Neck pain is a fairly common complaint. We’ve all woken up from what we thought was a great night’s sleep, only to discover that something’s off, and we’re plagued for the whole day with a painful crick in our neck. Sometimes, the pain can be due to stress or even bad posture. Other times, all we need is a little rest and some basic stretching, and after a day or two, the pain dissipates on its own. In some cases, though, neck pain can signify something much worse. It’s essential for your health to know when you are exhibiting red flags that can signal a more significant issue and when you can forgo medical help.
Common Causes of Muscle Strain
Neck pain often comes from a very typical root cause and isn’t always something to worry about. A lot of people experience this pain as a result of:
- Poor Posture
- Bad Sleeping Positions
- Overuse During Workouts
- Minor Whiplash
- Minor Sports-Related Injuries
If you have experienced any of these and are suffering from neck pain, chances are that after a couple of days, you’ll be good as new. However, if more concerning symptoms accompany your pain, you should not wait to seek medical attention.
Red Flags for Neck Pain
Neck pain can be completely harmless, or it can be a sign of something deeper. You should seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term issues if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Radiating Pain: If your pain shoots down your arms or legs, this could be a signal of a herniated disc or nerve compression in the spine.
- Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness: If you experience these in your limbs, this could indicate nerve damage or spinal cord issues.
- Loss of Coordination: Trouble balancing or walking could be a sign that your spinal cord is compressed and should be treated as an emergency.
- Severe and Sudden Pain: Neck pain that comes on quickly without apparent reason can point to a vascular or structural issue.
- Fever and Weight Loss: Sometimes, neck pain is accompanied by fever, child, or rapid weight loss. In these cases, an underlying infection or tumor can be the cause.
- Persistent Pain: Pain that wakes you from your sleep and occurs even while resting can suggest a deeper issue and requires medical attention to diagnose.
- Recent Trauma: If you’ve had a recent fall, car accident, or sports injury, a fracture should be considered.
If you experience these along with your neck pain, it’s critical that you see a doctor immediately.
Risk Factors That Increase Concern
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk for long-term damage. These include:
- Adults over fifty
- Previous cancer patients
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Those with a history of heavy lifting or repetitive strain
- Anyone recovering from a recent accident
If any of these risk factors apply to you, you should take your neck pain seriously and consult a doctor immediately.
Prevention Strategies
Looking to avoid neck pain in the first place? These strategies can help prevent pain and injury in your neck:
- Practice good posture while sitting at your desk and using electronic devices.
- Take breaks during long periods of sitting.
- Use proper lifting techniques and avoid twisting your spine while you lift.
- Sleep on a good pillow and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Stretch and strengthen the neck and upper back muscles regularly.
Not all neck pain is preventable, but you can help reduce your risk of injury with these strategies.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you’re suffering from neck pain and something about it feels off, seek medical attention right away. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we’re here to help you find relief without unnecessary surgery. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how our non-invasive, personalized approach can help you get back to living pain-free.