Pain in the neck can be one of the most frustrating things. Nearly everyone has experienced it, maybe even from something as minor has a sleeping in a strange position, but there are other moments when neck pain can be symptoms of something else.
Causes of Neck Pain
It’s relatively easy to injure your neck or cause pain to it. This is, partially, because the neck is basically unprotected compared to other parts of the body. It is also often the cause of abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones, and disks of the spine.
Pain in the neck can also be caused by pain or misalignment in other areas including upper back, shoulders, and arms, which often results in radiating pain from those areas.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
If you are experiencing neck pain, there are times that you should not ignore it. For instance, if you have severe pain after an injury like a car accident or fall, your neck should be immobilized until medical doctors have given you the all clear.
If you have pain or numbness that radiates in your arms or legs, you should also seek medical care as well as pain without significant neck pain.
If you haven’t had an injury, but are experiencing continuous severe pain that radiates and is accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness, you should seek medical care.
While neck pain isn’t always serious, there are moments when you should listen to your body and seek medical help in order to alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing.
This article is brought to you by Dr. Brandon Downs, an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Downs can help you figure out what is causing your neck pain. Find Dr.Downs at:
Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, Centennial Medical Center in the Physician’s Park Building 2400 Patterson Street Suite 300, Nashville, Tn 37203 (615) 342-6300 Hughston.com and Orthopaedic Specialists, 415 Henslee Drive in the Creekside Center, Dickson, Tn 37055 (615) 375-8287, Orthopaedicspecialists.com.
