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What type of doctor should I see for neck pain?

Specialists Who Treat Neck Pain – A variety of clinicians may be involved in the care of people with neck pain. These include pain medicine specialists like Dr. Waldman; physiatrists; neurologists; sports medicine doctors; spine surgeons, and physical therapists. “With a good physical therapist and participation in a corrective exercise program, most people will get better,” Dr. Waldman says.

Can I see a GP for neck pain?

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: –

neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weekspainkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have not workedyou’re worried about the painyou have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm – this could be something more serious

Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for neck pain?

When To See A Chiropractor – If you suffer from neck, back, or knee pain that has an unexplained cause and not due to advanced osteoarthritis, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Just make sure you see one that is licensed to practice. Patients who stand to benefit the most from chiropractic care are those who are generally healthy and without advanced joint disease.

1. Examples include those with sciatica or old sports injuries.
2. People who get tension headaches and migraines can also benefit from seeing a chiropractor, because alignment issues contribute to the occurrence of headaches.
3. Moreover, patients with frozen shoulder syndrome can also benefit from chiropractic adjustments, which stretch muscles in the shoulder and reduce stiffness.

Many patients seek chiropractic care for symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, lack of energy, digestive problems, muscle aches, numbness, and tingling. All of these issues can be addressed with chiropractic care.

Do you go to a neurologist for neck pain?

BACK OR NECK PAIN – Those suffering from back or neck pain don’t often think of making an appointment with a neurologist, when in reality, it can be a great first line of defense. If you have degenerative changes in the spine, herniated discs or another condition affecting your back or neck, it’s possible you’ve considered surgery.

How long is too long for neck pain?

Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days. Neck pain that continues longer than several weeks often responds to exercise, stretching, physical therapy and massage. Sometimes, you may need steroid injections or even surgery to relieve neck pain. To help relieve discomfort, try these self-care tips:

• Ice or heat. Apply cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 15 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours. After that, use heat. Try taking a warm shower or using a heating pad on the low setting.
• Stretching. Stretch your neck muscles by turning your neck gently from side to side and up and down.
• Massage. During a massage, a trained practitioner kneads the muscles in the neck. Massage might help people with chronic neck pain from tightened muscles.
• Good posture. Practice good posture, especially if you sit at a computer all day. Keep your back supported, and make sure that your computer monitor is at eye level. When using cell phones, tablets and other small screens, keep your head up and hold the device straight out rather than bending your neck to look down at the device.

What do I do if my neck pain doesn’t go away?

The serious consequences of delaying treatment – If you have a compressed nerve in your neck and you delay your treatment, you can wind up with shooting, electrical-like pain extending into your back and all the way down your arms. Over time, a pinched nerve can cause your muscles to become weak, and it can interfere with your ability to use your hands.

1. Eventually, that damage can become permanent, which means delaying care could result in a lifetime of disability.
2. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should ignore muscle strain either.
3. When you strain a muscle, it can cause inflammation which can, in turn, presses on nerves.
4. Or, you might wind up compensating for the strain by putting excess pressure on other areas of your neck and shoulders, which can also press on nerves.

What does that mean? Even a seemingly minor muscle strain can wind up causing nerve compression, which can then cause serious and even permanent damage. The bottom line is pretty simple: Any type of chronic neck pain that goes on for days on end without relief needs to be seen and evaluated by a medical professional.

What causes neck pain that won’t go away?

Neck pain, or cervicalgia, can last from days to years, depending on the cause. Common causes include physical strain, poor posture, mental stress, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disk, pinched nerve, tumors and other health conditions.

Can doctors fix neck pain?

Most people with neck pain try medication, physical therapy, exercise, and steroid injections to eliminate discomfort. If pain persists after several months of these conservative measures, surgery may be an option. While medication doesn’t target the cause of neck pain, it can help relieve symptoms.

Can a chiropractor fix a bad neck?

Chiropractor for pinched nerve in neck – Neck pain can be caused by a variety of things, including muscle tension, pinched nerves, and herniated discs. Pain that is localized to the neck area is generally more easily treated, becoming more serious and complicated as the pain radiates into other areas. Chiropractors are experts in relieving pressure on nerves and restoring proper alignment of the spine and vertebra. They can help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms, which can lead to significant relief from a pinched nerve causing shoulder and neck pain.

There are a few things you can do at home to help ease your neck pain. Consistent stretching and doing the exercises your chiropractor recommends can help to relax tight neck muscles. Soft tissue therapy and massage therapy can also help to loosen muscle knots in the neck and shoulders, providing relief from pain.

As most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear or arthritis, postural and core exercises may also be recommended by your chiropractor. Chiropractors are one of the most effective treatments for pinched nerves in the neck.

Can a chiropractor fix severe neck pain?

Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain – Your neck is the most vulnerable part of your spine. Not only does it support the weight of your head and permit head rotation, but has to also allow the free flow of nerve impulses to the rest of your body. Chronic neck and shoulder pain can result from a number of everyday activities including sitting at a desk all day at work, looking down at your phone or sleeping in an awkward position.

• Neck and shoulder pain can also result from sports injuries such as a rotator cuff injury or shoulder bursae.
• Injuring your neck and shoulders is common when playing contact sports and while lifting weights.
• Accidents, such as getting whiplash in a motor vehicle collision, is another common cause.
• Disc or joint problems can occur through normal wear and tear and arthritis creating pain in the neck and shoulders.

Discs that are bulging or herniated may also be pressing against nerves in the neck, causing pain.

Can MRI show neck pain?

What is a cervical MRI scan? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, painless test that uses radio waves and energy from strong magnets to create detailed images of your body. A cervical MRI scans the soft tissues of your neck and cervical spine. The cervical spine is the portion of your spine that runs through your neck. A cervical spine MRI scan is used to help diagnose:

tumors in your bones or soft tissues bulging discs, or herniated discs aneurysms, which are bulges in arteries, or other vascular disordersother soft tissue disorders, bone abnormalities, or joint disorders

An individual MRI image is called a slice. It’s an image of a cross-section of tissue. You can think of it in the same way a slice of bread is a cross-section of a loaf of bread. One complete MRI scan can consist of hundreds of slices. These images can be stored on a computer and then converted into 3-D images of the scanned area.

• An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed, 3-D pictures of your body.
• The human body is 80 percent water, so it contains millions of hydrogen atoms.
• When these atoms come into contact with the MRI’s magnetic field, they all line up in the same direction.
• The radio waves the MRI produces disrupt this alignment when they’re added to the magnetic field.

After the radiofrequency is turned off, the atoms return to their original position. How long this takes depends on the type of tissue. A sensor in the MRI machine calculates how long it takes for the atoms to realign with the magnetic field. The results are translated into images.

• In some cases, contrast dye is injected intravenously (that is, through a vein) before the MRI.
• This can make it easier to see blood vessels and tumors in better detail.
• An MRI using contrast dye is called a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
• A cervical spine MRI is usually used to diagnose the cause of neck pain.

It’s often performed if the pain hasn’t improved with basic treatment. It may also be done if the pain is accompanied by numbness or weakness. A cervical MRI scan can show:

spinal birth defects or deformitiesan infection in or near the spineinjury or trauma to the spineabnormal curvature of the spine, or scoliosis cancer or tumors of the spine

A cervical MRI may also be ordered before or after spinal surgery. Ask your doctor if you can eat or drink before the scan, as protocols vary between facilities. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney problems if they want to use a contrast dye during the test.

You may need a kidney function test before the scan. This will ensure that your kidneys can process the dye safely. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant. MRIs aren’t recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor may choose to postpone the scan until after you’ve had your baby. Tell your doctor if you’re claustrophobic or have a fear of being in enclosed spaces.

They can prescribe an antianxiety medication to help you feel more comfortable during the test. In some cases, you may be given anesthesia to put you to sleep. Tell your doctor about any metal implants you have from a previous surgery. If so, it may not be safe for you to have an MRI scan.

1. Bring any relevant X-rays, CT scans, or previous MRI scans with you to your appointment.
2. Sometimes the MRI technician will play music to help you relax.
3. Bring a CD with you just in case.
4. Before you go in for the MRI, you’ll need to remove all jewelry and clothing that contains metal.
5. It may be easier to leave your jewelry at home.

You’ll probably need to wear a hospital gown during the test. Your doctor might recommend an open MRI if you’re overweight or extremely claustrophobic. Open MRIs have slightly larger openings than standard machines. However, open MRIs aren’t available at all hospitals or clinics, so check with your doctor beforehand.

1. You’ll lie down on a narrow bed that’s attached to the MRI machine.
2. Your head will be on a headrest and your arms at your sides.
3. The MRI technician will give you earplugs to muffle the loud knocking and thumping noises the machine makes when it’s running.
4. You may have the option to listen to music during the scan.

This can help relax you and distract you from the noise. A frame called a “coil” will be placed over your head and neck. The coil contains an antenna. It helps focus the machine’s energy so it produces the most precise images. The MRI technician will also place a signaling device in your hand.

1. You can use it to call for help while the test is running, if you need it.
2. Once you’re properly positioned, the table will slide into the machine.
3. The MRI technician is able to see you through a window in an adjoining room.
4. They’ll give you periodic updates on the scan’s progress.
5. Cervical MRI scans typically take 30 to 45 minutes.

During this time, it’s very important that you stay as still as possible. The images may be blurred if you move. MRI scans are very safe. They don’t use any form of radiation. The magnetic field and radio waves don’t pose any known health risks. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during an MRI.

an implant, such as a metal plate or screwsa cardiac pacemaker metallic piercings or studsan intrauterine device (IUD) that contains metala drug-delivery device, such as an insulin pumpaneurysm clipsa lodged bullet or piece of shrapnela cochlear implantpermanent (tattooed) makeup

You may not be able to have a cervical spine MRI if you have metal in your body or you’re pregnant. Your doctor may order a bone scan, CT scan, or additional X-rays instead. Once the images are produced, they’ll be given to a radiologist. A radiologist is someone who specializes in interpreting MRI scans.

What is a trapped nerve in the neck?

Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve,” occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder and/or arm, as well as muscle weakness and numbness.

• Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by “wear and tear” changes that occur in the spine as we age, such as arthritis.
• In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disk.
• In some cases, however, there is no traumatic episode associated with the onset of symptoms.

In most cases, cervical radiculopathy responds well to conservative treatment that includes medication and physical therapy. Your spine is made up of 24 bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of one another. These bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord.

1. The seven small vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and form the neck comprise the cervical spine.
2. Other parts of your spine include: Spinal cord and nerves.
3. These “electrical cables” travel through the spinal canal carrying messages between your brain and muscles.
4. Nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae (foramen).

Intervertebral disks. In between your vertebrae are flexible intervertebral disks. They act as shock absorbers when you walk or run. Intervertebral disks are flat and round and about a half inch thick. They are made up of two components:

Annulus fibrosus. This is the tough, flexible outer ring of the disk. Nucleus pulposus. This is the soft, jelly-like center of the disk.

Cervical radiculopathy most often arises from degenerative changes that occur in the spine as we age or from an injury that causes a herniated, or bulging, intervertebral disk. Degenerative changes. As the disks in the spine age, they lose height and begin to bulge.

They also lose water content, begin to dry out, and become stiffer. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height. As the disks lose height, the vertebrae move closer together. The body responds to the collapsed disk by forming more bone—called bone spurs—around the disk to strengthen it.

These bone spurs contribute to the stiffening of the spine. They may also narrow the foramen—the small openings on each side of the spinal column where the nerve roots exit—and pinch the nerve root. Degenerative changes in the disks are often called arthritis or spondylosis.

• These changes are normal and they occur in everyone.
• In fact, nearly half of all people middle-aged and older have worn disks and pinched nerves that do not cause painful symptoms.
• It is not known why some patients develop symptoms and others do not.
• Herniated disk.
• A disk herniates when its jelly-like center (nucleus) pushes against its outer ring (annulus).

If the disk is very worn or injured, the nucleus may squeeze all the way through. When the herniated disk bulges out toward the spinal canal, it puts pressure on the sensitive nerve root, causing pain and weakness in the area the nerve supplies. A herniated disk often occurs with lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting movements.

Tingling or the feeling of “pins and needles” in the fingers or hand Weakness in the muscles of the arm, shoulder, or hand Loss of sensation

Some patients report that pain decreases when they place their hands on top of their head. This movement may temporarily relieve pressure on the nerve root.

How do you test for nerve pain in your neck?

Four Tests to Determine if You Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck

• Pain in the neck that radiates beyond your elbow or to your fingertips
• Shoulder blade pain
• Hand, arm, or shoulder weakness
• Dull aches, numbness, or tingling
• Pain aggravated by neck movements

If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, administer this self-movement test to help you determine if a pinched nerve is the cause of your pain:

1. Arm tension test:
   • First, perform this test on your non-painful arm to determine the natural range of comfortable motion.
   • Extend your non-painful arm directly in front of you, keeping your wrist straight and in-line with your arm.
   • Turn your wrist outward, so your palm is facing away from your body.
   • Extend your arm to the side as far as you can comfortably go. By the end of this movement, your position should look like the image below:
   • Try the same movement with your painful arm. By the time you extend your wrist, if you begin to feel increased symptoms on the path throughout the arm or in the neck, then stop. You have tested positive for arm tension.
   • If you still do not feel increased symptoms, then continue to extend your arm out to the side.
   • If you feel pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm as you extend it, and/or you cannot extend it as far as the non-painful arm, then you have tested positive for arm tension and should continue to the next test.
   • If you did not experience symptoms or limited range of motion throughout this test, then stop. It is likely that the source of your pain is not a pinched nerve.
2. Neck compression test:
   • You should continue to this test if you tested positive for arm tension. Once again, you want to begin on your non-painful side to get a good baseline.
   • Tilt your head to the non-painful side (if your left side is your good side, then tilt your head to the left and vice versa).
   • Keeping your head titled, rotate your head outwards slightly, as if you were looking over your shoulder
   • Hold this position for 30-60 seconds.
   • Perform the same movement to the painful side
   • If you feel neck pain, pain or tingling that radiates down the arm, or numbness, then you have tested positive.
3. Head turn test:
   • If you have tested positive for both tests so far, perform this test on your non-painful side first.
   • Turn your head to the non-painful side and hold it there for a few seconds. You should have full motion and no pain.
   • Turn your head to the painful side and hold it there for a few seconds. If you have limited motion or cannot turn your head as far on this side as you could on your non-painful side, then you have tested positive.
4. Relief test:
   • For this test, you will want to see if relieving tension on the nerve will reduce your symptoms. You can do this by tilting your head AWAY from the painful side (similar to the compression test).
   • Use your non-painful arm to hold it there up to a minute
   • Ask yourself if this relieves your symptoms. Do you feel less numbness and tingling in the arm? Or warmth as if your arm is regaining sensation?

If you have tested positive for all four of these exercises, then it’s likely that a pinched nerve may be the source of your pain. If you tested positive, then you may be interested in these for nerve pain. *As a reminder, always discuss any questions or concerns with your physician regarding your own health and dietary needs, as the information written should not replace any medical advice.

What does a physio do for neck pain?

How Can Physiotherapy Help With Neck Pain? – Physiotherapy management of neck pain involves a thorough assessment to look at your range of motion, flexibility and strength. We assess your muscles and joints to identify any areas of stiffness, tightness or weakness.

Manual techniques such as massage and joint mobilisations are used to help loosen up the stiff joints and tight muscles, which thereby helps to alleviate pain. Physiotherapy for neck pain also involves ultrasound, heat packs and TENS to help with pain relief. An individually tailored exercise program will be designed by your Physiotherapist to target your specific needs.

This will often involve stretches to help restore movement and address your tight muscles, as well as strengthening exercises to rebuild the muscles around the neck and shoulders. If you go to the gym we can also offer you advice on what other exercises you can do at the gym to help prevent the problem from recurring.

Why does my neck hurt on one side?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Soreness on the left side of your neck typically results from injury. But some underlying conditions can cause neck pain. Pain on the left side of the neck can be due to any number of causes, from muscle strains to a pinched nerve.

Most causes aren’t serious. A sore neck is likely due to sleeping in an odd position or holding your neck at an angle that stresses the muscles and tendons on that side. In many cases, the pain on the left side of your neck will subside on its own or with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest. See a doctor if your pain is severe, is due to a recent injury, or if it lasts for more than a week.

Read on to learn about some of the more common and less common triggers of left-side neck pain, and how these conditions may be diagnosed and treated.

Can neck strain last for months?

Types of neck pain – With the most range of motion, the cervical spine can be prone to overuse and injury (Fig.1). Neck pain ranges from mild to severe depending on the amount of injury, and can be acute or chronic. Acute neck pain occurs suddenly and usually heals within several days to weeks. The source of pain is usually in the muscles and ligaments, joints, or discs.

Chronic neck pain persists for more than 3 months; it may be felt all the time or worsen with certain activities. Although its source may be hard to determine, contributing factors include nerve damage, tissue scarring, arthritis, or emotional effects of pain. People with chronic symptoms may be referred to a pain specialist (see Pain Management ).

Does neck pain indicate heart problems?

8 Critical Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease, and it is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States according to the, It’s important to understand what symptoms to look out for that may indicate heart disease.

Chest pain or discomfort – this includes any new feelings of heaviness, tightness, or squeezing in the chest that could be a result of cholesterol buildup narrowing the arteries and limiting the blood supply to your heart. Even a mild new sensation may be an important sign of heart disease. Discomfort during rest is especially worrisome and is a sign you should contact your healthcare professional. Extreme fatigue and dizziness – ongoing tiredness and dizziness that affect your daily routine can be a sign of an impending heart attack. If that fatigue increases with physical activity, it may be an indication of heart failure. Body pain – depending on where the pain is, it could be the result of a different heart-related condition. Pain in the upper body, including the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw or abdomen, are often warning signs of a heart attack. If the pain is located in the neck, back, jaw, throat or abdomen it may be a sign of heart disease. Nausea or profuse sudden sweating – if you’re experiencing nausea or profuse sudden sweating accompanied by other symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the upper body, it may be a sign of a heart attack. Unexplained shortness of breath – If you find yourself short of breath with activity that in the past did not provoke this symptom, this may suggest narrowed coronary arteries—which could lead to heart attack – or congestive heart failure. Heart failure means the heart doesn’t properly pump blood and it is often the result of a heart attack. Swelling in the lower body – congestive heart failure causes blood flow out of the heart to slow and blood returning to the heart through the veins to back up. This can cause fluid to build up in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen. Persistent coughing or wheezing – Blood that backs up in the veins due to congestive heart failure can also cause fluid to leak and build up in the lungs. Persistent coughing or wheezing especially when lying flat, often noted when going to bed, may be suggestive of heart failure. Family history of heart disease – certain types of cardiovascular disease are inherited so it’s important to get the facts on the health of parents, grandparents and siblings to help you manage heart disease risk.

In the case of a medical emergency call 911 or visit the emergency room. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs, reach out to your physician to schedule an appointment. Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Connect with a top cardiovascular specialist at RWJBarnabas Health by calling or visit, : 8 Critical Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore

What does a chiropractor do for neck pain?

How does a chiropractic adjustment help neck pain? – A Chiropractic adjustment (cervical manipulation) helps to relieve neck pain by correcting misalignments in the spine while improving joint mobility and mechanics, decreasing inflammation, spasm and pain.

Chiropractors may also recommend that people with neck pain incorporate strengthening exercises and stretches for their neck, along with mobilizations and massage. Chiropractors treat the neck by using a variety of techniques to adjust the spine, incorporating both low force and more manual technique approaches, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Chiropractic care is often recommended as a first line of treatment for neck pain.

What can a doctor do for severe neck pain?

Our doctors may recommend therapeutic injections for neck pain before considering surgery. Radiofrequency ablation may help relieve neck pain by treating nerves that carry pain impulses. If neck pain persists after several months of conservative measures, surgery may be a treatment option.

What is the fastest way to cure neck pain?

What is the fastest way to cure a stiff neck? – There’s no shortcut to cure a stiff neck. Gentle heat, stretching and over-the-counter pain medicines are usually the best ways to decrease neck stiffness quickly. For long-term neck pain relief and, improve your lifestyle by:

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight Exercising regularly, incorporating flexibility, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises Reducing stress with healthy coping techniques such as meditation, exercise, talk therapy or journaling Quitting smoking, which can lead to wear and tear on your cervical discs and poor healing

: How Can I Relieve Pain in My Neck

When should you see a doctor about a pinched nerve in your neck?

When to see a doctor for a pinched nerve in your neck – While many cases of pinched nerve will resolve on their own with or without treatment, you should see your doctor if symptoms last for several days. You should also see a doctor if your pain doesn’t respond to self-care measures, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.

In some rare cases, a pinched nerve can get worse and lead to prolonged weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm, shoulder, or hand. In these cases, nerve restriction can lead to damage, which requires treatment to avoid permanent changes. When nonsurgical treatments fail to manage symptoms adequately and nerve compression has been confirmed, surgery may need to be considered.

When in doubt, consult with your doctor to see whether treatment is required. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor:

Weakness in one side of the body, such as inability to grip objects or lift one arm Arm or leg weakness, numbness, or tingling that is severe and interferes with fine motor control Saddle numbness (numbness in the abdomen or pelvic area) Loss of bladder or bowel control Drooping features or slurred speech Confusion or difficulty finding words Dizziness or difficulty with balance or walking Pain that is severe or gets worse over time

These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition. Dignity Health treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including pinched nerve or cervical radiculopathy. The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.