Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Probably Cervical issues
I've been experiencing the following symptoms for the past few months and would like guidance on which specialist to see and whether I need imaging before the consult.
Symptoms:
- Pain at the base of skull, right side — intermittent, not constant. Happens a few times a week .
- Pain is worse when sleeping on my stomach with head turned to the right (stretches that area).
- Restricted neck rotation — can't fully turn my neck.
- Numbness in hands at night — earlier it was my left hand, now it alternates and sometimes happens in my right hand.
- Lightheadedness specifically triggered by shaking or turning my head — feels like I might pass out.
.
Questions for the doctor:
1. Should I see a neurologist or an orthopedic spine specialist first?
2. Do I need imaging (X-ray/MRI of cervical spine) before or as part of the consult?
Answers (22)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+185
would recommend consulting a spine specialist (Orthopedic Spine Surgeon or Neurosurgeon) or a Neurologist. A detailed clinical examination should guide further investigations.
An MRI of the cervical spine is likely to be more informative than an X-ray
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Neurologist decides
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Just do x ray of the neck and share results. If light headedness is more, do c.t. scan brain.
Avoid neck bending, sidewards turning, jerky movementsof head and neck.
Avoid using high pillow.
Take a pain killer for pain. Tab neurobion forte one daily for 4 weeks.
Get your b.p. , blood sugar, Haemoglobin, checked and share results.
Then I can help you further.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your symptoms could be due to cervical spondylosis/disc disorder.You consult either neurologist or orthopedist spine surgeon.Depending on the clinical examination findings,he may ask initially a cervical spine x-ray,if needed an MRI of the same
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consult pain management specialist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
You should see a neurosurgeon and about imaging you should follow his instructions
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Orthopedic doctor
Imaging required after evaluation and clinical examination by doctor.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Proper evaluation and personalised advice are needed for your concern. A detailed consultation would be best to provide accurate guidance.
Feel free to consult me for further assistance.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
The symptoms described such as pain at the base of the skull, numbness in hands, and restricted neck movements are consistent with conditions like cervical spondylosis, nerve compression (radiculopathy), or muscle strain.
You should consult with an orthopaedic spine doctor first and for numbness only if needed they will refer you to neurologist.
Next Steps
Imagining will be needed but you can take it only after clinical examination with the doctor
Health Tips
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Do consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your symptoms seem to be related to the cervical spine. Please get a Xray of Cervical spine AP Lateral done.
Next Steps
consult an orthopaedic doctor after that.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Please consult a orthopedic spine surgeon.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Orthopedic surgeon
Mri spine if advisable
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
The presentation is most consistent with a cervical spine pathology. Consultation with a spine specialist and obtaining an MRI cervical spine is reasonable, especially due to neck restriction and intermittent hand numbness.
Next Steps
would recommend seeing an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon or Spine Specialist (or a Neurosurgeon with spine expertise) first. A neurologist may be needed later if symptoms suggest a primary neurological disorder or if the diagnosis remains unclear.
Health Tips
Doctor’s Opinion (MD Medicine perspective):
The symptoms are most suggestive of a cervical spine disorder (cervical spondylosis, facet joint dysfunction, muscular strain, or cervical disc disease with intermittent nerve root irritation).
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Khhyati Jain
Pain Management Specialist
8 yrs exp
Jaipur
Share your concerns with me with direct consultation .
I am a spine specialist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Zaheer Ahmad
General Physician
10 yrs exp
Bareilly
Neuro physician
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Manikanta Sivva
General Physician
8 yrs exp
Medak
firstly you can visit orthopaedician or neurophysician…based on your symptoms i came to an opinion that you r suffering from cervical spondylitis..get an Xray c-Spine done or if possible get an MRI done to rule out cervical spondylitis…
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.