Neck pain is a common condition that affects a large number of people. While it is typically caused by muscle strain or tension, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. It is important to be aware of red flags that indicate the need for medical attention.
One of the most concerning red flags is the sudden onset of severe pain without any apparent cause. This could indicate a more serious condition such as a herniated disc or spinal cord compression. Similarly, if the pain is accompanied by numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, it may suggest nerve involvement and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Another red flag is neck pain that is accompanied by a high fever and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms may indicate an infection, such as meningitis or a throat abscess, which requires immediate medical attention.
If the neck pain is the result of a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or a fall, it should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional. This is especially true if there is significant swelling, bruising, or deformity in the neck region.
Other red flags include persistent neck pain that does not improve with rest, pain that worsens at night or interferes with sleep, and pain that is accompanied by unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may be signs of an underlying condition such as arthritis or cancer, and should be investigated further.
In summary, while neck pain is often caused by muscle strain or tension, it is important to be aware of red flags that may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Sudden onset of severe pain, along with accompanying symptoms such as numbness or weakness, fever, difficulty swallowing, or significant trauma, should prompt immediate medical attention. Other red flags include persistent pain, pain that worsens at night, and pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these red flags, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
When should you go to the ER for neck pain?
Seek emergency medical care Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you have severe neck pain that’s associated with: Traumatic injury. Examples include car collisions, diving accidents or falls. Muscle weakness.
What is the main cause of pain in the neck?
Neck pain is common. Poor posture — whether from leaning over a computer or hunching over a workbench — strains neck muscles. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem.
When not to ignore neck pain?
For most neck pain, it’s okay to try self-care strategies before seeking medical help. However, if your neck pain is so severe you can’t sit still, or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact a medical professional right away: Fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
How long does a chiropractic adjustment last for?
Your first adjustment will take the longest and could be as much as a half hour but each session after that will see an improvement in your health and a reduction in the amount of time it takes. By the time you reach maintenance sessions, your adjustments should only take around 5 minutes.Jun 1, 2020
Do chiropractic adjustments work long term?
In the short-term, chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate pain and help you heal from injuries. In the long-term, regular chiropractic care can help prevent harmful injuries, reduce stress and depression, improve mobility and balance, enhance flexibility, boost immunity to disease, and increase bodily awareness.
How long do the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment last?
Relief can last as long as a few weeks or as little as a few days. That’s why it’s critical for patients who are seeking pain relief to have a treatment plan and return as needed for further chiropractic care.Jan 7, 2023
How often should you get chiropractic adjustments?
If you are a person who follows a healthy diet, gets adequate amounts of exercise and has a relatively stress-free life, then some chiropractors suggest a visit between once a month and semi-annually. This will allow your chiropractor to treat any emerging subluxationssubluxationsA subluxation is an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ. According to the World Health Organization, a subluxation is a “significant structural displacement” and is therefore visible on static imaging studies, such as X-rays.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › SubluxationSubluxation – Wikipedia and get rid of them before they become a problem.
