Here Are a Few Things to Know about Neck Nerve Pain
‘Pain in the neck’ is a common phrase while describing an irritating situation, person, or event. However, when neck pain occurs, it can be extremely painful too. Often neck pain results from the nerves. Mild neck pain is tolerable and it goes away by itself with time. But severe neck nerve pain can cause serious discomfort to a person and one should visit the doctor at the earliest. When to worry about neck pain A bad or awkward sleep posture during the night is the most common cause that leads to a stiff neck, or neck pain in the morning. This kind of pain is usually a strain in the muscle that starts at one point in the neck and usually goes away with time. One can try simple remedies like taking adequate rest, applying a pain relief spray, or ointment, or hot and cold compress. But if neck nerve pain persists for a prolonged period, spreads from one to point to another, or in any way disturbs the day-to-day activities of a person, it is best to see a professional doctor at the earliest. The warning signs are when the pain from the neck spreads and moves down towards the shoulders and arms. Some common symptoms or signs of neck nerve pain are as follows: Stiff neck Excruciating or sharp pain Soreness Numb feeling Headache Tingling sensation Sneezing or coughing increases pain Difficulty or pain while lifting things All these are signs to consult a doctor as soon as possible for further treatment. Neck nerve pain can be categorized into three types. These are as follows: Acute : Pain persists for more than 4 weeks Subacute : Pain lasts between 4 and 12 weeks Chronic : Pain has been there for more than 3 months The intensity of the pain and the symptoms may vary from patient to patient.