A neurologist can diagnose and treat nerve pain in the neck. Nerve pain in the neck can be caused by accidents or injuries, nerve or muscle damage, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves, or tumors.
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases of the brain, spine, and nerves. Nerve pain in the neck could be characterized by feelings of tingling, burning, numbness, and pain, so it is important to have it examined by a professional.
The neurologist will start with a medical history and physical exam, including a discussion about the type and location of pain, and may recommend further testing including blood tests, an MRI, or an EMG.
Based on these tests, the neurologist may be able to determine the source of the nerve pain and recommend a treatment plan, which could include medications, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, or surgical intervention.
Table of Contents
What kind of doctor do I need to see for a pinched nerve in my neck?
If you are experiencing a pinched nerve in your neck, then you should see an orthopedist as soon as possible to identify the issue and find the best course of treatment for your case. An orthopedist is a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Depending on the severity of your pinched nerve, the orthopedist may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even surgery. If your pinched nerve is mild and caused by repetitive motions, the doctor may recommend rest and lifestyle changes to relieve the pressure on your nerves.
In any case, the orthopedist will be able to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and find the best treatment option.
Should I see a DR or chiropractor for pinched nerve?
It really depends on the severity of your pinched nerve. Generally speaking, if the pain has been persistent and has not responded to home remedies or over the counter medications, than you should see an MD or DR.
Depending on the degree of nerve involvement, the doctor may opt to refer you to a chiropractor. In either case, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended. Your provider can best decide the course of treatment, which may include pain relief medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy and other therapies to reduce inflammation and restore range of motion.
Depending on the situation, your provider may also recommend minimally invasive treatments such as nerve blocks, steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation. Treatment for a pinched nerve should be tailored to your particular needs and symptoms.
What will a neurologist do for pinched nerve?
A neurologist can help diagnose and treat a pinched nerve. In order to diagnose the problem, they will typically perform a physical exam to assess the symptoms. The neurologist may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to help locate the nerve that is being pinched and identify any underlying problems.
Depending on the underlying cause, a neurologist may prescribe medications or physical therapy to reduce inflammation around the nerve and alleviate pain. In some cases, an injection of steroids or anesthetic medications can help reduce discomfort and provide relief.
If the condition does not resolve with these conservative treatments, then the neurologist may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
How do doctors tell if you have a pinched nerve?
If you suspect that you have a pinched nerve, the best thing to do is to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis. To determine whether you have a pinched nerve, your doctor may take a medical history and ask about your symptoms, as well as perform a physical and neurological exam.
They may also order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as an MRI or CT scan. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your muscle strength, reflexes and sensation, as well as look at how your joint and muscles respond to various positions and movements, to determine if the nerve is compressed.
Additionally, your doctor may use a device to measure how quickly the nerve conducts electrical signals and assess the function of nerve endings in the area. Based on their findings, your doctor will diagnoses whether or not you have a pinched nerve and determine the best course of treatment.
What is the fastest way to fix a pinched nerve in your neck?
The best and fastest way to fix a pinched nerve in your neck is to take steps to reduce inflammation in the area. This can include: rest, applying a cold or heat compress, massage, stretching, and gentle exercise.
It can also be helpful to strengthen the supporting muscles in your neck with exercises like crunches and shoulder shrugs. Additionally, you should look into changing your posture and sleeping positions.
Lastly, if home remedies don’t seem to help, you should see your doctor for further advice and for medications that may help with the pain and swelling in the area.
Who should I see if I think I have a pinched nerve?
If you think you have a pinched nerve, you should first consult your primary care physician for a thorough evaluation. This evaluation should include a medical history and physical examination along with any relevant imaging tests (e.
g. , x-rays, CT scan, MRI) that may be necessary to determine the specific cause of your symptoms. Your physician will likely recommend the appropriate next steps, which might include referring you to a specialist who may be better equipped to diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Depending on the underlying cause of your pinched nerve, a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, pain management specialist, or physical therapist might be best suited to help you.
In some cases, physical therapy may be the recommended treatment for a pinched nerve. A physical therapist can teach you special exercises to help improve your range of motion, increase your strength and flexibility, reduce your pain, and prevent further damage to the affected area.
Depending on your symptoms and situation, your doctor may also recommend other forms of treatment including medications, nerve blocks, and even surgery.
No matter what type of treatment you are considering, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed. This will help ensure that you get the most appropriate and safest treatment for your condition.
Can Chiropractors do anything for a pinched nerve?
Yes, chiropractors can do a variety of treatments for a pinched nerve. The specific treatment option will depend on the severity and location of the pinched nerve. Generally speaking, the goal of treatment is to reduce pressure on the nerve by helping the body to eliminate any muscle tension.
This way, the irritated nerve can heal and the symptoms can be relieved.
Chiropractic treatments for a pinched nerve may include spinal adjustments to improve alignment, traction to separate the vertebrae, manual manipulation to realign the bones, ultrasound to reduce inflammation and pain, and soft tissue massage to release tension and restore normal muscle balance.
Some chiropractors may also offer advice and exercises to strengthen the muscular and ligament structures which provide support to the spinal column. Ultimately, a combination of treatments can help to reduce inflammation and inflammation-related pain, leading to symptom relief.
Will an MRI show a pinched nerve?
Yes, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can show a pinched nerve. Specifically, an MRI can be used to detect both the location and extent of any nerve impingement or compression that would indicate a pinched nerve.
Generally, MRI results can provide important information related to nerve compression that can help medical professionals to diagnose and treat a pinched nerve, such as differentiating between a herniated disc and a pinched nerve.
Additionally, an MRI may help to detect the presence of tumors or other pathologies that might not be visible with other imaging tests.
How long does a pinched nerve in neck last?
The length of time a pinched nerve in the neck lasts can vary significantly, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the nerve compression. Some people may experience relief from their symptoms relatively quickly, whereas others may have chronic or recurrent nerve impingement.
In most cases, a pinched nerve in the neck can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, although the duration may be longer if the underlying cause is not addressed. Depending on the degree of nerve compression, additional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, chiropractic care, or surgery may be necessary to provide relief from symptoms and reduce the chance of recurrence.
If the symptoms do not improve within a few days or weeks, it is important to seek medical assessment and treatment to prevent further damage to the nerves in the neck.
Should I see a neurologist or orthopedist for neck pain?
The decision to visit a neurologist or orthopedist for neck pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. If the pain is being caused by problems with your muscles, joints and ligaments, then an orthopedist would be the ideal specialist to see.
However, if the cause of the pain is neurological, such as a pinched nerve, then it is best to consult a neurologist.
To determine which type of specialist is best to consult, it’s important to accurately evaluate the pain and its source. If the pain is sharp and shooting, and radiates from your neck to other areas of your body, such as the arms, it could be an indication of a pinched nerve and thus would be best treated by a neurologist.
Alternatively, if the pain is more of a generalized soreness or stiffness in your neck, then it could be an indication of a musculoskeletal problem and thus would be best addressed by an orthopedist.
Regardless of which type of specialist you decide to visit, it is important to seek medical help if the neck pain persists and is causing discomfort or hindering your daily activities. It is also essential to practice good posture, engage in regular exercise and use ergonomically designed furniture to help prevent neck pain.
Can a neurologist treat neck pain?
Yes, it is possible for a neurologist to treat neck pain. Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders, and this can include neck pain. Depending on the cause, a neurologist may be able to diagnose and treat underlying conditions, refer patients for physical therapy, prescribe medications, or recommend other treatments.
It is important to keep in mind that not all neck pain is caused by a neurological disorder, and a neurologist may refer to a different doctor for further evaluation. However, neurologists have the training and experience to be able to diagnose and treat neck pain in some cases.
What can an orthopedist do for neck pain?
An orthopedist can provide treatment and management of neck pain in a variety of ways. Depending on the cause and severity of the pain, an orthopedist may perform a physical examination, take imaging such as X-rays or an MRI, order laboratory tests, and/or refer the patient to another health care specialist for additional evaluation and management.
If the neck pain is due to a musculoskeletal issue, the orthopedist may provide manual therapy such as mobilization, manipulation, and massage to help decrease pain and increase range of motion. He or she also may prescribe muscle relaxants, analgesics, and/or other medications to treat pain and inflammation.
In addition, physical therapy and/or a home exercise program may be recommended.
In certain circumstances, surgical intervention may be necessary to alleviate neck pain. Examples of surgeries the orthopedist may recommend include a discectomy, fusion, or laminectomy.
In addition, the orthopedist may provide lifestyle modifications such as posture correction, ergonomic recommendations, and proper ergonomic setup for individuals whose neck pain is aggravated or caused by prolonged sitting/computer use or other activities.
Therefore, an orthopedist can provide a comprehensive approach in treating and managing neck pain.
What neurological conditions cause neck pain?
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of neurological conditions. Some of the most common conditions include:
– Cervical radiculopathy: This condition occurs when the nerve roots in the neck become compressed or irritated, leading to neck pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms and legs.
– Cervical spondylosis: This condition is caused by wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae over time. It can lead to neck pain as well as decreased range of motion.
– Cervicogenic headache: This is a type of headache that originates from the muscles, joints, or soft tissue in the neck. It can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and head, along with blurred vision and nausea.
– Muscle strain/sprain: Neck pain can also be caused by muscle strain or sprain. This can occur when the neck muscles become overworked due to activities such as lifting, bending, or twisting.
– Whiplash: Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by sudden, forceful head movement. It can cause severe neck pain, as well as headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
– Pinched nerve: A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
– Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the body, including the neck.
– Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease that affects the nerves in the body, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness in the neck.
Why would a neurologist order an MRI of the neck?
A neurologist may order an MRI of the neck in order to diagnose any abnormalities or conditions of the cervical spine (the neck). An MRI of the neck can provide detailed images of the soft tissues, structures, and blood vessels in the neck.
This imaging technique allows the neurologist to evaluate the bones of the cervical spine, ligaments, and the spinal cord. The MRI may also identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, infections, or cysts, that may be impacting the nerves or muscles of the neck and upper body.
Additionally, an MRI can be used to assess any trauma or injury to the neck, such as a herniated disc or a compressed nerve or to help diagnose a variety of conditions, including Lyme disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Bell’s palsy.
An MRI may also be used to evaluate any narrowing of the nerve canal (stenosis) or nerve root compression (radiculopathy) that might be causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
