You have likely experienced neck pain from time to time during your life. Most of the time, you can apply some ice and take over-the-counter pain medications to control the pain. Sometimes, though, you need to go to the ER and get help from a New York injury doctor. Find out when it is time to head to the Emergency Room.
Neck Pain Accompanied by Muscle Weakness and Incontinence
If you experience neck pain, weakness, and incontinence, you might have myelopathy. Other symptoms include poor fine motor skills and difficulty walking. Myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed. The symptoms will get worse if left untreated. A New York pain doctor will run diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the compression. Then the doctor can treat the issue so that you can put the pain behind you. Once you seek treatment, you will also regain the full function of your body.
Pain That Continues to Get Worse
Muscle strains and sprains should get better on their own. However, if you have neck pain that gets worse, it is time to see a doctor. You could have injured your neck without realizing it. The pain will likely continue to get worse until you get treatment. It could also be a sign of a serious condition or problem. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will be free from the pain, so visit the ER.
Pain From a Traumatic Injury
If you experience neck pain due to a traumatic injury, you need to go to the emergency room immediately. For example, if you are in a car accident or a workers’ compensation accident, you might have whiplash or another condition. A New York injury doctor will evaluate you to ensure you have not broken any bones or have severe damage to your soft tissue. The doctor can also help you manage the pain as your neck heals.
Neck Pain With Arm Pain
If your neck pain is accompanied by arm pain, you might be having a heart attack. You will likely also experience nausea, sweating, and shortness of breath. Jaw pain is also common with heart attacks. Do not wait to see if the pain goes away. Call an ambulance so you can receive medical care on the way to the emergency room.
Pain and a Fever
If you have severe neck pain, take your temperature. A high fever means that a trip to the emergency room is in order. This could be due to meningitis. This illness requires immediate medical attention. Failure to get treatment can be fatal, so go directly to the emergency room and provide the staff with your symptoms.
Don’t Put Your Health at Risk
Your health is very important, so don’t hesitate if you think you need to go to the Emergency Room for neck pain. Let a New York whiplash doctor evaluate you and diagnose the cause of the pain. Your doctor will work to alleviate the pain so you can enjoy life once again.
