Common Neck Pain Symptoms And What They Mean

Orland Park, United States – August 26, 2022 / Illinois Back Institute Orland /

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Neck Pain?

Neck pain may seem like an ordinary ache, but it can be a symptom of several different conditions – ranging from mild to severe. From muscle strains and pinched nerves to herniated discs and spinal cord injuries, there are many different reasons why you may be experiencing neck pain. And while some neck pain causes can be easily treated at home, others may require more aggressive medical intervention.

But how do you know when neck pain is serious and when it’s something you can manage on your own? In this article, the Illinois Back Institute (IBI), the leading provider of physical therapy and neck pain treatment in Orland Park, IL will go over some of the most common signs and symptoms of neck pain to help you better understand what’s causing your discomfort.

Common Neck Pain Symptoms And What They Mean

Neck pain symptoms may vary depending on the root cause of your discomfort. And while some neck pain causes are more serious than others, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your neck – regardless of how small they may seem.

If you’re experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms of neck pain, it’s important to contact your doctor or spine specialist for a thorough evaluation:

Persistent Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is defined as pain that recurs and lasts for more than three months. If you’re dealing with persistent neck pain that does not go away with over-the-counter pain medication or home remedies, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Chronic neck pain can be caused by several different underlying conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

Neck Pain That Radiates Down The Arm

One of the most common signs of a pinched nerve is neck pain that radiates down the arm. If you’re experiencing radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in your arm or hand, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. When the cervical spine compresses or irritates a nerve, it can cause radiating pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, arms, and hands. Bone spurs, which are small bony outgrowths that form on the vertebrae, are also one of the most common causes of a pinched nerve in the neck.

Neck Stiffness And Limited Range Of Motion

When the neck muscles and ligaments are strained or injured, it can cause the neck to feel stiff and difficult to move. If you’re experiencing neck stiffness or limited range of motion, it’s important to take things easy and avoid any activities that may aggravate your symptoms. A stiff neck is often caused by poor posture, muscle strains, or sleeping in an awkward position, but it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like compressed spinal nerve roots or spinal stenosis.

Sharp Or Severe Neck Pain

While most neck pain cases are dull and manageable, some may be sharp and severe. If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain in your neck that comes on suddenly, it could be a sign of a herniated disc, spinal cord injury, or a fracture in your spinal column. You’ll need more aggressive treatment for neck pain that is sharp or severe.

Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Or Headaches

If you’re experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or headaches along with neck pain, it could be a sign of a problem with your vertebral arteries. Your spinal canal contains two large arteries – the vertebral arteries – that supply blood to your brain. If these arteries become compressed or irritated, it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and headaches.

When To Seek Medical Attention For Neck Pain

In most cases, pain relievers and muscle relaxants are very effective at treating minor neck pain. However, if your neck pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by any of the abovementioned symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. A spine specialist will be able to properly diagnose the cause of your neck pain and develop a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs.

Trust The Spine Experts At Illinois Back Institute

At Illinois Back Institute, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief from their back and neck pain. We offer a variety of non-surgical, drug-free treatment options that are designed to help relieve neck pain and any other conditions related to the spine.

Our treatment programs start with a comprehensive physical exam and evaluation, which allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan for each of our patients. We use a combination of different therapies and techniques to relieve pain and prevent neck pain from returning in the future.

Contact Illinois Back Institute To Schedule An Appointment Today

If you’re suffering from neck pain and you’re looking for a neck pain doctor near me, the spine experts at Illinois Back Institute can help. IBI uses Functional Disc Stabilization™ to relieve neck pain without surgery. This is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that uses the latest advances in spinal disc technology to stabilize the spine and relieve neck pain. To learn more about IBI’s treatment options or to schedule an appointment, give IBI Orland Park a call at (833) 833-6770 today.

Contact Information:

Illinois Back Institute Orland

11540 W 183rd St
Orland Park, IL 60467
United States

Stella Zaimi
(833) 833-6770
https://illinoisbackpain.com/