WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR NECK PAIN
Neck pain is one of the most common conditions treated by a myotherapist. It is also a condition that can cause worry and uncertainty, considering the array of symptoms you may experience.
The majority of neck pain is musculoskeletal, and can be assessed and treated accordingly by your therapist. Occasionally, there are situations where neck pain is more serious and medical care should be sought, sometimes immediately. With every condition treated by a physical therapist, there are ‘red flags’ we look for that may prompt us to refer you on to a medical practitioner for further investigation. So when should you seek medical attention for your neck pain and when should you not be worried?
When to seek medical attention
· If you have been involved in an accident where your neck has been affected (car accident,
fall)
· If your pain has been ongoing for longer than six weeks and is not improving, or is getting worse even with treatment, and you have at least one of the ‘red flag’ symptoms below:
· Significant tenderness over vertebrae upon light tapping
· Severe headaches
· Nausea and dizziness
· Fever and chills
· Inability to bend your head forward
· Shooting pain in the limbs
· Numbness or loss of strength down the limbs
· Stumbling or falling
What about Cancer?
Very rarely, neck pain can be a sign of cancer in the surrounding area. Possible symptoms may include:
· Pain that occurs mainly at night and disappears during the day.
· Pain that does not appear to be triggered by or worsened by movement
· Pain that does not improve after physical therapy treatment
· Numbness, weakness or shooting pains down the arms
· Sudden, unexplained weight loss
· Unexplained fatigue
When not to worry
When is neck pain likely to be of the musculoskeletal variety?
Sharp, shooting pain – contrary to what you may think, sharp, shooting pain is unlikely to be serious. It is often a minor irritation of a nerve, which will settle over time. It can be bothersome but it’s rarely dangerous. If you have other symptoms along with sharp, shooting pains (as above), it is sensible to have it checked further by your doctor; otherwise your myotherapist can assist with the symptoms.
Stiffness – Stiffness accompanied with flu like symptoms and difficulty titling the neck forward can be symptoms of meningitis but general neck stiffness with no other symptoms is rarely serious and can be effectively treated by your myotherapist.
Neck pain is common; most people will experience neck pain at some stage. Most neck pain will disappear over time. A combination of soft tissue therapy and exercises may reduce the time in which you are experiencing pain.
If you experience any of the red flag symptoms, don’t delay seeing your doctor.