Why You Shouldn't Ignore Neck Pain

We’ve all experienced neck pain at some point. It might have been brought on by an accident, sports injury or gradually.

Whatever the cause of your neck pain, however, it’s crucial not to ignore it, especially if it seemingly came out of nowhere and remains persistent. 

While ignoring it and self-medicating may provide temporary relief, the pain will likely return. Also, ignoring the root cause of your neck pain can lead to complications. 

Here at HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics, Stepan Kasimian, MD, has extensive experience and expertise in treating any of your orthopedic concerns, including neck pain, in Glendale, Santa Ana, and Upland, California. 

Learn more about what causes neck pain and why you shouldn’t ignore it. 

What causes neck pain? 

There are several causes of neck pain. Among the most common are: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Poor posture 
• Injury 
• Degenerating discs 
• Muscle inflammation
• Herniated discs 

When should you take neck pain seriously?

You should always take all types of neck pain seriously. Even when the pain seems to have dissipated, it’s likely to come back if the underlying issue hasn’t been treated. The neck plays a crucial role in supporting your spine, which contains nerves that affect the muscles in all parts of your body. 

If you notice any of the following symptoms along with neck pain, you should contact Dr. Kasimian as soon as you can:

• Difficulty walking 
• Tingling in your fingers 
• Pain or numbness in your arm 
• Heaviness in your arms or legs 
• Headache 
• Fever and chills 
• Persistent pain for over a week 
• Weight loss 
• Nausea and vomiting 

Count on Dr. Kasimian to get to the root cause of your neck pain.

Treatment for neck pain 

Treatment for neck pain depends on what is causing it. Painkillers and simple strengthening exercises might be enough in many mild to moderate cases. 

However, in severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery may either repair a spinal disc or fuse vertebrae in your spine. In some cases, Dr. Kasimian may use steroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation in your neck. 

Are you experiencing seemingly unexplainable neck pain? Schedule an appointment today to get to the bottom of it and receive the treatment you need. You can also reach us at 818-500-9286.