Neck pain what doctor to see

Weakness, numbness, tingling or pain radiating into an arm or leg are important symptoms that need evaluation by a physician. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of the problem. Your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, to help determine the cause of your back pain.

Sometimes pain in the back or the neck is acute. Acute pain typically goes away on its own without treatment after a few days or weeks. However, chronic pain lingers and persists for more than 12 weeks.

To find an orthopedist, first ask your primary care physician for a referral. You also can go to, the Web site of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , the professional association for orthopedists, where you will find a searchable database.

The cervical spine the neck portion is made up of vertebrae bones , disks shock-absorbing tissue between the vertebrae , ligaments thick, band-like tissue that connects the bones , muscles, spinal cord, and nerves. Neck pain can result from injury to or an abnormality of any of these structures. After the cause of your neck pain has been established, your orthopedist will recommend a course of treatment that may include:.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. So, now that you know which doctor is most appropriate for treating neck pain, the next question is…. Neck pain or a stiff neck can make everyday tasks difficult. Is it something you should see a doctor for? Sometimes a stiff neck is a result of sleeping in the wrong position or sitting with poor posture at a desk for too long.

In cases like these, the pain and stiffness usually subsides after a few days. Is it something to be worried about? Should you see a doctor for your stiff neck? If you have any of these conditions along with your neck pain you should see a doctor as soon as possible. We're hard at work and will be revealing our new ADA compliant website soon.

Please Note: Information on this site or any recommended sites should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.