Neck Pain and Numbness: Is It Just a Strain or a Stroke?

Neck pain / unilateral numbness?

I am currently in the postpartum period and woke up early in the morning to pump breast milk.
During this time, I suddenly felt some pain in my right neck, but I can still move my head up, down, and side to side.
After going back to sleep and waking up again, I still feel discomfort, and my right hand and right cheek feel slightly numb.
I am concerned this might be a precursor to a stroke, so I performed the FAST test and did not exhibit any corresponding symptoms.
My blood pressure has been normal every day, and I currently have no vomiting or dizziness.
The only issues are the right neck pain and numbness on the right side.
Could this be a simple strain or something more serious like a stroke? Thank you.

Jill, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/21

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Jill,
You mentioned experiencing "some numbness in your right hand and right cheek." I would like to clarify whether the numbness in your face includes the area around your mouth and nose.
If only the jaw area is affected, we may need to consider the possibility of cervical nerve root compression.
A herniated cervical disc could potentially compress the trigeminal nerve.
One possible cause could be prolonged bending of the neck while breastfeeding, which may lead to nerve compression.
Given your age, if there are no risk factors present, the likelihood of developing cerebrovascular disease is extremely low.
Common risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia.
Long-term exposure to these risk factors can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
I recommend changing your position every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Maintaining any posture (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to tissue fatigue and inflammation, so moving around briefly can reduce the chances of muscle inflammation.
I suggest consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician to discuss further evaluation and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to reach out for further discussion.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/12/21

More Info

Neck pain accompanied by numbness in the arm and face can be concerning, especially when you are experiencing these symptoms during a sensitive period like postpartum recovery. It’s good to hear that you have already performed the FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) and found no alarming signs of a stroke. However, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of your symptoms and when to seek further medical evaluation.

Based on your description, the right neck pain and the numbness in your right hand and cheek could be attributed to several factors, including muscular strain, nerve compression, or even vascular issues. Given that you are in a postpartum period, physical changes and stress on your body can lead to muscle strain, especially if you are frequently bending or twisting your neck while nursing.

1. Muscle Strain: It is common for new mothers to experience muscle strain due to awkward positions while breastfeeding or lifting the baby. This strain can lead to localized pain in the neck and may also cause referred sensations, such as numbness or tingling in the arm or face. If you can still move your neck without significant restriction, it is likely a muscular issue rather than a more severe condition.

2. Nerve Compression: The cervical spine (neck region) houses nerves that can become compressed due to muscle tightness, poor posture, or even herniated discs. If a nerve is being compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the areas supplied by that nerve. This could explain the numbness in your right hand and cheek. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies like an MRI.

3. Vascular Issues: While you have ruled out a stroke with the FAST test, it’s important to consider that vascular issues can also present with similar symptoms. However, given your normal blood pressure readings and the absence of other stroke symptoms (like severe headache, confusion, or loss of coordination), the likelihood of a vascular event is lower.

4. Other Conditions: Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy could also cause similar symptoms. These conditions involve nerve entrapment or irritation and can lead to pain and numbness in the arms and face.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may likely be due to a muscle strain or nerve compression, it is essential to monitor your condition closely. If you experience any worsening of symptoms, such as increased pain, persistent numbness, weakness in the arm, or any new symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy, pain management strategies, or further diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
In the meantime, consider gentle neck stretches, maintaining good posture, and avoiding positions that exacerbate your pain. Rest is also crucial during your recovery, especially as you navigate the demands of motherhood.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cervical Spine Issues and Their Impact on Brain Health

Recently, I have been experiencing a significant sense of pressure in the upper part of my head (crown area), frequent dizziness, and difficulty focusing my vision. I also feel pain and tension in my cervical spine, along with frequent numbness in my limbs. Previously, a doctor d...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest tension-type headache, which is caused by muscle tightness in the head. As for the diagnosis of poor circulation in the extremities, it may be related to peripheral vasoconstriction due to emotional stress. It is recommended that you visit a neuro...

Understanding One-Sided Neck Tightness: Is It a Stroke Warning?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a tight and painful sensation on the right side of my neck and the back of my head, especially in the afternoon while at work. I have been sitting in front of the computer for long periods for the past two months. I also notice that thi...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, if you are experiencing warning signs of a stroke, there are usually localized neurological dysfunctions, such as loss of speech, motor function, or sensation. Since you do not have issues with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes, your risk of having a stroke is rela...

Understanding Occipital Pressure and Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: Recently, for the past two to three days, I have been experiencing a sensation of pressure and numbness in the back of my head. During these episodes, my blood pressure readings have been around 115-130/80-100 (my diastolic pressure is usually a bit higher). Sometim...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Sir: Your head injury occurred more than six months ago, and its relevance is relatively low. Your symptoms may suggest cervical myofascial pain syndrome, which can present with pain, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a heavy sensation. Symptoms may worsen with changes in w...

Understanding Dizziness and Neck Issues: MRI Insights Without Contrast

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about the cervical spine MRI. If no contrast agent was injected, to what extent can vascular issues be identified? I have been experiencing neck tightness and stiffness for the past three months (which is why the MRI was performed), but I have a...

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Hello, your issue is related to the settings of the MRI machine used during the examination and its resolution, so I cannot provide you with a definitive answer. However, considering your age, neck stiffness is mostly not directly related to the cervical blood vessels, unless you...