If you have neck pain, you might need to see a neurologist. A neurologist is trained to treat diseases in the spinal cord, brain, muscles, and peripheral nerves. Your neurologist can diagnose your condition and provide the proper treatment. Find out when you should see a neurologist for neck pain.

Chronic Pain

If you injure your neck, you expect to recover within a specific amount of time. For instance, if you have a strain or sprain, you should be better in a few days or weeks. However, sometimes, the pain doesn’t go away. If you have chronic neck pain, see a neurologist. This could be a sign of a serious condition that requires specialized treatment.

Neck Pain That Gets Worse

If your neck pain continues to get worse even if you rest the muscles, you need treatment. Without proper treatment from a neurologist, your pain could continue to worsen to the unbearable point.

Pain, Numbness, and Tingling

Sometimes, neck pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling. You might have a spinal issue if you experience these symptoms. Go to a neurologist to find out if you have a compressed disc or another problem. With the right treatment, you can leave your pain behind.

Pain Caused by Trauma

If you’ve been in a car accident,  slip and fall, workers comp injury, or experienced some other type of trauma, be mindful of your symptoms. Pain after a trauma needs to be treated. Trauma can cause a variety of issues, including fractures. Fast action is needed to treat trauma-related pain. Your neurologist has the skills necessary to find and treat the source of the pain.

Pain Wakes You up When Sleeping

Neck pain is bad enough during the day but just imagine not being able to sleep through the night. If your neck pain is worse when you lie down and wakes you up, it’s time to seek treatment. Your body will thank you once you’re finally free from pain and able to get a good night’s sleep.

Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing

Neck pain can make it difficult to enjoy daily activities, but it should not make it hard to breathe or swallow. This could be due to cervical instability or another issue. You need to get treatment soon because this condition can be debilitating.

Incontinence

If you have issues with your nerves, you could develop neck pain and incontinence. This could be due to a ruptured disc or another issue. Your neurologist is trained to diagnose and treat this problem. Once you complete treatment, you will enjoy relief from pain and also have control of your bowels and bladder once again.

Do You Need to See a Neurologist for Neck Pain?

Everyone experiences neck pain from time to time, and often, the pain goes away on its own. Sometimes, though, you need medical care from an experienced New York neurologist. If you have any of these red flags, schedule an appointment with your neurologist. That is the first step to finally living free of pain.