When to Seek Treatment for Neck PainCorona, CA

Signs That It Is Time to Go to the Doctor for Neck Pain

Sometimes, neck pain responds to self-care that includes heat, ice, and rest. Other times, though, treatment is needed. If you are dealing with neck pain and unsure if you need to visit a doctor, then there are more severe symptoms keep in mind. Anyone dealing with the following symptoms should contact their primary care practitioner or walk into an Urgent Care facility:

• Muscle spasms in the neck
• Neck pain that gets worse
• Neck pain that continues to linger
• If you injure your neck
• Pain moves from the neck to the shoulders, causing numbness or weakness
• Flu-like symptoms when your back aches

Muscle Spasms That Do Not Respond to Self-Care

Muscle spasms can make the neck feel stiff, reducing mobility. The neck muscles tighten, and hard knots might form. Patients can use ice, heat, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate the symptoms. If symptoms persist after a day or two or if the spasms prevent patients from sleeping, it is time to visit a doctor. They can determine the cause of the neck pain and provide the appropriate treatment.

Pain gets worse or does not go away:

Ice and heat can relieve neck pain in many cases. However, sometimes, the symptoms persist or get worse, even with the appropriate self-care. When the pain gets worse or does not go away within three weeks, it could be due to an underlying medical issue. Also, the patient might be aggravating the muscles and tendons without realizing it. A doctor can determine the source of the pain and help manage the symptoms.

Pain after an injury:

Patients who seriously injure their necks should call an ambulance or have someone drive them to the emergency room. However, if the pain is mild to moderate, they can visit an Urgent Care provider for help. The pain could be due to a soft tissue injury, such as a muscle sprain or strain. After examining the patient, the doctor can provide a treatment plan to help the patient recover from the injury.

Pain radiates to shoulders and causes numbness or weakness:

Neck pain is hard enough to handle on its own, but it is even worse when it moves to the shoulders and causes muscle numbness or weakness. This pain can be debilitating, and treatment is needed to begin the healing process. A primary care doctor can prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, which should reduce the pain and alleviate the numbness. Also, the patient might need to wear a soft cervical collar to keep the neck in place.

Pain accompanied by flu-like symptoms:

Body aches are common with the flu. Often, those aches include neck pain. A doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the length of time the illness lasts. People with neck pain and mild to moderate flu symptoms should visit the doctor. If neck pain is accompanied by a fever, vomiting, headaches, and sensitivity to bright lights, then you should seek a doctor immediately. These are potential signs of meningitis, but only a doctor can make an official diagnosis.