When Does Neck Pain Become Serious

When Does Neck Pain Become Serious

When Does Neck Pain Become Serious

Neck Pain Can Signal Serious Disease

Is a Pain in The Neck Serious? 3 Stretches You Can Do Now For Relief Dr Craig Hindson DC in Ottawa

Neck pain can sometimes signal a serious underlying medical issue that needs to be checked by a doctor. Typically, such neck pain will be accompanied by at least one other symptom, often before the stiff or painful neck occurs.

Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, unexplained drowsiness, confusion or mood swings, unexplained weight loss, or pain that spreads to arms or legs. All these symptoms, along with neck pain, are reasons to check with your doctor.

Neck Discomfort And Panic Attacks

Those with panic disorder can have feelings of neck tension they believe to be pain, but may actually just be discomfort leading to worse feelings. For example, anxiety sufferers may perceive that they have trouble holding up their head, almost as if their neck is weak.

It is not clear why anxiety causes this problem, but it is quite common to those with panic attacks. As advised, if your pain and/or discomfort is moderate or severe and stopping you from performing your daily activities, please visit your primary care provider.

Peripheral Nerve Damage From Your Cervical Or Lumbar Spine

Although over 100 types of neuropathic pain exist, only a few of these are spine-related. Generally, cervical or lumbar related neuropathic pain occurs when a spinal nerve root is pressured by an abnormality in a nearby structure. In this case, yes, you may experience back or neck pain, but you’ll also likely experience symptoms that go down one leg or arm.

Many people call the pain that goes down one leg sciatica, but the real name for this condition, whether in the leg or the arm, is radiculopathy.

The spinal nerve root is a collection of nerves that branch off the spinal cord, and then branch off into individual peripheral nerves that go out to all areas of the body. Spinal nerve roots are present on either side of the spine, at every level, from cervical to lumbar.

With lumbar radiculopathy, which is a disease of one or more spinal nerve roots, people may experience sciatica, i.e, radiating hip, buttock, and/or leg pain.

The sciatic nerve is a peripheral nerve, the largest in the body. Ironically, irritation of the sciatic nerve itself is thought to be a rare cause of sciatica symptoms. This can happen when a tight piriformis muscle impinges on the nerve. By the way, the term sciatica does not apply to radicular pain or other symptoms that are experienced in the arm.

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When Should I Call My Doctor

• You have neck pain and shooting pain down your arms or legs.
• Your neck pain suddenly becomes severe.
• You have neck pain along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• You have a stiff neck, a headache, and a fever.
• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• Your symptoms continue even after treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Red Flags For Serious Causes Of Neck Pain

Its rare, but of course once in a while neck pain may be a warning sign of cancer, infection, autoimmune disease, or some kind of structural problem like spinal cord injury or a threat to an important blood vessel. Some of these ominous situations cause hard-to-miss signs and symptoms other than pain and most are likely to be diagnosed correctly and promptly so, if it feels serious, stop consulting Dr. Google and just go get checked out.

Otherwise, if you are aware of the red flags, you can get checked out when the time is right and avoid excessive worry until then.

A personal worry example One day I became convinced that the terrible stubborn pain in my neck had to be a cancer. It was one of the lowest moments of my life. The pain had been escalating slowly for months, and eventually it got so severe and unrelenting that I lost my cool. But then, after an emergency massage appointment, I felt almost completely better and that particular pain never bothered me again.

This is often how it goes with chronic pain: just when we think we cant stand it anymore, it finally goes away. Its always darkest before the dawn.

The rule of thumb is that you should start a more thorough medical investigation when all three of these conditions are met, three general red flags for neck pain:

• its been bothering you for more than about 6 weeks
• its severe and/or not improving, or actually getting worse
• there is at least one other red flag

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  Possible Causes Of Neck Neuropathy And Neuropathic Pain

  Generally, neck and back pain is benign. That is, it’s neither serious nor caused by a specific disease or condition. In these cases, muscles and other soft tissue tend to be at the root of the pain. When it is serious, causes may include bone fracture, infection, tumor, cauda equina syndrome, herniated disc, or spinal stenosis.

  The last four of these, tumor, cauda equina syndrome, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis, involve pressure on nerves, nerve roots and/or the spinal cord. The pain that results can become neuropathic pain.

  Migraines Linked To Neck Pain: Is There A Reliable Solution

  Migraines are extremely debilitating. They can hit hard and leave you unable to perform your routine tasks or even go to work. Migraines are thought to be a genetic disease that is neurological in nature. This means they are not simply bad headaches but a disorder all on their own. As many as 39 million people in the US have migraines. Women are affected 3 times more often than men. Children are also impacted by migraines. There is evidence that even infants get them!

  Migraines are referred to as primary headaches because the pain is not caused by an underlying condition like a brain tumor. Some people have one-sided head pain and, in about a third of the cases, it affects both sides. If you are suffering from a migraine, you will most likely seek out a dark, quiet, cool room to lie down in until the pain subsides.

  Migraines can last anywhere from just a few hours to many days. However, the pain stage is not the only time you are affected. There is an initial phase before the head pain begins and something referred to as a migraine hangover that happens after the head pain subsides. You may still have some symptoms to deal with for a few days after the head pain.

  Symptoms that accompany the head pain include :

  • Throbbing and pounding head pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Pain on only one side of the head
  • Visual disturbances
  • Neck pain

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  What Are The Most Common Nonsurgical Treatments For Neck Pain

  If you are experiencing chronic pain , it is important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment. Treatments for neck pain vary, depending on the cause and duration of the neck pain you are experiencing. Many neck pain patients find relief in using one or a combination of these therapies. The most common treatments include:

  Medications: Both over-the-counter and prescription medications may help manage neck pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease muscle spasm and sleep disturbance. The first line of treatment when it comes to neck pain medication is typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications , such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and acetaminophen . Some NSAIDS can be applied topically to the skin, such as Voltaren Gel and Aspercreme other topical treatments include Icy-Hot, lidocaine based patches, and CBD creams/ointments.

  Prescription medications such as muscle relaxers and nerve pain medications are sometimes considered, says Dr. Bonte. Muscle relaxants are used more often for acute pain rather than chronic pain.

  For those with neuropathic neck pain, injections including a steroid and pain reliever may be effective, especially if done in conjunction with physical therapy. Ablation of the nerves near the neck joints may improve mobility and reduce pain, too.

  Complementary therapies:Alternative treatments may be helpful in managing neck pain. Some of the more popular complementary therapies for treating neck pain include:

  Will A Pinched Nerve Go Away On Its Own How Long Does It Take

  Neck Pain | Stiff Neck Pain Relief

  Yes, most will with time . You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If home treatment doesnt provide you relief after several days, call your provider, wholl give you more guidance. You may be asked to come to the office for evaluation and tests.

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  What Does A Neck Spasm Feel Like

  Neck spam is sharp pain typically associated with muscle tightness. The neck muscles may feel hard or knotted to the touch. When severe it may be difficult to bend or rotate the neck due to pain and muscle tightness. The pain may extend down into the shoulders or up into the base of the skull with the onset of a headache. Dizziness can occur if the neck spasm is severe or prolonged.

  What Treatments Are Available

  Healing begins with self-care and nonsurgical strategies . The goal is to correct the problem, restore function, and prevent re-injury.

  Self care: Neck pain often resolves with rest, ice or heat, massage, pain relievers, and gentle stretches. Reduce muscle inflammation and pain using an ice pack for 20 minutes several times a day during the first 48 to 72 hours. Thereafter, a warm shower or heating pad on low setting may be added to relax the muscles. A short period of bed rest is okay, but more than a couple of days does more harm than good. If self-care treatments aren’t working within the first couple of days, see your doctor.

  Medications: Many people get pain relief with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. A muscle relaxant may be prescribed for spasms. If pain is severe, an analgesic may be prescribed that can be taken with the NSAID or muscle relaxant.

  Steroids can reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerves. They are taken orally as a Medrol dose pack tapered over a five-day period or by an injection directly into the pain source . Steroids may provide immediate pain relief within 24-hours.

  Surgery: Surgery is rarely needed unless you have muscle weakness, a proven disc herniation, cervical cord compression, problems with balance and coordination, or severe pain that does not resolve after a reasonable course of nonsurgical treatment.

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  Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

  Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is calcification or a bony hardening of ligaments in areas where they attach to the spine. Ligaments are supposed to be flexible, so DISH can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.

  Rarity: Rare

  Top Symptoms: joint pain, upper back pain, stiff neck, stiff back, trouble swallowing

  Urgency: Primary care doctor

  Woke Up With Neck Pain Here Are Some Possible Reasons Why

  

  Do you remember how your neck pain began? Was it right after an injury, or did it sneak up on you over time? Chronic neck pain can stop us from sleeping well at night, leading to sleepless nights and stiffness the following day. Sleep is meant to be the time for your body to recover, not experience more pain. Here are some common reasons why you may be experiencing pain when you first wake up.

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  Unusual Persistent Neck Pain

  With a cervical artery dissection, the neck pain is unusual, persistent, and often accompanied by a severe headache, says Dr. Rost. The neck pain from a carotid artery tear often spreads along the side of the neck and up toward the outer corner of the eye. A vertebral artery tear may feel like something sharp is stuck in the base of your skull. If you experience such pain especially if you also have stroke symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, jerky eye movements, unsteadiness while walking, or slurred speech call 911 immediately.

  What Causes Back And Neck Pain

  Even with today’s technology, the exact cause of back and neck pain is difficult to determine. In most cases, back and neck pain may have many different causes, including any of the following:

  • Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use, such as repetitive or heavy lifting

  • Trauma, injury, or fractures

  • Degeneration of vertebrae, often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support your spine, or the effects of aging

  • Infection

  • Abnormal growth, such as a tumor or bone spur

  • Obesity, which places increased weight on your spine, and pressure on your discs

  • Poor muscle tone

  • Joint problems, such as arthritis

  • Smoking

  • Protruding or herniated disk and pinched nerve

  • Osteoporosis and compression fractures

  • Congenital abnormalities of your vertebrae and bones

  • Abdominal problems, such as an aortic aneurysm

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  Invest In A Better Mattress

  If youve discovered that your sagging mattress is at the root of your neck pain, its time to throw it out and find one that is more supportive. Investing in a mattress that suits your medical needs as well as providing proper support can be a game-changer.

  When buying a mattress, consider your sleeping position. The type of mattress that you sleep on should complement how you sleep. For example, if you are a back sleeper, then sleeping on a firmer mattress will give you better support. Side sleepers, on the other hand, need a softer surface to help support the spine, hips, and shoulders. Supportive memory foam, as is used in The Yaasa Mattress contours around the body to protect the joints, making it great for any type of sleeping position.

  Finding Natural Relief For Migraines

  Can Neck Pain Be A Sign Of Something Serious?

  Migraines have been connected to problems in the bones of the upper cervical spine. A misalignment of either the C1 or C2 vertebra is very common and does not always cause pain. However, this may be one reason that the statistics above mention a feeling of tightness in the neck. This may happen before one actually gets the symptom of head pain. Case studies have been done that prove the effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic care in alleviating the symptoms of migraines, including neck pain.

  As upper cervical chiropractors, we focus on making sure the top bones of the neck are in proper alignment. We particularly look at the C1 and C2 vertebrae, as these bones are more susceptible to misaligning than the rest of the spine. If they are out of place, a number of things can occur to create migraines. For one thing, the C1 and C2 can act as a blockage to oxygen-rich blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow and hinder them from entering and leaving the brain in proper amounts. The brainstem is also negatively impacted because it is located in the same area as these bones. If it becomes stressed, it can begin to send improper signals to the brain. In addition, neck muscles and nerves can become irritated and inflamed.

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  What Symptoms Relate To Neck Pain

  The pain often spreads from the neck towards the shoulders or upper back, and it often causes headaches. You might find the pain is worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time, for example, at a computer.

  Neck pain might also come with muscle tightness or spasms, and you might not be able to move your head very well.

  If you have a neck injury, you might also have dizziness, pins and needles or numbness, weakness, changes to your vision or hearing, problems concentrating or difficulty swallowing. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

  What Is Neck Pain

  Neck pain is the worst kind of overachiever. It’s so common that it’s the fourth-leading cause of disability globally, following ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lower respiratory infection. Nearly 30 percent experience it each year.

  And it’s not always centralized in the neck. It can radiate across your whole upper body, affecting your shoulders, arms and chest and can even cause headaches. Living with neck pain can be miserable, making it hard to focus and get through the day.

  Neck pain can be debilitating and may interfere with day-to-day life, including your ability to sleep, feel productive, and enjoy time with friends and family. And it affects more than just your physical body. Studies have shown that chronic pain can have an impact on a persons mental health up to 85 percent of patients with chronic pain are affected by severe depression.

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  Use A Hot Compress Or Heating Pad

  Sometimes neck stiffness is caused by too much strain on the neck muscles while we sleep. This can cause blood flow to be restricted. One of the best ways to relieve stiff muscles and ease neck pain is to boost blood circulation by applying a hot compress to the affected area. You should apply heat for up to 20 minutes around 10 to 15 minutes before going to bed.

  Keep Moving And Try Stretching

  

  You should keep walking and moving to keep the muscles in your neck from becoming stiffer. If you are looking for pain relief from the stiffness in your neck, you might do some light stretching to ease the pain. Poor posture is one of the most common culprits of causing a crick in the neck and stretching helps to combat this. Here are some exercises to try:

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  Surgery For Neck Arthritis

  Surgery is usually a last resort for neck arthritis, says Dr. Milani. Your doctor may recommend it if you have severe pain that isnt relieved with nonsurgical treatment or if you have signs of neurologic injury. Surgery may be needed if the arthritis causes instability, or more importantly, impingement of nerves and/or the spinal cord, says Dr. Shah.

  
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