Your brain and spinal cord together comprise the central nervous system, and these control the sensory and movement capabilities of your entire body. An injury to the spine can affect that part of the spinal cord, and this can affect other parts of your body.
Orthopedics is the field of medicine that focuses on the bones, muscles, and joints (the musculoskeletal system), and orthopedic neurology expands this to include the brain and spinal cord – namely, diagnosing and treating injuries related to these areas, such as concussion or a back injury that occurs when playing sports.
Let’s discuss orthopedic neurology, how orthopedists and neurologists can help with spine issues and other conditions, and where you can go in Kingsport, Tennessee, to receive treatment from a highly qualified neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular issues.
Neurology and Orthopedics
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with problems in the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. In our bodies, the brain and nerves tell the muscles what to do, and the muscles do it.
Because of how intertwined these systems are, neurology and orthopedic specialties can overlap. Both neurological and musculoskeletal conditions can lead to numbness, pain, and muscle problems. For instance, tight muscles can compress nerves, leading to nerve pain. On the other hand, damage to the spinal cord limits nerve signals from reaching the muscles, causing muscle pain and weakness.
Together, neurology and orthopedics are important in identifying issues that affect both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.
How Neurologists and Orthopedists Work Together
Healthcare providers with knowledge of orthopedics and neurology can identify complex problems affecting both nerves as well as muscles/bones. They may use several diagnostic tests to isolate the problem.
For instance, in the case of a sports injury affecting the back, the doctor can identify which part of the spinal cord has a problem by observing the muscles. If a muscle does not respond correctly, this can point to an issue with the nerves that connects that muscle to the spinal cord.
What Problems Does Orthopedic Neurology Identify?
Orthopedic neurology isolates parts of the spinal cord that causes conditions like the following:
- Hyperactive reflexes
- Decreased reflexes
- Loss of reflexes
- Decreased muscle strength
- Extreme pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Loss of movement
- Loss of touch and pain
- Spastic paraplegia
These symptoms may be an indication of particular spinal problems, such as:
- Arthritis
- Fractures in the spine
- Herniated disc
- Scoliosis
- Spinal infection
- Traumatic spinal injury
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumor
A neurologist who handles sports injuries can also diagnose and treat concussions. A concussion can occur due to any kind of blunt-force trauma or falling that causes an impact on the head.
Orthopedics and NeuroloNeurologygyin Kingsport, TN
If you are suffering from any manner of back pain or loss of reflex and movement, don’t wait for it to get worse! Come and meet our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and our neurologist here at Associated Orthopaedics. We offer expert diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. We can help you if you experience damage to the hands, feet, knees, hips, shoulders, or elbows.
Learn more about how we treat and manage all kinds of orthopedic and neurological problems. You can request an appointment now via our online form, or you can call us today at (423) 245-3161. We look forward to seeing you!
