Neck pain can be mildly annoying or majorly debilitating, but because a number of different conditions present with similar symptoms, sometimes it’s hard to know if your symptoms warrant professional evaluation or if you can manage the problem on your own. If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, odds are you’d benefit from a consultation with a spine and neck specialist. In today’s blog, we take a look at five symptoms that indicate that you should consult with a spine specialist for your care.
When To See A Spine Specialist
If you’re dealing with mild soreness or pain that fades after a short while, odds are you can get by on your own or by talking with your primary care physician. However, if you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, consider setting up an appointment with a spine specialist.
- Pain That Worsens – If you tweak a muscle in your neck or have poor posture for a bit, odds are the discomfort you’re experiencing will eventually fade as time goes on. Pain should not remain consistent or get worse as time passes, otherwise it’s a clear indication that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If your pain is still present or your discomfort has gotten worse over the past few days or weeks, it’s time to connect with a specialist.
- Balance Issues – Your neck is home to a number of nerves that traverse all throughout your body, and these nerves help with critical functions in other areas, like your arms and feet. It’s entirely possible that an issue in your neck affects your balance or your ability to walk with a normal gait. If you’re experiencing balance problems or you’re walking with a hitch or a limp in your step, let a doctor take a closer look.
- Causing Sleep Issues – If your neck discomfort is making it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep, it’s time to consult with a doctor. Sleep is a restorative process for your body, and if you’re not getting enough quality sleep, problems can worsen. Pain can intensify and it can be harder to seek out active treatments like physical therapy because you’re always feeling tired or groggy. If your neck pain is keeping you up at night, consider reaching out to Dr. Jackman or a specialist in your area.
- Frequent Headaches – Headaches are a common symptom of an issue in your neck or cervical spine. If you’re trying to treat your headaches with rest or anti-inflammatory medications and still not finding relief, there could be an underlying neck issue causing what’s known as a tension headache. Until your neck muscles are relieved of this tension, headaches will continue to arise and may even become chronic. Don’t overlook the fact that headaches can be the result of an untreated neck issue.
- Numbness or Tingling – Finally, if you’re experiencing numbness or a tingling sensation in your shoulders, arms, hands or fingers, you should reach out to a spine specialist. Similar to balance issues, numbness or tingling is likely caused by damage or compression of key spinal nerves. Oftentimes sensation issues in the upper extremities are linked to a nerve issue in the upper spine or neck area. Failing to treat the problem can lead to worsening symptoms, so don’t put off treatment.
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, or you are just dealing with a back issue that you believe deserves professional attention, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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