Whether from sleeping in a poor position or being exposed to traumatic force, most people have experienced neck pain at some point in their life. Our neck has to support our head whenever we’re upright, so damage to the neck region can make for a very uncomfortable experience, even when the injury is pretty mild. But how can you tell if your neck discomfort is simply a mild issue that should resolve on its own with a few days of conservative techniques, or if it’s something more serious? In today’s blog, we take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of a serious neck issue.
Do I Need To See A Doctor For My Neck Pain?
Below, we are going to touch on some of the symptoms that generally suggest that your neck issue may be worth having evaluated by a professional. With that said, even if your symptoms aren’t on this list, if you are concerned at all about your neck or upper spine, it’s in your best interest to connect with your primary care provider or a neck specialist like Dr. Jackman. They’ll be able to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and set you up with an individualized treatment plan based on your specific situation.
Here’s a look at some of the signs that suggest you’d benefit from a consultation with a neck specialist.
- Severe Pain – Perhaps the most obvious sign that you should set up an appointment with a neck specialist is severe pain. Waking up with a twinge of pain in your neck that fades once you start moving and stretching typically isn’t all that concerning, but severe or sharp neck pain at any point in the day is a cause for concern. Severe pain is a clear indication that something is amiss in your neck.
- Persistent Pain – Severe pain isn’t the only type of pain that suggests you should talk with a neck specialist. If you have chronic, dull pain or discomfort that never seems to fade, there could be a mechanical issue going on in your neck. Don’t accept that chronic neck pain is the new normal, have it examined by a specialist.
- Radiating Pain – If your discomfort radiates to other parts of your body, it tends to be a sign of a nerve issue that is likely lodged in the neck or spine area. The most common areas for pain to travel to are your arms and legs, so if you feel a jolt of discomfort that runs down your arm or throughout your leg when you take a step, know that a spine specialist can help.
- Muscle Weakness – Sometimes nerve impingement in the neck and spine can also cause muscle weakness in our extremities. If you are having weakness in your hands, fingers, arms or legs, it’s possible that these issues are related to a problem in your neck region.
- Headaches – Neck pain that presents with headaches is another sign that there may be more going on than meets the eye in your neck area. Oftentimes neck pain that is accompanied by headache is the result of nerve impingement or muscle damage that is causing tension in your soft tissues. These conditions can usually be treated quite successfully with the help of physical therapy and other conservative techniques, but only if you understand the mechanism behind your issue and proactively work to treat it.
- Balance/Gait Issues – Finally, if your neck issue is causing you to feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or it’s affecting how you walk, it’s time to connect with a neck specialist. Aside from severely increasing your fall risk, gait abnormalities only tend to worsen if left unaddressed, and that can cause additional problems for your hip and knee joints.
If you have any questions as to the severity of your neck issue, or you want clarity on the best way to proceed with treatment, visit a neck specialist like Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. We’re confident that we can provide an accurate diagnosis and set you up with a treatment plan that can reduce or alleviate your discomfort. For more information, contact our team today at (651) 430-3800.
