Neurologist for Neck Pain: 6 Reasons to See a Neurologist

With so many specialists available, it can be challenging to know which one would best care for your needs. You are probably looking for someone who will also treat your pain in a way that alleviates your anxieties.

If you are experiencing neck pain, a neurologist can help!

Our expert neurologists at Virgin Islands Neurology have assisted many by relieving their neck pain. Contact our office in the U.S. Virgin Islands today!

6 Reasons Why You Should See a Neurologist for Neck Pain

Below we have provided 6 reasons why you should see a neurologist, especially when you are experiencing neck pain.

1) Many Surgeons Tend to “Lean” Toward Surgical Treatment

Like neurologists, surgeons can order diagnostic tests such as MRIs and x-rays. However, they may consider surgery as the best treatment for a neck pain patient rather than a non-surgical treatment that can improve their quality of life.

The idea of having surgery is unsettling for many, especially when it comes to their brain, spinal column, or nervous system. Often one spine surgery frequently leads to more spine surgeries. A neurologist will only recommend surgery as a last resort.

2) Your Neurologist Can Provide You with the Most Informed and Trustworthy Referral to a Surgeon

We have helped many receive the best care and treatment. Unfortunately, sometimes despite the best conservative treatment, including physical therapy, your body may not respond or make improvements. In such a case, surgery may be the best option.

It is important for you to receive an unbiased opinion from specialists that do not work in the same hospital system. Your independent neurologist can assist you in finding the best highly qualified surgeons for your specific needs, regardless of what hospital systems they work in.

3) Neurologists Are Highly Specialized in Diagnosing Back and Neck Pain, as Well as Assessing Risks and Various Treatment Options

Your neurologist is trained to discover the root cause of symptoms. This is important because each person with pain in their neck is unique and has varying degrees of issues associated with a bone or disc abnormality. Some neurologists are trained in neuroimaging and can thoroughly explain your imaging studies (X-Rays and MRIs) results to you.

By using EMG testing to assess your nerve injury, your neurologist can identify whether your injury is reversible in the short and long term.

4) Neurologists Tend to Make Long-Term Connections with Their Patients

In general, surgeons do not care for patients with neck pain long term. In most cases, the last time you see your surgeon is at a post-op follow-up visit a month or two after your surgery, which is long before you have fully recovered.

A neurologist will support you long-term to ensure that your pain is managed. With their support and your cooperation, you may be able to reduce your chances of needing surgery. If your neck pain resolves with conservative treatment, you will likely need follow-up visits, as needed, if your symptoms return.

5) A Good Neurologist Will Work with You and Coordinate All Aspects of Your Treatment, From Your Diagnosis to Recovery and Prevention of Re-Injury

This kind of neurologist will genuinely care about you and your needs. They will also explain the different treatments available to you, including physical therapy, and help you make decisions as if you were a member of their family.

6) Your Neurologist Will Also Explain Imaging Costs to You

MRIs that are taken at hospital-owned facilities generally cost up to three times more than what is charged at independent imaging facilities. However, by obtaining your imaging at an independent imaging facility, your co-pay and your insurance costs will be lower, and the quality of the images will be just as high as at a hospital-owned facility.

Potential Causes for Neck Pain

Neck pain is very common and can be caused by the following:

Arthritis
Disc degeneration
Muscle inflammation or strain
Bone spurs
Spinal stenosis (which can compress your spinal cord)
Herniated disc (which puts pressure on your spinal nerves, resulting in leg and arm pain as well)
Trauma/injury
Pinched nerve
Mental and physical stress
Poor posture
In rare cases, other health conditions, such as cancer or meningitis

Neck Pain Symptoms

Some of the most common neck pain symptoms include:

Stabbing/burning pain
Persistent aching
Increased tension within your neck muscles
Pain coupled with headache and numbness/tingling in one or both of your arms

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

You should seek medical attention if your pain interferes with your normal daily routines, such as work or essential daily tasks.

While rare, there are some instances where neck pain can be a sign of a medical emergency. You should seek medical care as soon as possible if your pain:

Occurs after having an accident, whiplash, injury, or blow to your head
Is coupled with numbness/tingling in your arms, shoulders, or legs
It is accompanied by weakness in your legs or loss of coordination in your arms or legs
It is accompanied by headache, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting
Involves loss of bladder or bowel control
It is accompanied by a stiff neck
Occurs with fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
Does not improve with rest
Does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication
Does not improve after one week

If you are considering seeing a neurologist for your chronic neck pain, schedule an appointment at Virgin Islands Neurology today! Our specialists located in the U.S. Virgin Islands look forward to helping you resolve your discomfort!