Few things could impact your everyday life as much as neck pain. Even mild stiffness, pain, or aches in your neck may render sleeping, working, and engaging in the activities you enjoy exceedingly difficult. You should visit a doctor if the pain is so intense that you cannot accomplish anything. However, most circumstances are not so straightforward. Sometimes your neck discomfort or stiffness may not appear significant at first, even if it lasts for days or weeks. What are the signs that it is time to visit a specialist? Flowood neck pain specialist Dr. Adam Lewis suggests you schedule a consultation if you observe one or more of the following symptoms. Continue reading to learn more.
Neck Pain Following An Injury
Patients who have suffered a major neck injury should contact an ambulance or arrange for somebody to take them to the nearest emergency facility. However, if your pain is mild or moderate, you can reach out to a neurosurgeon at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic for help. Your pain might be because of soft tissue trauma, such as a muscle strain or sprain. Following a comprehensive examination, your doctor may recommend the right care plan to assist with your injury recovery.
Lingering Or Worsening Pain
In numerous circumstances, heat and ice therapy can help ease neck pain. Unfortunately, even with proper self-care, symptoms can sometimes continue or worsen. If the discomfort worsens or lingers after three weeks, it may be because of an inherent medical concern. In addition, the patient may unknowingly irritate the tendons and muscles. Your specialist could help you figure out what is causing your discomfort and mitigate the symptoms.
Radiating Pain To Your Shoulders, Accompanied By Weakness Or Numbness
Neck discomfort is difficult enough by itself, but it becomes even more difficult whenever it spreads to the shoulders and triggers muscle weakness or numbness. Your doctor could suggest oral corticosteroids to ease swelling, which in turn alleviates pain and muscle numbness or weakness. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend you wear a soft cervical collar to hold your neck in position.
Muscle Spasms That Persist Despite Self-Care
Muscle spasms may cause stiffness in the neck; hence, limiting mobility. The muscles in the neck tense, and stiff knots may form. Patients often utilize heat, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms. If symptoms linger for several days or disrupt your sleep, you should see a doctor. Your specialists can figure out what triggers your neck pain and suggest appropriate therapy.
Pain Associated with Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu is a typical symptom associated with body aches, including neck pain. Neck pain and mild to moderate flu symptoms must be addressed by a physician for extensive assessment. Sometimes, you may also notice vomiting, increased light sensitivity, and headaches. If so, you might be suffering from meningitis. However, your doctor is the only person who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Whereas dealing with neck pain by yourself might be tempting, it is not always effective. If you observe any of the above symptoms in addition to neck pain, it is best to see Dr. Adam Lewis, a skilled neurosurgeon at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic in Flowood, MS. Not only can Dr. Lewis employ various strategies to alleviate the discomfort, but he can unearth more severe inherent reasons for your pain. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online to get started.
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