Neck pain is a common occurrence, and can affect many places on the body from the tops of the shoulders to the bottom of the head. In some instances, it can even spread to the arms or upper back. While many types of neck discomfort will not require medical assistance, there are other times a person will need to see a doctor. Here are some of the ways to tell when you may need to seek medical help in order to have your neck problem addressed.
When to Call 911
If neck pain is severe or accompanied by tingling, numbness or arm weakness, then you should call 911. These are other instances where immediate medical assistance will be necessary:
- Neck pain occurs along with nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain or other symptoms associated with a heart attack.
- You have suffered an injury in a car accident or a fall and you are showing signs of a spine injury
- You are unable to move any part of your body.
When to Visit an Orthopedic Specialist
Other instances of neck pain, while not necessarily an emergency, will need to be addressed by an experienced orthopedist. These include:
- Numbness in the legs or buttocks
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Long-term neck pain has suddenly worsened for no apparent reason
- The pain is so severe it wakes you from your sleep
Contact Us About Neck Pain
Please visit the office of Dr. Richard Marks to schedule an examination for any neck pain you may be experiencing. Dr. Marks will thoroughly check to see the possible reasons for your discomfort and then determine the best plan of treatment. Contact us online or call us at 972-301-2866 to set up an appointment.
