Neck pain

Neck pain is a common occurrence and usually resolves without medical intervention. Although uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for concern.

 

If you experience neck pain for an extended period, if it is severe, or if other symptoms accompany it, it is essential to consult a doctor. Take your time seeking medical attention.

There are various symptoms of neck pain, but some of them include:

• From your neck to your shoulders, you may feel pain or stiffness
  
  
• The muscles are tense and sore to the touch
  
  
• Shoulders or arms that feel weak
  
  
• Hands and arms tingling

The following are some of the most common causes of neck pain:

• When you sit at a desk all day, your posture is poor
  
  
• Sleeping in an awkward position
  
  
• An injury to the neck, such as whiplash
  
  
• The muscles have been overworked.

 

It is possible, however, for neck pain to be a sign of another condition, including:

Heart attack

If you experience neck pain accompanied by breathlessness, pain in the arms or jaw, nausea, vomiting or sweating, it may be a sign of a heart attack. In this case, you must immediately seek medical help.

Meningitis

If you feel unwell, with a fever, headache, and neck pain, it could indicate inflammation surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This is a severe condition; you should immediately seek emergency medical treatment.

Acute torticollis

When your neck gets twisted to one side and cannot return to its original position, it is called a locked or twisted neck. Generally, it will heal within 48 hours, but sometimes it can take more than two days for full recovery.

Cancer

Pain in the neck can be an early sign of certain types of cancer, though this is a very rare occurrence.

Degenerative disc disease

Spinal discs will deteriorate as you age, leading to spine compression, and you may experience neck pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammation and pain are common symptoms of this condition that affect the joints of the neck and many other joints throughout the body.

Herniated disc

A thoracic, lumbar or cervical disc can become damaged, resulting in a slipped disc. This can lead to nerve irritation and can cause considerable pain in the neck area.

Spinal stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal column can occur due to inflammation associated with other conditions, such as arthritis. This can cause pressure on the nerves, resulting in physical discomfort.

Tension

Tension, stress, or anxiety can be causes of your neck pain. These emotions can create physical tension in your neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort.

 

Neck pain could be caused by any of the causes mentioned above or something else. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

You can reduce your neck pain with the help of over-the-counter medications, for example, ibuprofen or paracetamol. Alternatively, gels containing ibuprofen can be applied directly to the injured area for extra relief.

To relieve your symptoms, you may use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or cold pack to see if it works better.

It is important to consult a medical professional if your neck pain is becoming too difficult to manage with over-the-counter painkillers or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Several weeks pass, and the pain persists
  
  
• Lack of coordination is one of your problems
  
  
• You no longer have bladder control
  
  
• Your body temperature is high
  
  
• It needs to be clarified why you are losing weight.

 

In the case of a severe injury, illness, cancer, or weakened immune system, it is advised to consult with a doctor if experiencing neck pain.

Mobi Doctor's doctors can listen to your concerns and provide personalised guidance for your recovery. If your discomfort is intense, they can provide more potent medication or refer you to an expert, such as a physiotherapist, for further examination and care.

 

If you have been experiencing neck pain, you can arrange to see one of our doctors at a convenient time. Our experienced doctors are available seven days a week and will provide the advice, diagnosis, and treatment you require. They can also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation or physical therapy.

 

Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.