Almost everyone has experienced the mild, fleeting discomfort of a “crick” in the neck at some point in their lives.
But sometimes, that discomfort transcends the occasional strain and becomes a harbinger of something more severe.
As a cornerstone of our skeletal structure, the neck plays an essential role, housing arteries and the spinal cord. It acts as a conduit for nerve signals.
Therefore, when neck pain veers into unfamiliar territory, one must be aware of the signs that may point to an underlying serious condition.
This blog talks about seven red flags that can be signals that your neck pain needs immediate medical attention.
1. Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Improve or Worsens
While minor strains and muscle aches usually resolve within a week, persistent neck pain that doesn’t show signs of improvement could signify an underlying condition, e.g., degenerative disc disease or even a herniated disc.
2. Sharp, Shooting Pain
If the pain in your neck radiates down into your arms or fingers, it may be indicative of cervical radiculopathy, a condition where nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae become compressed.
3. Lack of Coordination or Weakness
A sudden inability to coordinate your movements, clumsiness, or pronounced weakness in your hands could signify spinal cord compression. Immediate evaluation is necessary.
4. Numbness or Tingling Sensations
A “pins and needles” feeling, especially when accompanied by pain radiating down an arm, should not be ignored. This can suggest nerve compression or damage.
5. Pain That Improves with Rest
If your neck pain subsides when you lie down but intensifies upon standing or during the day, this may indicate a more complex underlying issue like cervical spinal stenosis.
6. Associated Headaches or Dizziness
Tension headaches stemming from neck stiffness are common. However, if you experience severe headaches, visual disturbance, or dizziness along with neck pain, it could hint at a condition like vertebral artery dissection.
Recommended Read: 3 Reasons Why Your Back and Neck Pain Are Getting Worse Instead of Better
7. History of Trauma
If your neck pain follows an accident or injury, especially something as impactful as a car crash, it’s vital to get screened for potential fractures, dislocations, and whiplash injuries.
Turn to a Professional Today
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of dedicated specialists, Houston Physicians’ Hospital is renowned for its comprehensive care and patient-centric approach. We provide optimal, individualized, and compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors.
If you’ve been experiencing neck pain or any of the aforementioned symptoms, the doctors and staff at Friendswood Specialty Hospital are ready to help. Visit the orthopedic Surgeon League City TX for our Spine Solutions Center, where you can read about more symptoms and our comprehensive approach to neck health. Then scroll down the page to find an orthopedic specialist who’s right for you.
We also treat conditions like upper back pain, lower back pain, knee pain, and hip joint pain, among others.