Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Prolonged Strain In The Neck?

I have had a neck strain on my right side of my neck behind my ear for about a year. My physician told me to see a rheumatologist or a neurologist. I tried physical therapy without success & was told it could be a tear in the muscle (I forgot what it was called) or it could be a bone spur on my spine. Which kind of Doctor shoul I see? I have not had any x-rays or mri s. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Thu, 28 Feb 2019
Report Abuse
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
Hello,

As per the symptoms you mentioned it appears to me that you should take an MRI for now before having a second thought. As MRI could reveal more things than an x-ray.

Also this pain, what you mentioned need more details. Like it is sharp shooting or it is dukk aching.

If sharp shooting we can suspect some nerve entrapment and if dull aching we can say it's more of a muscular.

Usually, trapezius muscle is the one to undergo most of the times spasm but comes down on its own. In some cases, there might be the need of pain killers, MFR, IASTM, TENS therapy, ultrasound therapy.

If the pain in the neck is radiating towards the head then a neck collar will be advised.

In fact, an MRI is always good to analyse this. Most commonly people tend to have some cervical disc degenerative changes and the disc may be touching the thecal sac of the spinal cord leading to prolonged pain and spasm in the muscles around the neck.

Having it assessed and examined carefully along with an MRI should provide more details about the case and so does the treatment.

In my clinical practice of 12 years seen cases having similar complaints and having a detailed examination, assessment and use of MRI has helped to regain the normalcy and ease of pain.

A chronic spasm may lead to changes in cervical curvature and needs attention.

If you ask which doctor to meet, I would say an orthopedist for now. Because we need an MRI for sure now without allowing more confusion to occur.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Prolonged Strain In The Neck?

Hello, As per the symptoms you mentioned it appears to me that you should take an MRI for now before having a second thought. As MRI could reveal more things than an x-ray. Also this pain, what you mentioned need more details. Like it is sharp shooting or it is dukk aching. If sharp shooting we can suspect some nerve entrapment and if dull aching we can say it s more of a muscular. Usually, trapezius muscle is the one to undergo most of the times spasm but comes down on its own. In some cases, there might be the need of pain killers, MFR, IASTM, TENS therapy, ultrasound therapy. If the pain in the neck is radiating towards the head then a neck collar will be advised. In fact, an MRI is always good to analyse this. Most commonly people tend to have some cervical disc degenerative changes and the disc may be touching the thecal sac of the spinal cord leading to prolonged pain and spasm in the muscles around the neck. Having it assessed and examined carefully along with an MRI should provide more details about the case and so does the treatment. In my clinical practice of 12 years seen cases having similar complaints and having a detailed examination, assessment and use of MRI has helped to regain the normalcy and ease of pain. A chronic spasm may lead to changes in cervical curvature and needs attention. If you ask which doctor to meet, I would say an orthopedist for now. Because we need an MRI for sure now without allowing more confusion to occur. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist