Neck pain indicators can vary in duration and severity. Neck pain can be acute and last for a few days or weeks. Also, Memorial Area neck pain can become chronic and cause impairment. Neck pain can be characterized by:

1.     Sharp pain: Neck pain may feel like a “stabbing” or sharp discomfort localized to one region.
2.     Pain when moving: Neck pain is frequently aggravated by twisting, moving, or extending the cervical spine, either from up and down or side to side.
3.     Headache: Pain that starts in the neck may create a headache known as a cervicogenic headache. Also, neck pain with a headache may indicate a migraine headache.
4.     Stiff neck: Those with neck pain usually feel as though the neck is “stiff” or “stuck.” Neck pain can occasionally lead to a reduction in range of motion.
5.     Radiating pain or numbness: Your neck pain can progress to the head, shoulder, trunk, or arms. If the neck pain entails the compression of a nerve, you may experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in the hands or arms. Neck pain from a pinched nerve can feel like a burning or sharp sensation that begins at the neck and spreads down the arm. Speak with your specialist if you experience this symptom.
6.     Pain when palpated: Neck pain may worsen if your cervical spine is palpated.

An overview of neck pain

Neck pain is soreness in or around the spine beneath the head, called the cervical spine. Neck pain is a typical symptom of many various injuries and medical problems. You might have radicular neck pain (pain shoots into other regions like the arms or shoulders) or axial neck pain (felt frequently in the neck). It can be mild (lasting from days to 6 weeks) or severe (lasting longer than three months to years). Furthermore, neck pain can disrupt daily activities and reduce your quality of life if left unmanaged.

Diagnosing neck pain

Specialists diagnose neck pain with a physical examination and medical history. Your clinician will feel and move the neck to locate pain and find motion concerns. Also, your specialist will evaluate your muscle strength and reflexes. Your clinician will ask about previous neck accidents that might have resulted in whiplash or a herniated disc. They may inquire about work or other activities that could impact your neck. Furthermore, your doctor may employ imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) to determine the source of your discomfort. These tests can detect damage and other problems in your neck’s bones and surrounding tissues.

Additionally, your physician may request electromyography, nerve conduction investigations, a myelogram, or a nerve root block. These examinations check more closely at the discs in your spine, the spine itself, nerve function, muscle reaction, and the source of your pain.

Many suffer from neck pain due to poor posture and muscle strain. In these situations, your neck pain should go away if you maintain good posture and rest your neck muscles when sore. Consult your doctor if your neck pain is not improving with home remedies. Call Expert Pain to schedule your meeting today to determine which neck pain treatments are right for you.