When Should I Be Worried About My Neck Pain?
Do you wake with neck pain, thinking you “slept wrong” or overdid your upper body workout? Thomas Plut, DO, Virtua Sports Medicine Physician, explains when to seek medical help for your neck pain.
By Thomas Plut, DO, Virtua Sports Medicine
Neck pain is one of those tricky conditions that a lot of potential sources – it might be caused by something as benign as an uncomfortable sleeping position, or it might have come from poor posture over a long period of time. While neck pain can be annoying and uncomfortable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need medical treatment.
Even sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain in the neck isn’t usually a sign of a serious problem if it’s infrequent and isn’t accompanied by other symptoms. You often can alleviate a bout of neck pain with rest, ice therapy, heat therapy, gentle stretching, massage, or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
When is neck pain cause for concern?
Of course, if you’ve had an injury or accident and experience these symptoms, you should seek medical help right away:
- Your neck pain is severe, getting worse, or has persisted for more than a few weeks
- You’re experiencing radiating pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness that goes into your arm
- You’re experiencing pain, as well as nausea and/or dizziness
- You have neck stiffness plus a headache and/or fever, which could be an indication of meningitis
Get Your Questions Answered by a Virtua Health Spine Specialist
Neck pain and stiffness often is a normal part of life, but if you have questions or concerns, you should consult with a doctor. Download the Virtua Health Guide to Back and Neck Pain or call 856-246-4272 to request a consultation with a Virtua neck pain specialist.
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