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It is common to experience neck pain at some point in your life. But knowing the right things to do with neck pain can make all the difference when it comes to worsening your condition or avoiding a complicated situation like surgery. So if you have been feeling some neck pains, here are the things you shouldn't do before you schedule an appointment with a New York pain management specialist.
Don't Self-Diagnose and Treat it Yourself
This is a big one. If you're suffering from neck pain, your first thought may be to treat it yourself. After all, there are plenty of self-care options out there — including ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. But some people with neck pain think they should avoid going to the doctor altogether. The problem with this approach is that it can lead to serious delays in treatment.
The thing about neck pain is that it can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from muscle strain to arthritis to more serious conditions like spinal cord compression or cervical disc disease. It can also be caused by an injury that has healed but left you with lingering pain. So if you think you know what's causing your neck pain based on symptoms alone, it might not be such a good idea to start treating it yourself.
In fact, improper treatments could even make things worse. For example, if you think your headaches are the result of tight muscles in your upper back and shoulders and try stretching those muscles out on your own, you could make matters worse by creating more tension in those muscles than before.
If you have neck pain, it's important to see a pain doctor as soon as possible so they can determine the cause and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Don't Assume You Don't Need Professional Help
Don't assume that your condition isn't serious enough to warrant medical attention. This is especially true if the pain is severe or has been going on for several days or weeks. Not seeing a doctor when you need to is something that most people have done at some point or another. But it's something that can lead to serious consequences.
There are many different causes of neck pain, including fractures and herniated discs. These conditions require urgent medical attention because they can cause permanent damage if they are not treated quickly enough. A visit to the doctor will allow them to determine what is causing your symptoms and direct you toward treatment options that will relieve your discomfort as soon as possible.
Don't Wait for it to Go Away on its Own
Though it might seem like the best option, waiting to see if your neck pain goes away on its own is not recommended. In fact, researchers say that this option can be detrimental because it can make the problem worse or lead to other issues like headaches and tingling in arms or legs.
If your neck pain persists for more than two weeks or gets worse over time, it's important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your condition could become chronic or even lead to other health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Don't Be Embarrassed About Your Neck Pain
It's normal to feel embarrassed about your neck pain, but you shouldn't be. It may seem like something only old people get, but many young people experience neck pain as well. But the fact that you're experiencing neck pain doesn't mean you're weak or unable to take care of yourself.
The good news is that most cases are mild and respond well to treatment. But if you have other symptoms or the pain lasts longer than a few days, see a pain doctor as soon as possible.
You shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed by talking about your pain with a healthcare provider. Your doctor will likely ask how long you have been experiencing symptoms and how they affect your day-to-day life. They may even want to know what makes them worse and better.
Don't Ignore Emotional or Psychological Distress From Your Pain
It can be difficult to accept that emotional distress is related to physical symptoms like neck pain. However, the mind and body are connected in many ways and this connection can be beneficial in treating your pain.
Neck pain is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. When these feelings are left untreated, they can make your pain worse, so it's important to address them as well as the physical factors that may be causing your pain.
Don't Solve it with Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease the pain and swelling associated with minor muscle strain or spasms, but they won't relieve serious neck injuries. They can also make your symptoms worse if taken regularly over time. Taking too many pain medications can cause liver damage and other complications.
While these medications can be helpful in the short term, they don't treat the underlying cause of your pain; they just mask the symptoms. For example, if you have arthritis in your neck, these drugs won't help because they don't reduce inflammation. And if you have a pinched nerve in your neck, these drugs may make things worse by causing more swelling around the nerve.
Don't Move Your Neck in any Way that Causes Discomfort
The neck is a complex structure that supports the head and provides movement in virtually every direction. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most commonly injured areas of the body.
You may feel tempted to try to move your neck after it's been injured, but this is never a good idea. Any movement that causes pain or discomfort should be avoided until you have seen a doctor. Moving your neck after an injury can put undue stress on the ligaments and muscles, which can lead to further damage and possibly exacerbate your symptoms.
Don't Wait Too Long to See a Pain Specialist
You don't want to wait too long before seeking medical attention for your neck pain because it can worsen over time if left untreated. In addition, many people with chronic neck pain will try everything under the sun before finally giving in and seeing a doctor. Unfortunately, this can lead to more serious problems down the line, such as degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, facet joint arthritis, herniated cervical discs, or even a stroke.
If you think your neck pain could be due to something more serious, don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking treatment. Even if you think it's just due to stress or poor posture, it could be a symptom of something much worse. It's better to get checked out right away than risk having an injury that could take months or even years to heal.
If you have been experiencing neck pain for more than three days, it's time to seek medical care. However, the longer you wait, the harder it will be for your doctor to determine what's causing your symptoms and what treatment options are best for you.
Don't Ignore Your Neck Pain
Always consult a specialist before trying any treatment. Most often, the pain is not caused by serious illnesses, in which case treatment for neck pain should include passive and active therapies. So, now is always the best time to see a specialist at our New York pain management center.
The longer you wait, the more pain and damage can occur. Don't wait to see us if you experience any kind of neck pain. It could be serious. Our team will help you recover and feel better quickly. Book an appointment today!