recover.
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected muscles.
A splint or soft collar to limit motion of the neck.

Surgical Treatment Options

If nonsurgical treatments options aren’t sufficient and your pain and symptoms are not going away, our doctor may recommend surgery. Several surgeries can be carried out depending on your symptoms and the location of the involved nerve root. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and, in some cases, improve the alignment of the cervical spine. Some examples of surgical options for a pinched neck nerve include:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – The fusion of the two affected vertebrae after removing the disk or bone spur causing nerve compression.
Artificial Disk Replacement – The removal of the herniated disk and replacing it with an artificial disk.
Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy – Shaving down the back of the spinal canal and removing any parts that may be causing a pinched nerve.

Visit Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

A pinched neck nerve can be debilitating and hold you back from enjoying everyday activities. Thankfully, our specialist can bring you relief through nonsurgical or surgical treatment. The faster a pinched nerve is diagnosed and addressed by a doctor, the faster it will heal through neck pain treatment on Long Island. Dr. Han Jo Kim listens to his patients’ needs and provides the utmost care. Contact his office today to address your spinal injuries and conditions.

You’ve likely experienced back pain at some point in your life. However, if you are experiencing severe discomfort or limitations due to a spinal ailment, it may be time for you to see an orthopedic spine surgeon. Spine injuries can cause degeneration over time, especially as we age or put added strain on our backs from exercise or sitting with poor posture at a desk all day. If you need a Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island, Han Jo Kim MD is the doctor for you.

Spinal issues can be complex and affect a patient’s life in intricate and impactful ways. Han Jo Kim, MD, understands the level of delicacy and importance that accompanies spinal ailments and deformities. After you’ve received an evaluation of your condition and needs, we can best decide which of our many services are the most appropriate and beneficial to your condition. At the office of Han Jo Kim, MD, we specialize in the treatment of spinal issues and make it a priority that our patients receive individualized and appropriate care to guide them toward full recovery.

What is a Spinal Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic Surgeons focus on assessing and treating ailments or injuries in the musculoskeletal system of the body. They have a specialized understanding of the muscles, joints, bones, and ligaments that work together in the body. What separates an orthopedic spine doctor from other orthopedic specialists is their concentration on the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal anatomy. Spinal Orthopedics spend their time focusing on diagnosing and treating people with spine-specific disorders or injuries.

Common Spine-Related Injuries

Herniated Discs
Scoliosis
Spinal Compression
Vertebral Fractures
Neck Pains
Degenerative Disc Diseases
Sciatica
Spinal Tumors

When Should You See an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?

The spine is a delicate structure of the human body. Therefore injuries to this region can have lasting and life-altering effects. Many people suffer from back pain, but at one point, is it necessary for you to see an orthopedic spine surgeon? Most notably, if your pain experience becomes repetitive, it may be time to see a Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island. The symptoms of spinal injuries can vary, and sometimes the pain or discomfort might not even be in the spinal region. This can sometimes be deceiving when patients try to self-diagnose their injuries or conditions. Only a spinal surgeon will understand the source of the pain and give you an accurate diagnosis. This is why it is important to seek out an orthopedic spine surgeon Westchester NY if you are experiencing recurring symptoms and want to get to the bottom of your pain/ discomfort.

Common Causes of Injuries to the Spine

A greater level of trauma typically causes injuries to the spine that are more severe to the area. The list below indicates some traumatic injuries that commonly cause spinal injuries and may require a Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island.

Trips/ Falls
Car Accident
Sports-Related Injuries
Diving Accidents
Trampoline Accidents
Act of Violence (Gunshot, Stab Wound)
Infections
Birth Injuries
Degeneration due to aging
Poor posture

Symptoms of Spinal Disorders

Given all this information regarding spinal conditions, disorders, and injuries, it can be not very clear to know when to seek out a professional or not. It is always best practice to seek out a doctor if you are unsure of your condition or if your symptoms persist or get worse. Below are some common symptoms of spinal disorders to give you an idea of what to look out for when determining if you have a serious spinal condition or not.

Abnormal Rounding in the Back or Shoulders
Tingling in the Extremities
Nausea
Uneven appearance, One hip or shoulder being higher than the other
Tightness, Stiffness

Contact Our Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Spinal conditions can have a wide variety of causes and symptoms, some more apparent than others. Suppose you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of what may potentially be a spinal condition or injury. In that case, you must seek out a Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island for a professional opinion. Spine injuries do not need to hold you back, and very often, orthopedic spine surgeons can help patients regain their independence and quality of life after their diagnosis and services. Han Jo Kim, MD, is a trusted professional in this field. Han Jo Kim, MD, specializes in cervical spine surgery, scoliosis surgery, spinal deformity surgery, and others! If you are looking for a trusted orthopedic spine surgeon, contact Han Jo Kim, MD. Visit our Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island today!

How Can We Help?

Here at the office of Han Jo Kim, MD, we specialize in treating ailments of the spine. The spine is a crucial structure of the body, which works to offer support while also protecting the nerves that control both movement and feeling. Injuries to this area can be highly detrimental to your health. That is why you need to work with a trusted expert who is well versed in this area of care. Dr. Kim is an expert in this field and will help provide the treatment options necessary to give patients the best chance at making a full recovery.

Cervical Spine Surgery

Patients who decide to work with us here at the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim will receive various treatment options based on the condition you are experiencing.

Dr. Kim is well versed in performing the following procedures:

Anterior Cervical Fusion
Posterior Cervical Fusion
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical Foraminotomy
Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical Laminectomy
Cervical Osteotomies

When To Receive Cervical Spine Surgery?

Due to spinal surgery’s extreme invasiveness, this form of treatment should first be considered when all others have failed to deliver the desired results. Our team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island understand this and will never rush to force a patient to undergo a procedure. However, he also understands that waiting too long to operate can have permanent ramifications on a patient’s health. Those dealing with the below symptoms who have been unable to find relief should seriously consider the surgical approach for healing and recovery:

Neck pain.
Tingling.
Numbness.
Weakness.
Suspected nerve impingement or damage.

Causes Of Cervical Spine Problems

Several problematic occurrences can cause previously mentioned symptoms and issues. The type of procedure that Dr. Kim administers will depend on the problem currently affecting your neck. Some of the most common problems that can lead to surgery may include:

Degenerative disc disorders.
Trauma.
Instability of the spine.
Cervical deformities.

What Takes Place During The Procedure?

Once your neck issue has been diagnosed, Dr. Kim can move forward with the surgery needed to get you back to full health. The process first involves removing the disc, bone, or deformity, that is causing unwanted symptoms to occur. In some cases, the affected vertebrae will be fused to improve the stability of the spine. Bone grafts are performed to achieve this task. However, in some cases, metal plates are also screwed into the vertebrae for further stabilization.

Getting Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a spinal condition that typically presents itself in a child during growth spurts that occur right before puberty. Although usually not a significant health concern, this condition can have many problematic results if left untreated. In severe enough cases, surgery will be required to improve the patient’s health. Dr. Kim will walk you through when scoliosis surgery is necessary and what steps are necessary to help complete this process.

Dr. Kim is well versed in performing the following procedures:

Spinal Fusion
Spinal Tethering
Growing Rod Placement
Spinal Osteotomies

Recent Blog Posts From Dr. Han Jo Kim – Offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Recovering From Spine Surgery

Before you receive spine surgery from our back and neck pain doctors, it’s crucial to understand the recovery process to prepare yourself. Making changes in your daily life in advance can help ensure a faster recovery. At the office of Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, we would like to explain what you should expect after spine surgery and give some tips to make spine surgery recovery easier with Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?

Depending on the type of spine surgery you are going to have, the recovery time can vary. For example, a laminectomy or discectomy can take around 12 weeks to heal. A spinal fusion, however, can take six months to a year to fully recover. No matter which kind of surgery you will have, the recovery steps are generally the same.

Preparing for the Surgery

Before you undergo spine surgery, take some time to prepare your home for the recovery ahead. Our team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island will have a list of activities to avoid, so make sure you prepare for them ahead of time. Here are some tips to help make your recovery less stressful:

Keep everyday items easily accessible – bending and reaching are huge “don’t”s after spine surgery. Make sure your most used items are accessible to you without having to strain your back.
Ask for help with chores – You won’t be able to do heavy housework after your surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones around you for assistance with helping you with cleaning or laundry while you recover.
Plan your meals – Standing in the kitchen to make a meal will be difficult after surgery. To avoid that, prepare and freeze meals ahead of time to reheat later. You could also stock up on easy-to-make microwavable meals.
Buy some handy equipment – Some items may make your recovery more comfortable. Some examples include a grabber device to avoid bending, a shower seat, and a toilet riser.

What to Expect After Spine Surgery

Immediately after waking up, you may feel pain and drowsiness. Our team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island will administer pain medication to manage the initial pain you’ll feel after surgery. Your doctor may administer oxygen to help you breathe and request blood tests to ensure that your levels are normal.

Movement is an integral part of recovery. That’s why our team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island will want you to start moving around as soon as you can. A physical therapist will help you sit, stand, walk and teach you how to perform everyday activities without putting stress on your back. You’ll be able to leave the hospital once you reach these benchmarks:

Oral pain medication can keep your pain under control
You can get out of bed and move without assistance
You can empty your bladder
There are no signs of infection at the incision site

Recovering at Home

As you begin your recovery at home, there are some key restrictions that you need to follow:

No bending your back
No lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk
No twisting
No driving. Car rides should be limited as well.

Keeping those restrictions in mind, avoiding chores that involve bending or lifting is essential.

As you continue to recover, make sure you keep an eye out for these possible symptoms of an infection. If you notice any of the following, call our team offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island right away:

Fever
Expanding redness at the incision site
Increasing back pain
A change in the amount, odor, or appearance of drainage

You should keep the spine straight while recovering, even when you have to sit down or get into bed. By using the log-roll technique, you can get into and out of bed without twisting your spine. Here’s how to do the log-roll technique:

Sit on the edge of the bed.
Lie down on your side while bringing your knees up. Your knees should be bent.
Roll onto your back.

As you gain more strength and recover, you will slowly be allowed to do more activities, such as light chores and walking. Walking can help increase healing by strengthening the muscles supporting the spine. Outpatient physical therapy can help you build up strength.

How Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island Can Help

Spine surgery recovery may seem frightening, but if you’re in pain, spine surgery is worth it! Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, can give you the care you need so you can get back to doing what you love without pain! Visit our website to learn more about us and to request an appointment!

What Can Cause a Herniated Disc?

Back injuries are one of the severest injuries. They can either happen instantly or slowly over time. With the quickest and slightest movements, it can cause you to be in pain. Taking extreme caution when dealing with things that pertain to your back is very important in the long run. Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island, can help with any of your back injuries. Please don’t wait until you’re in pain; schedule an appointment today so that we can help alleviate your pain!

What is a Herniated Disc?

Back pain can happen to you at any given moment in time. A herniated disc is when there is a problem with one of your discs between your vertebrae. The rubber discs push out and compress the nerve, which causes pain to your back. The discs in your back are meant to help protect your bones in your body, allowing you to perform daily activities that you always do, such as walking, lifting, and running. If you have a herniated disc, our Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island can help you.

What Can Cause a Herniated Disc?

A Herniated disc can happen to anyone at any given age. Some of the ways that a herniated disc can are:

Twisting or turning to lift an object
Overweight
Lifting heavy objects
Weak muscles
Wear and tear (physical labor)
Injury

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

If you don’t know if you were to have a herniated disc, usually, you will feel pain in your lower back to the leg area. Here are three signs that can cause your pain in which our Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island can help you.

Pain while sitting- there will be a lot of pressure on your lower back to cause pain. The longer that you sit down, the more pain you start to feel and have.
It radiates pain down your entire leg- when the discs in your back are bulged and cause a herniation, which can affect the sciatica nerve. This will be a sharp pain that runs down your leg into your foot. It will start to feel like a burning and stinging sensation that will happen.
Pain by specific activities- Some of the critical activities you may do daily is walking, lifting, coughing, and sneezing. With a herniated disc, some or maybe all of these activities will be limited based on the amount of pain you will experience.

How Can I Prevent a Herniated Disc?

Use proper lifting techniques and habits– Most of the time, people usually lift with their back and bend at their waist. This causes most people to hurt their back overtime because they aren’t careful with what they’re doing. It would be best if you always lifted with your legs because they’re the strongest muscle in your body and not with your back. Your legs are one of the strongest muscles in your body so let them help you out.
Maintain a healthy weight- Having a good workout routine and regime is essential for your entire health. The more weight you hold puts a lot of pressure on your back, which can cause some of the discs in your back to bulge out.
Practice good posture- It’s important not to be hunched over because it can cause your back to slip up and cause pressure on your nerves.
Stretch often- If you’re someone who sits at a desk all day, stretching can help loosen those muscles and cause you to feel less tight overall.
Exercise regularly- the more you exercise, it will be beneficial to you. If you keep the most critical muscles in your body, legs, back, and stomach, you prevent this from occurring.

Exercises That Can Help and Hurt Your Back

Helpful Back Exercises

Lat pulldown- While at the gym or using a resistance band, pulling the weight down from above your chest and directing them to the floor.
Plank- Get into a plank position and engage your entire body back and core area to help strengthen your muscles overall.
Resistance band pull apart- stand with arms extended outwards while keeping your arms straight. Pull the bands toward your chest while maintaining proper position.

Hurtful Back Exercises

Sit-ups
Toe touches
Heavy lifting
Jogging and or running
Bent over rows

Contact Dr. Han Jo Kim – Expert Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Back injuries are one of the severest injuries. Taking extreme caution when dealing with things that pertain to your back is very important in the long run. Dr. Han Jo Kim, MD, offering Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island, can help with any of your back injuries. Please don’t wait until you’re in pain; schedule an appointment today so that we can help alleviate your pain!