5 Signs Your Neck Pain Is More Detrimental Than You Think
If Your Neck Pain is accompanied by these symptoms, it night be serious.
Most of us will experience neck pain in at least one season of our lives and it can make life very uncomfortable. Neck pain is very common, and in most cases, it disappears with some over-the-counter pain meds or corrective cervical traction therapy.
Sometimes neck pain can be an indication of a bigger challenge and should be taken very seriously. After all neck pain is the fourth-leading cause of disability globally, following ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lower respiratory infection. If neck pain persists for a very long time and/or is accompanied by any of the symptoms covered in this article, it’s highly advised to consult a doctor about it.
It’s time to consult a doctor if:
1. Pain or stiffness persists for more than a few weeks.
Normal neck pain should disappear within a few days. If you have already tried conventional neck pain relief methods such as pain medication like paracetamol or cervical traction using a cervical care system like the VertexTrax™, then it’s time to consult a doctor.
2. The neck pain is accompanied by a heavy headache.
Experiencing headaches at the back of the scalp is quite common with neck pain but a heavy headache accompanied with an inability to bend the head forward, and/or fever, and/or altered mental state could be signs of meningitis. It’s time to consult a physician if you are experiencing these symptoms.
3. You are also feeling nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Neck Pain accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and vomiting can be symptoms of a wide range of conditions. From something as simple as dehydration or migraine to something as life-threatening as a tumor. It’s always best to find out as soon as possible by consulting a doctor.
4. The pain and/or weakness starts shooting down the arm.
If the pain starts shooting down the arm it might be a sign of muscle fatigue or nerve compression.
5. The neck pain is accompanied by weight loss.
Although it is highly unlikely if you are experiencing neck pain accompanied by weight loss it might be a sign of cancer. Consult a doctor if experiencing these symptoms.
Neck pain seldom requires medical attention
Unless you are experiencing unbearable neck pain or the symptoms outlined above, most types of neck pain can be treated with either over-the-counter pain medication for a short-term fix, or by cervical traction for a more long-term fix.
Cervical traction has traditionally been accessible through health care practitioners but easy-to-operate devices like the VertexTrax™ cervical care systems are now available to the general public. This means that it’s possible to treat most types of neck pain in the comfort of your own home.
It’s important to remember, however, that if the pain persists or is accompanied by any of the symptoms outlined above, you should consult a doctor.