Pain in your neck and back can be caused by a variety of things – like a pulled muscle, herniated disc, poor posture, or even stress. While this pain can be temporary and solved by over the counter medications, rest, or an ice pack, sometimes it persists – and can indicate a more serious issue.
If you’ve experienced prolonged neck or back pain, you may wonder when it’s time to see a provider. Discomfort can vary from person to person, and many people are hesitant to visit a doctor for fear of their pain being overlooked or minimized. But pain in these particular areas can be excruciating and can cause permanent damage if not treated properly. With that in mind, we recommend visiting one of our pain specialists if you’re experiencing the following:
- Persistent pain or pain that keeps worsening: Pain that lasts for a few days or a week usually poses no threat – besides a bit of discomfort. But pain in your neck or back that lasts for weeks, months, or years, usually indicates an underlying issue. Problems with your lumbar spine, discs, ligaments, or nerves are a few possible culprits. And if your pain keeps worsening, that can indicate that your condition is progressing and you should see a pain specialist as soon as possible.
- Difficulty performing daily activities: Many people can power through their daily pain, but when it prevents you from working, doing household chores, bending down, or lifting your children, it can severely limit your quality of life. With limited mobility, you’re also at risk of experiencing further injury. Without the proper intervention, your pain will likely remain (or get worse), and it’s important to see one of our pain specialists to help identify the cause.
- Other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or stiffness: If you are experiencing additional symptoms along with your back or neck pain, it can be cause for concern. Weakness, stiffness (specifically in your neck), numbness, tingling, fever, headache, trouble urinating, or weight loss can all be signs of a serious underlying problem that should be addressed immediately.
- Failed over-the-counter treatments: If you have had no success managing your pain with conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain medication, ice or heat packs, or physical therapy, it may be time to see one of our pain specialists. At CNY Spine and Pain, we offer a wide variety of advanced procedures for comprehensive pain management, focusing on nonsurgical solutions. We can tailor our recommendations to your comfort level, and find a successful way to manage your pain.
- Interrupted sleep: Proper sleep is crucial to your health and well-being. When your sleep is interrupted by your pain, it can weaken your immune system, negatively impact your mental health or cognitive abilities, and impair your body’s ability to heal. All of these effects can worsen your quality of life – and ultimately your pain. Seeing a pain management specialist at CNY can help you find a solution and allow you to get the rest you need.
If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, chances are you’re uncomfortable and looking for a solution. And if you’ve had no success with over the counter remedies, have limited mobility, and are experiencing additional symptoms, it’s probably time to see one of our pain specialists. Not only can we help determine the cause of your pain, but also find an intervention that works for you.
Our dedicated team of specialists provides tailored, compassionate care to all of our patients. Request an appointment today to begin your pain management journey.