Few things can affect your everyday life, as much as neck pain. Even mild aches, stiffness, or pain in the neck can make sleeping, working, and other routine activities extremely hard. When the pain is so intense that you can barely do anything, it is obvious that you should visit a specialist. Unfortunately, in numerous cases, it is not as clear-cut. Sometimes, your Dallas neck pain or stiffness may not seem quite serious, though it bothers you for days or even weeks. So, how do you know when to consult a doctor? Here are some signs to watch out for.
1. Pain That Keeps You Awake
Neck pain that disrupts your sleep, or worsens whenever you rest is typically not life-threatening. Nonetheless, it is important to get checked, particularly if the pain is accompanied by fever. Neck pain with fever can be a warning sign of infections like meningitis. Infections could become serious fast, so do not hesitate to see a doctor for a prompt diagnosis and potentially life-saving therapy.
2. You Have A History Of Cancer
First-time neck pain, coupled with a history of cancer, could be a warning sign of a cancer recurrence. Growing cancer may strain organs, blood vessels, and nerves, resulting in neck pain. Sadly, the discomfort might not emerge until the tumor becomes large, so a doctor must check it out if you have a history of cancer.
3. You are Over 50
As you age, the likelihood of suffering neck pain significantly increases. Sedentary living often accompanies aging, resulting in weight gain and obesity. The added weight can pressure your spine, triggering neck and back pain. Moreover, changes in hormones, such as because of menopause, can also cause symptoms like neck pain.
4. Leg Weakness or Incontinence
Although rare, neck pain accompanied by leg weakness or incontinence could be a sign of a more serious health concern. If controlling your bowel or bladder is difficult, or you realize your legs are progressively weakening, you should seek prompt care to avoid more complications.
5. You Had an Accident or Fall
Irrespective of whether you managed to walk away after an accident or fall, you should see a doctor if you experience neck pain. In most cases, neck pain, which is the common sign of a whiplash injury, might not be evident immediately because of the adrenaline effect.
6. Pain Radiates Down One Arm or Leg
A shooting pain that travels down one arm or leg is a sign of sciatica. Sciatica generally stems from pressure on the spinal nerve root, a condition known as radiculopathy. However, sciatica could also be because of a tight piriformis muscle, which causes piriformis syndrome. Your doctor will diagnose your condition to determine the underlying cause of neck pain and rule out a potential sciatica condition.
Neck pain is a common concern that affects nearly everybody at some point in life. For most individuals, neck pain resolves by itself or is manageable with self-care strategies. However, if your neck pain is so intense that you cannot remain still, is chronic, or is accompanied by any of the symptoms highlighted above, seek professional care. Your doctor will diagnose your condition to determine the root cause and suggest appropriate solutions. While some conditions are treatable with conservative measures like physical therapy, and medications, some conditions, like sciatica, may require surgery.
