Neck and Spine Treatments in Missoula, Montana
Specialties
Providing Comprehensive Treatment Plans for Neck and Spine Patients Throughout Montana
When neck pain disrupts your sleep, focus, or daily routine, effective treatment can offer real relief and restore your quality of life. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we offer neck and spine treatments in Missoula, Montana, for patients dealing with everything from chronic neck pain and spinal cord compression to pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, and poor posture.
Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, stiffness between the shoulder blades, or muscle tightness in the neck and upper back, our team is here to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
From physical therapy and spinal injections to pain management and minimally invasive surgery, we offer a wide range of options to help relieve neck pain and reduce inflammation. Call NRO today at (406) 728-6101 or visit our online contact page to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Neck and Spine Health
Your neck and spine work together to support your head, protect your spinal cord, and allow movement throughout your upper back and shoulders. When this system is strained or injured, it can lead to chronic neck pain, limited range of motion, and symptoms that interfere with your daily life.
Common causes of neck pain include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, and muscle tightness from poor posture or long hours spent on electronic devices or looking at a computer screen. These issues can irritate the nerve roots, strain soft tissues, and overwork the muscles in the neck and upper back, often resulting in ongoing pain and discomfort between the shoulder blades.
Common Symptoms That May Require Neck and Spine Treatments at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
Many people don’t realize how often neck pain is connected to problems in the spine until the symptoms start interfering with daily life. Common symptoms for spine and neck conditions in Missoula, Montana, include stiffness or aching that spreads to the shoulders, shoulder blades, or upper back; tightened muscles that limit your range of motion; or tingling and numbness caused by a pinched nerve.
Some patients also experience headaches that start at the base of the cervical spine, weakness in the arms, or sharp, severe pain after long periods of sitting with poor posture or working at a computer screen.
It’s important to have your neck pain diagnosed if the symptoms continue to worsen, so you can begin a personalized treatment plan that relieves pain and helps prevent further damage.
How Is Chronic Neck Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing chronic neck pain starts with a detailed look at your symptoms, daily habits, and medical history. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we perform a physical exam to check your range of motion, muscle tightness, and signs of a pinched nerve or spinal cord compression.
To confirm the underlying cause, we often use imaging tests like X-rays, a CT scan, or nerve conduction studies to examine the cervical spine, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. These detailed images help us identify problems such as degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, so we can create a targeted treatment plan to relieve neck pain and restore function.
Non-Surgical Neck and Spine Treatments in Missoula, Montana
Our Missoula neck and spine specialists start with the most conservative approach when treating neck and spine conditions. Many patients can find relief through non-surgical options that help manage symptoms, restore movement, and improve quality of life without the need for surgery. Whether your chronic neck pain is caused by poor posture, degenerative disc disease, or a pinched nerve, we offer proven treatments that focus on healing and long-term results.
Physical Therapy to Strengthen Neck Muscles and Improve Mobility
Physical therapy is often a key part of neck pain treatment, especially for patients with tightened muscles, reduced range of motion, or a history of poor posture. Our experienced physical therapists at NRO guide you through targeted exercises, such as neck rolls, shoulder rolls, and stretches that help strengthen the neck muscles, support the cervical spine, and increase blood flow. With regular sessions and frequent breaks from repetitive movements or long periods of sitting, many patients notice reduced stiffness and less chronic pain over time.
Pain Management for Neck and Spine Conditions
We offer several pain management options to help patients who are experiencing neck pain due to spinal stenosis, degenerative conditions, or spinal cord irritation. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or spinal injections to reduce inflammation and ease severe pain. Each method is carefully selected to provide safe, targeted relief while supporting your overall treatment plan.
Cold Therapy and Home Remedies for Neck Pain Relief
For milder or early symptoms, cold therapy and simple home remedies can help relieve neck pain and soothe irritated soft tissues. Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and swelling. A heating pad or warm shower may loosen stiff neck muscles and improve blood flow.
Practicing stress reduction techniques, quitting smoking, and maintaining good posture can also play a role in long-term relief. We’ll walk you through the right combination of at-home care and in-office treatments to help you feel better, faster.
Surgical Procedures for Neck and Spine Conditions at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
When non-surgical options no longer provide relief, surgery may be the next step to treat more serious neck and spine conditions. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our spine specialists perform advanced procedures designed to relieve pain, improve function, and restore stability. Surgery is typically considered in rare cases of severe pain, spinal cord compression, or damage from degenerative disc disease, fractures, or tumors.
Using the latest techniques, including minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures, our neck and spine surgeons in Missoula, Montana, create a personalized plan to address your condition and support your long-term recovery.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is a standard procedure used to remove a damaged disc that may be causing nerve root irritation or compressing the spinal cord. After removing the disc, the vertebrae are fused to stabilize the spine and help relieve neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis.
Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc Replacement)
Instead of fusing the bones together, this procedure replaces a worn-out disc with an artificial one. It’s a motion-preserving alternative to fusion, helping to maintain the range of motion while reducing pain caused by damaged discs or persistent neck pain.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebrae called the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It’s often used to treat spinal stenosis, mainly when symptoms include chronic neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Microdiscectomy
This minimally invasive surgery removes part of a herniated disc that’s pressing on a nerve root. It’s typically recommended for patients with pinched nerves, severe pain, or symptoms that haven’t improved with physical therapy or pain medications.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to stop painful motion between them. It may be used after disc removal or to treat instability caused by trauma or degenerative conditions. This surgery can help relieve pain and protect the spinal cord from further damage.
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy involves widening the space where nerve roots exit the spine. This procedure helps reduce nerve pressure, especially in cases where bone spurs or thickened ligaments have narrowed the opening and caused a pinched nerve.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
These procedures treat spinal fractures, often due to osteoporosis, by stabilizing the bone with special cement. They are performed to reduce chronic pain, restore spinal height, and prevent further collapse of the vertebrae.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery of the Spine
Using robotic technology, surgeons can perform precise, minimally invasive procedures with greater accuracy. This technique often leads to smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and faster recovery while treating complex neck and spine conditions.
Tumor Ablation of the Spine
This procedure uses heat or radio waves to destroy cancerous tissue affecting the spine. It may be combined with other treatments to reduce pain, prevent fractures, and improve quality of life in patients with spinal tumors.
Adult Deformity Procedures
For patients with abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine, such as scoliosis, corrective surgery can help restore balance, reduce nerve pressure, and improve posture. These procedures often involve fusion techniques to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on affected nerve roots.
What to Expect During Recovery After Neck and Spine Surgery at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
Recovery after neck and spine surgery looks different for every patient, depending on the type of procedure and the underlying cause of your condition. At NRO, our orthopedic specialists in Missoula, Montana, provide clear instructions and support at every step, from managing discomfort to regaining strength. You may be prescribed pain medications, muscle relaxers, or cold therapy to help reduce inflammation and manage severe pain during the early healing process.
As you recover, we often recommend physical therapy to improve mobility, strengthen neck muscles, and restore range of motion. Taking frequent breaks, practicing good posture, and avoiding heavy lifting can also support your healing. Most importantly, we stay involved throughout your recovery to adjust your treatment plan as needed and help you return to normal activities safely and with less chronic pain.
Contact the Missoula, Montana, Spine Specialists to Learn More About Our Back and Neck Pain Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing neck pain that isn’t improving or dealing with symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s time to take the next step. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we’re here to help you find lasting relief through trusted neck and spine treatments in Missoula, Montana.
Whether you need physical therapy, pain management, or a surgical solution for spinal cord compression or degenerative disc disease, we’ll build a personalized treatment plan that focuses on your comfort and long-term health. Don’t let chronic pain hold you back; call us today at (406) 728-6101 or visit our online contact page to request an appointment.
Patient Testimonials
Move Better. Feel Better. Perform Better.
We are committed to high quality orthopedic healthcare and implementing innovative, value-added solutions to deliver compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.