Neck and Back Pain: When to See a Neurologist
Most neck and back pain settles with rest and physiotherapy, but a few warning signs mean you should see a neurologist without delay.
Desk jobs, long commutes and heavy lifting make neck and back pain very common. Muscular pain usually improves within a few weeks, so it is important to know the difference between pain that will settle on its own and pain that needs investigation.
Common Causes
Poor posture, muscle strain, disc degeneration and joint wear are the usual reasons behind everyday neck and back pain. Sedentary habits and lack of core strength increase the load on the spine more than most people realise.
Signs You Should Not Ignore
- Weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty walking
- Numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain following a fall, accident or any significant trauma
- Unintentional weight loss, fever or night sweats along with pain
- Severe pain that wakes you from sleep
Simple Steps That Help
Regular gentle stretching, strengthening the core and lower back, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping a supportive pillow and taking short walking breaks during the day all reduce recurrence. Physiotherapy guided treatment is far more effective than prolonged bed rest.
When any of the warning signs above appear, an early MRI and neurological examination can prevent months of unnecessary pain and weakness.