Signs You Need to See a Neck Injury Doctor
You may have slept in the wrong position, woken up stiff, and couldn’t look down at your feet to tie them. Or you might have spent the day bent over your desk and then stood up to realize how much it hurt your neck. You may have taken painkillers, stretched, and hoped the pain would disappear by the morning or the following week. There are other times, however, when neck pain goes beyond poor posture. If you don’t seek medical attention, your neck pain may not go away and even worsen. Learn whether to visit a neck injury doctor or rest and apply an icepack to your neck.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by many things other than poor posture or sleeping positions. Injuries, chronic diseases, or traumatic events can cause neck pain. You should seek medical attention from a neck injury doctor as soon as possible if your neck pain is unclear. A chronic illness or a severe injury could cause it.
Tech Neck
Tech (or text neck) is a term used to describe neck pain caused by constantly looking down.
Looking down puts 50-60 pounds of pressure on your neck. Neck pain can result from excessive pressure on the neck, mainly if it is applied for long periods.
Headaches Caused by Tension or Stress
Headaches can cause neck pain. These headaches are usually caused by emotional stress and prolonged periods of muscle tension.
Muscle Strain or Sprain
A strained or sprained neck muscle can also cause neck pain. These strains can be caused by sports injuries, sleeping awkwardly, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements.
Whiplash Injury
The name of the injury is “whiplash”- when the head moves violently from one side to the other or back and forth. This stretching of the neck muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, and nerves can cause neck stiffness and pain. Whiplash is caused by any “whipping” of the neck, but it often occurs in auto accidents. Contact sports such as football can cause it.
Children and infants are at a higher risk for severe whiplash injuries because their necks and heads are smaller than the rest of the body. This weakness can cause whiplash if they are shaken too violently. Infants and children may suffer permanent brain or nerve damage from whiplash, even with favorable treatment and time. Adults who do not treat whiplash may lose their sensation or ability to move.
Adults who suffer an injury that may lead to whiplash should consult a neck injury doctor to ensure the damage is not too severe. They should also evaluate other injuries. Because infants are more fragile, they need immediate medical attention.
Osteoarthritis
You may not realize it, but your joints are more than a hinge. The cartilage tissue protects your bones at the joints. This cartilage covers the area where two or more joints meet. It prevents them from rubbing against each other and damaging one another.
Osteoarthritis develops slowly and most commonly affects people in their middle age to older years. The cartilage that covers the joints can wear down and become thin over time. This causes friction when the joints are moved. Osteoarthritis may also cause inflammation of the synovial tissues. Inflammation of these membranes can cause them to become swollen, warm, and tender.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and joint swelling. The condition can affect the neck, elbows, and knees. The situation worsens with time due to the friction caused by moving joints. The treatment is tailored to each individual’s medical needs and history and may include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of musculoskeletal discomfort in the U.S. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, symptoms can be triggered by a physically or emotionally traumatic event. They may also develop slowly without triggering.
This condition is characterized by widespread, chronic muscle pain. It can also cause sleep disorders, fatigue, and memory problems. Fibromyalgia can have varying symptoms, and some may be dormant. Untreated fibromyalgia may cause severe emotional distress. It should be treated immediately. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but you can manage it with medications such as antidepressants and pain relievers.
Nerve Compression
The nerves in your body are responsible for allowing you to experience physical sensations such as touch, temperature, and pressure. A pinched nerve can cause sudden and seemingly unjustified pain if trapped between two bones or tissues. Pinched neck nerves can be caused by spinal compression, cartilage degradation over time, or a slipped disc.
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Spinal Tumor
Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that develop when cells multiply too quickly. Tumors can be classified as benign or malignant.
It’s only harmful once the tumor becomes large or interferes with other bodily functions.
Malignant tumors, on the other hand, can invade other tissues and travel through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts. Untreated malignant tumors can be deadly and cancerous.
Both brain and spinal tumors can cause neck stiffness or pain. Primary and secondary spinal tumors can cause pain. Primary spinal tumors are usually benign and originate in the spine. Secondary tumors form from other parts of the human body and then spread to the spine. These tumors are cancerous.
Professionals must treat tumors, particularly malignant ones. Consult your neck injury doctor if you notice a lump on your neck. This will help determine whether it is benign or malignant.
When Is Neck Pain Serious?
Say your neck pain just began. You need to find out if it is worth visiting a doctor or treating the pain at home. How can you tell whether your neck pain is severe? There are some telltale signs.
Persistence
It may take some time for neck pains to subside, depending on the severity of your injury and how quickly you heal. If it persists longer than three weeks, this is usually an indication that the damage is more severe than a simple strain.
Tingling
Nerve damage can cause tingling or numbness, particularly with general pain.
Severe
It’s impossible to have a pleasant neck injury. If the pain is severe enough to keep you awake at night or stop you from working, this may indicate a more severe problem.
Cancer History
Neck pain can be caused by brain or spinal tumors. You should consult a neck injury doctor if you suddenly develop neck pain and have a cancer history.
Age
You are more likely to develop age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Neck pain after the age of fifty may indicate something more serious.
Accident-based
A doctor will likely see you if you have a severe accident, such as a sports injury or car crash. After the accident, visit your doctor if you have severe neck pain and stiffness.
Additional Symptoms
Neck pain is not always a sign of a medical problem. If you experience neck pain and other symptoms, like incontinence or a high fever, the cause is unknown. You should make an appointment to see your doctor. High fever, difficulty in breathing, and weakness of the muscles may be signs of a medical crisis.
What Kind of Doctor Should You See for Neck Pain?
You should see a physician as soon as you can if your neck pain fits any of these criteria. Not all doctors can treat your neck pain.
You don’t necessarily want to visit several doctors before you find the right one. Which neck injury doctor should you consult for neck pain?
- Primary care physician
- Chiropractor
- Orthopedist
- Neurologist
Schedule an Appointment
Find relief from neck injuries with Florida Medical Pain Management‘s dedicated neck injury doctors. Contact us to schedule a consultation or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you overcome your neck injury.
Our Treatment Services
Florida Medical Pain Management’s top priority is to serve our patient’s needs and create long-lasting relationships with them. Our treatments include:
- Treatment for Neuropathy
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We want to help patients live more fulfilling and productive lives by effectively managing their pain. Florida Medical Pain Management also provides home therapy and many more. Click here to see our other services.