When to Seek Treatment for Neck Pain: A Checklist from Dr. Wascher

Knowing when to seek evaluation and treatment for a suspected neck issue can be confusing and anxiety-provoking. Many patients attribute the pain to a "pulled muscle'" or "sleeping wrong." The WORST decision is to ignore your symptoms. Use the checklist to  help determine if it's time for you to get evaluated.

Are you suffering from the following symptoms?

• Numbness or tingling (paresthesias) in your arm and/or hand?
• Weakness in your arm or hand
• Persistent pain in your neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
• Neck pain and recurrent headaches at the base of your skull
• Pain in your arm that improves with elevating your hand and forearm above your head
• Pain that is worsened with coughing or sneezing
• Pain that runs down your arm with changes in the position of your neck
• Worsening balance/stiff gait (myelopathic gait)
• Decreased coordination in your fingers, such as difficulty buttoning your shirt or writing
• Development of burning pain in your hands and fingers
• Development of neck/arm pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness after a traumatic event like a fall
• Severe lightning-like pain that runs up or down your spine (called Lhermitte's phenomenon) that occurs with flexion/extension of your neck

If you have undergone an initial trial of conservative management such as NSAID's, physical therapy, chiropractic care, etc. and still experience one or more of the above symptoms, it is time to get a formal cervical evaluation.

Call us now at (920) 882-8200 to discuss your concerns and receive the care you deserve!