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7 Neck Pain Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Attention

Are you experiencing neck pain? So many people who visit our clinic for chiropractic care often do! While it’s often harmless, certain symptoms with neck pain may signal something more serious going on in the body. Knowing the following 7 Red Flags can help you recognise when to consult a specialist or Accident and Emergency.


1. Sudden, Severe Neck Pain After an Injury

If you’ve experienced trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury and have sudden, intense neck pain, it’s incredibly important to go to a hospital for immediate medical attention. Trauma can cause fractures, ligament damage, or spinal cord injuries, all of which need urgent assessment and imaging.


2. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness in Arms or Legs

If neck pain is paired with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, it could be due to nerve compression or spinal cord involvement. Conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis might be pressing on nerves, requiring prompt assessment by a Chiropractor, Osteopath or Physiotherapist who is trained in assessing these types of injuries.


3. Persistent Neck Pain with Headaches or Vision Changes

Headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision along with neck pain may signal a serious condition affecting blood flow or neurological function. In rare cases, this combination could be a sign of a Vertebral Artery Dissection, a medical emergency that would require an immediate visit to the hospital.

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4. Fever, Night Sweats, or Unexplained Weight Loss

If neck pain is accompanied by a fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of infection or, rarely, a more serious underlying condition like cancer. An urgent medical assessment is recommended to rule out serious causes, including meningitis or other infections.


5. Persistent Pain Not Improving with Rest or Pain Relief

If you’ve had neck pain for several weeks without any relief from rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relievers, consult a Chiropractor. Long-lasting pain may suggest structural issues, like herniated discs or arthritis, that need proper diagnosis and management.


6. Difficulty Swallowing or Hoarseness

Neck pain that comes with difficulty swallowing or voice changes (hoarseness) could be related to structural or neurological problems. These symptoms may point to growths or inflammation in the neck, requiring urgent evaluation by a specialist.


7. Balance Issues or Poor Coordination Alongside Neck Pain

Balance problems or difficulty walking with neck pain may indicate a serious neurological issue. The cervical spine’s role in balance and coordination makes these symptoms significant red flags that need immediate attention.


While neck pain is common, some symptoms are Red Flags indicating the need for urgent assessment by a hospital or specialist. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs or symptoms, it’s best to seek advice early. Being aware of neck pain red flags helps ensure you get the care you need when it matters most.


If you have any other questions or are concerned about neck pain, or any joint pain you may have then please reach out to us. Or to get booked in, click the button below.



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