Urgent Care for Neck Pain Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

What can cause neck pain?

Yes, you can go to urgent care for neck pain. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle a wide range of medical issues, including musculoskeletal problems like neck pain resulting from various causes, including:

Strains and Sprains: Neck pain can result from strains or sprains due to sudden movements or muscle injuries.

Whiplash: Neck pain after a car accident or any incident causing sudden jerking motions can indicate whiplash, which urgent care centers can diagnose and provide initial treatment for.

Muscle Tension or Stress: Stress, poor posture, or tension in neck muscles can lead to discomfort or pain, which urgent care professionals can assess and offer guidance on managing.

Minor Injuries: Minor injuries to the neck, such as minor falls or bumps, can cause pain that urgent care providers can evaluate.

Other Causes: Neck pain can also be due to underlying medical conditions like arthritis, pinched nerves, or infections, which urgent care centers can assess and provide initial treatment or referrals if needed.

Urgent care facilities have medical professionals who can conduct evaluations, provide pain relief, offer recommendations for managing discomfort, and advise if further evaluation or follow-up care is necessary. However, for severe neck injuries, prolonged or severe pain, or if neck pain is accompanied by symptoms like weakness, numbness, or radiating pain, seeking immediate attention at an emergency room might be advisable.

Should I go to urgent care for a stiff neck?

Yes, urgent care centers are well equipped to evaluate a still neck.

If you're experiencing a stiff neck without any other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, fever, headache, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, it's typically safe to monitor the situation at home initially. A stiff neck can often be caused by minor issues like muscle strain or poor sleeping positions.

However, there are situations where seeking medical attention, including urgent care, for a stiff neck might be advisable. If the stiffness is causing significant pain or discomfort that doesn't improve with self-care methods like gentle stretching, applying heat or ice, or over-the-counter pain relievers. If the stiffness is severe enough to restrict your ability to move your neck or if you notice a decrease in range of motion. If the stiff neck follows recent trauma, such as a fall, accident, or injury to the neck or head.

If the stiff neck is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, numbness, tingling, or weakness, seeking medical attention is advisable. In such cases, urgent care centers can evaluate your condition, rule out serious causes, provide pain relief, and offer guidance on further management or the need for additional medical attention.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you're unsure about the cause of your stiff neck, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice. If there's any doubt or concern about the severity of the situation, visiting an urgent care facility can provide reassurance and appropriate guidance.

Can neck pain be a sign of something serious?

Yes, neck pain can be caused by many things, some of which are serious, although in many cases, it's due to more common and less severe issues like muscle strain or poor posture. However, certain situations warrant attention as they could indicate more serious problems:

Neck pain following an accident fall, or trauma, especially if associated with head injury or loss of consciousness, should be evaluated promptly.

Meningitis: Stiff neck accompanied by fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and altered mental status can be a sign of meningitis, a serious infection requiring immediate medical attention.

Herniated Disc: Pain or discomfort in the neck accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands could indicate a herniated disc in the cervical spine.

Spinal Cord Compression: Neck pain accompanied by progressive weakness, loss of coordination, or changes in bowel or bladder function could indicate spinal cord compression, which requires urgent medical attention.

Infections or Inflammation: Infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the neck, such as deep neck infections or conditions like arthritis, might cause persistent or severe neck pain.

Tumors or Growths: While less common, tumors or growths in the cervical spine or surrounding areas can cause persistent or worsening neck pain.

If you're experiencing neck pain along with any concerning symptoms such as fever, headache, numbness, tingling, weakness, or if the pain is severe, persistent, or follows an injury, it's essential to seek medical evaluation. While many cases of neck pain are not indicative of a serious issue, it's important to rule out any underlying conditions, especially if the symptoms are atypical or accompanied by other concerning signs.

When should I be concerned about neck pain?

Major indicators include neck pain associated with fevers, any numbness or tingling or weakness of any extremities, visual changes, or pain radiating from the neck into the arms, back, or head.  There are many causes of neck pain.  An evaluation with a medical provider is important to rule out serious causes.

How do I get my neck to stop hurting?

That depends on what is causing the neck pain.  An evaluation with a medical provider will determine the cause of the pain.  Then a treatment plan can be made. Here are some tips that may help alleviate neck pain:

Apply Ice or Heat: Ice packs can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, especially if the pain is due to an injury. Heat, such as a warm shower or heating pad, can help relax tense muscles.

Practice Good Posture: Maintaining proper posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping can prevent strain on your neck muscles. Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up to support good posture.

Gentle Neck Stretches and Exercises: Gentle stretching and exercises can help relieve tension and improve flexibility in your neck muscles. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist for appropriate exercises.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow recommended dosage instructions.

Use a Neck Pillow or Support: When sleeping, use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position to prevent strain.

Massage or Self-Massage: Gentle massaging of the neck muscles can help relax tense areas. You can use your fingers to apply gentle pressure or seek professional massage therapy.

Limit Screen Time and Tech Use: Excessive screen time and looking down at phones or computers for extended periods can strain your neck. Take breaks, adjust your screen level, and practice good screen ergonomics.

Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain healthy discs and soft tissues in your neck.

Avoid Heavy Lifting: If possible, avoid lifting heavy objects or activities that strain your neck until the pain subsides.

Seek Professional Help: If your neck pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional or physical therapist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend specific treatments or therapies tailored to your condition.

Remember, these suggestions are general tips and may not be suitable for everyone. If you're unsure or if your neck pain is severe or persistent, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to ensure proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Why does my neck hurt on one side?

Pain sensations are well localized in the neck, unlike chest pain or abdominal pain.

Neck pain on one side can be caused by various factors. A muscle strain is one of the most common causes. Sleeping in an awkward position, poor posture, sudden movements, or overuse of muscles on one side of the neck can lead to strain and pain. If you've experienced a sudden jerk or impact, such as in a car accident, it can cause whiplash, leading to neck pain that might be more pronounced on one side. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing with your head turned or tilted to one side can strain the muscles on that side of the neck.

Identifying the exact cause of neck pain on one side often requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or fever, it's advisable to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Can I go to urgent care for a pinched nerve?

Yes, urgent care centers are well equipped to evaluate pinched nerves. Portland Urgent Care is equipped to evaluate and provide initial treatment for various medical conditions, including a pinched nerve in the neck or elsewhere in the body.

A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage. It can cause symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

If you suspect you have a pinched nerve and are experiencing symptoms like severe pain, persistent discomfort, or if the symptoms are affecting your mobility or daily activities, seeking medical evaluation at an urgent care center is advisable. Healthcare professionals at urgent care facilities can evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination to assess the affected area. We also provide initial treatment to help alleviate pain and discomfort, which might include recommendations for pain management or anti-inflammatory medications.

However, if the symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by other concerning signs such as progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or if the pain is due to a recent injury, it might be more appropriate to seek immediate care at an emergency room for a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

How should I sleep with neck pain?

When dealing with neck pain, adjusting your sleeping position and environment can help alleviate discomfort. Using a proper pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine. Pillows that are too high or too flat can strain your neck. Orthopedic pillows or memory foam pillows might offer better support. Sleeping on your back or side is generally better for neck pain. If you're a side sleeper, use a pillow that keeps your neck in line with your spine. If you sleep on your back, a small pillow under your neck might provide extra support.

Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can strain your neck as it requires you to turn your head to the side for an extended period, potentially exacerbating neck pain. A mattress that is too soft or too firm might contribute to neck pain as well. Find a mattress that offers adequate support for your body and maintains spinal alignment.

Applying a warm compress or using a heating pad for about 15-20 minutes before bedtime can help relax tense muscles. Conversely, using an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce inflammation. Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching before bedtime, to help relax your neck muscles.

Avoid using multiple pillows that elevate your head too high, which can strain your neck. Also, try not to tuck your chin into your chest while sleeping, as this can strain the neck muscles. Consider using a cervical pillow or neck roll to support the natural curve of your neck while sleeping. It's essential to find a sleep position that is comfortable for you and minimizes strain on your neck. Experiment with different sleeping positions and pillow types to see what works best in alleviating your neck pain. If your neck pain persists or worsens despite trying these adjustments, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

What do you do if your neck hurts really bad?

Neck pain can be caused by many things, some of which are serious.  An evaluation with a medical provider is important to rule out serious causes.

If you're experiencing severe neck pain, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort. First, try to rest your neck by avoiding activities that might exacerbate the pain. Find a comfortable position to relax and support your neck, such as sitting or lying down with adequate neck support.

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a heating pad to the painful area for about 15-20 minutes at a time. Ice can help reduce inflammation, while heat can relax tense muscles.

Non-prescription pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow recommended dosages.

Perform gentle neck stretches and movements to improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension. Avoid sudden or jerky movements that might worsen the pain.

Use a supportive pillow or cervical pillow to maintain proper neck alignment and support while sitting or lying down.

Refrain from activities or movements that aggravate your neck pain, such as sudden head movements or maintaining uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods.

If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, fever, or if it follows an injury, seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare professionals can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments or therapies.

Always listen to your body, and if the pain is severe or worsening despite self-care measures, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the neck pain and receive appropriate treatment.

How do you know if neck pain is serious?

An evaluation with a qualified medical provider, also sometimes with x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, blood tests, and/or CT or MRI scans.

Determining if neck pain is serious often involves considering various factors, including the nature of the pain, accompanying symptoms, and the context in which it occurs.

Intense, sharp, or excruciating neck pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication might indicate a more serious problem.

Neck pain that radiates down your arms or causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands could signal nerve compression or a herniated disc.

Neck pain following an accident, fall, or injury to the head or neck area might indicate more severe injuries, such as whiplash, fractures, or spinal cord injuries.

Neck pain accompanied by fever, headache, and stiffness in the neck could indicate meningitis or another serious infection requiring immediate medical attention.

If the neck pain worsens over time, is persistent and doesn't improve with rest, or is associated with other concerning symptoms like difficulty walking, loss of balance, or changes in bowel or bladder function, it could indicate a more serious condition.

Inability to move your arms or legs properly, or if you experience sudden weakness or numbness, could indicate nerve or spinal cord compression.

If you're unsure or concerned about the severity of your neck pain, it's better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. Healthcare professionals can perform evaluations, diagnose underlying issues, and provide appropriate treatment or referrals to specialists if needed. Always pay attention to any warning signs or changes in your symptoms, especially if they're atypical or concerning.

What causes neck pain that radiates to the head?

Neck pain that radiates to the head can be caused by various factors, and identifying the specific cause often requires evaluation by a healthcare professional. Some potential causes  of a headache originates from the neck and often causes pain that radiates from the neck to the head. It can result from issues like muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation in the cervical spine.

Compression or irritation of nerves in the cervical spine, often due to conditions like a herniated disc or bone spurs, can cause neck pain that radiates into the head, resulting in headaches. Tense or strained neck muscles, often due to poor posture, stress, or overuse, can cause pain that extends from the neck up into the head, resulting in headaches.

Poor posture or alignment in the neck and spine can cause muscle imbalances and tension that lead to neck pain extending into headaches.

Identifying the exact cause of neck pain radiating into the head often requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, which may include physical exams, imaging tests, and a review of medical history. If you're experiencing persistent or severe neck pain that extends into the head, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why won't my neck pain go away?

Persistent neck pain means the cause has not resolved yet.  A qualified medical provider should evaluate the problem to determine how to best address the situation.  Sometimes other resources like physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy can be used to promote healing.