When Should You Have a Neck or Disc Injury Checked Out?

When should you have a neck or disc injury checked out in West Linn?

Chiropractic West Linn OR Neck or Disc Injury

We’ve all woken up and realized we’re unable to move our heads because of neck pain. Neck pain in West Linn can ruin your day and can lead to spinal pain. The longevity of neck pain can not be determined. However, the pain can persist as a result of other severe conditions such as infection, injury, autoimmune disease, or cancer. Still, symptoms of cancer or autoimmune disease can not be hidden. In today's blog, we want to share some ways you can dictate neck pain and conclude whether or not you need to see the doctor.


What are the possible causes of neck pain in West Linn?

Neck pain is associated with many medical issues and injuries. Some causes of neck pain include:

Aging: Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis can cause neck pain as you age. Eventually, stress and motion can cause spinal disc degeneration, resulting in a herniated disc or pinched nerve.

Injury: Whiplash is trauma from a rough movement of the neck or head that can cause pain and soreness. Trauma injuries can affect your muscles, ligaments, discs, vertebral joints and nerve roots in the neck.

Mental stress: Tightening your neck muscles due to stress usually leads to neck pain and stiffness.

Physical strain: Overusing your neck muscles during tedious actions or demanding activities can lead to stiffness and pain.

Conditions that affect spinal balance: Poor posture (sitting for long periods of time; poor computer/keyboard/chair positioning), being overweight, weak abdominal muscles can have an effect on spine posture and contribute to neck pain.

Growths: In uncommon scenarios, masses including tumours, cysts and bone spurs can lead to neck pain.

Other health conditions such as meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer.


When should I call the doctor if I have neck pain?

Check-in with your doctor if your neck pain stops you from performing daily activities. In rare cases, this can be a call for a medical emergency. So, check-in with the doctor if you experience these symptoms:

It started after being involved in an accident.

It leads to numbness.

It happens with numbness or tingling in the arms, shoulders or legs.

It happens with weakness in the legs or loss of coordination in the arms or legs.

It occurs with headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

Associated with loss of bowel or bladder control.

It occurs along with a stiff neck.

It comes with chills, fever, or unexplained weight loss.

No relief when resting or moving.

It does not respond to medications.

No relief after one week.

Neck Pain Can Signal Serious Disease

Neck pain can be a symptom of a severe medical condition, especially if the pain is accompanied by another symptom. Such symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, unexplained drowsiness, confusion or mood swings, unexplained weight loss, or pain that spreads to the arms or legs.


Prevention

Some simple changes in your daily routine can help prevent neck pain. Consider trying to:

Use a good position when standing, sleeping and sitting.

Take frequent breaks during a long-distance journey or work long hours at your desk.

Adjust your desk, chair and computer for direct eye view.

If you smoke, quit.

Avoid lifting heavy objects.


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