It’s common to feel some neck pain from time to time; however, persistent or unexplained pain can sometimes need evaluation by a neurologist. The neurological symptoms that you display will determine whether the evaluation is necessary.
At Virgin Islands Neurology, our neurologist in the U.S. Virgin Islands provides expert evaluation and treatment for a range of neurological conditions affecting the nerves, spine, and other parts of the nervous system. Schedule your appointment today.
A neurologist specializes in evaluating problems involving the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, or the peripheral nerves. When neck pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms, you may require an evaluation by a neurologist.
Signs of nerve irritation or compression are identified by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness that travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. This is sometimes called radicular pain.
If you have persistent or chronic pain that continues despite initial treatment, you may need to see a neurologist to determine the underlying condition. The diagnostic tests available can identify the source of pain. You can then be put on the right treatment plan.
If you are experiencing neck pain along with other neurological symptoms, it may require a neurological assessment. Neurological symptoms may include the following:
Some causes of neck pain do not point to a specific musculoskeletal cause. In these cases, a neurological evaluation can assess whether the symptoms come from issues related to the spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, or another neurological condition.
A neurological evaluation can provide diagnostic information related to the nervous system. Testing may include MRI/imaging tests or nerve studies such as using an Electromyogram (EMG).
Seeing a neurologist isn’t always limited to obtaining a diagnosis. Patients with ongoing neurological issues may benefit from monitoring, treatment adjustments, and coordination with other specialists.
Neck pain is very common and can be caused by the following:
Some neurological conditions that accompany neck pain should not be ignored. If you have any of the following conditions, schedule an appointment with a neurologist:
Your neurologist will begin by considering your medical history and family history when relevant. They will ask you about the symptoms you are feeling. This may include asking when the symptoms began, the location, severity, and whether they are felt anywhere else.
A physical exam might check your reflexes, the level of sensation, as well as coordination and movement. Your neurologist will likely carry out other diagnostic tests. These might include imaging tests using an MRI scan or ultrasound. Other tests may include EMG/nerve studies.
Once the neurologist has an accurate diagnosis, they can recommend the appropriate treatment. Some treatments they may provide themselves; others they may liaise with other specialists. Treatments that can help neurological conditions associated with neck pain include the following:
Most people with neck pain do not automatically need surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended if there is a severe structural problem that is causing spinal cord compression or other severe symptoms that have not been resolved with non-surgical treatments.
A neurologist can help determine whether surgery is necessary and make a referral to a neck surgeon if necessary.
Many neurological disorders require ongoing care and management. A neurologist can monitor your symptoms for changes and adjust your treatment accordingly. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, they can provide treatments to alleviate it.
At times, it’s necessary for a neurologist to coordinate with other healthcare professionals to reach a diagnosis and provide treatment.
A neurologist may coordinate care with the following healthcare professionals:
If you experience sudden or severe neurological changes, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.
Symptoms that indicate a medical emergency include the following:
Your neurologist will begin with the diagnosis. They will ask about the pain, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. They will also ask whether other neurological symptoms are present.
They will also perform a physical exam. During this part of the evaluation, they will assess things like your muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and movement. After reviewing the examination and any test results, the neurologist can discuss the potential cause and develop an individualized treatment plan.
If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, particularly when accompanied by numbness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, or other neurological symptoms, seek an evaluation with a neurologist. Our neurologists at Virgin Islands Neurology, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, can assess your symptoms, investigate potential neurological causes, and discuss treatment options based on your needs. Schedule your appointment today.
Persistent neck pain, particularly when accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, radiating pain, or other neurological symptoms, may warrant an evaluation.
A neurologist can evaluate the causes of neck pain related to the nervous system. They will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order diagnostic tests when appropriate.
Neurological symptoms that accompany neck pain may include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, or balance problems.
Yes. Depending on the cause, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, pain management, lifestyle changes, and other conservative approaches.
No. Surgery is not always necessary. A neurologist will consider your underlying condition, the severity of your symptoms, neurological findings, and response to nonsurgical treatment. Only then will they determine whether surgery is necessary.
