Patients experiencing chronic neck pain or some kind of neck discomfort may ignore their symptoms and chock them up to old age or tension from work stress. Although these two situations can lead to neck pain, there are other factors that may lead to a patient’s discomfort.
There are different types of neck pain a patient can experience, and in some instances, their symptoms can point to a possible cause. This blog will provide a general overview of different types of neck pain and what they may mean in regards to diagnosis and treatment.
Although this blog is meant to serve as an educational tool, it may be misconstrued for sound medical advice. We want to advise patients that this is not the case and that they should seek treatment from one of our physicians if they’d like to receive a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Below are conditions that may cause neck pain.
Acute Neck Pain
Acute neck pain is generally caused by a minor injury or trauma to the neck. Falls, car accidents (whiplash), and sleeping on the neck wrong can all cause some kind of pain or discomfort. Acute neck pain can last several days or weeks and cause a number of symptoms such as stiffness, limited mobility, and mild numbness or tingling in the shoulders and arms. A medical professional should evaluate pain that lasts more than two weeks to three months.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition that can cause neck pain among other symptoms, like muscles spasms, tingling and numbness in the arms, stiffness, and an altered sensation in the fingertips. Symptoms will vary depending on the vertebra that has been affected. Patients may find relief from conservative treatment, but as the condition worsens, interventional pain care or surgery may need to be sought.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a spinal disc that has ruptured and may be pinching nerves in the spinal column. This condition can cause symptoms similar to degenerative disc disease such as neck pain, numbness and tingling in the shoulders, arms, and hands, pain that radiates down the neck, and weakness with handgrip. Patients should seek medical attention for a herniated disc because if the condition progresses, it can cause serious health threats such as paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel function.
For more information about the different types of neck pain and what they may mean, call Tulsa Pain Consultants today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. We will work with you to determine a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Call today!
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.