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What Causes Pain In Neck And Calf Area?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014
Question: Hi Dr, my father is 52 yrs old, till now no medical problems, but from last couple of days he is having cold and feeling kind of weak, he is saying that he is having some pain in his neck area, he smokes and has no other habits, he also gets cramps kind of shock in his calf from which he shouts and it only stays for few minutes and then he is ok, so im bit worried,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Evaluation is needed by physician.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for writing in.

Since your father does smoke cigarettes and that too if he is a chronic smoker, it could affect the blood vessels and the heart. Cramps in the calf or intermittent claudicating pain might be due to peripheral vascular disease caused by smoking.
It might be a good idea to get blood investigations, cholesterol levels, ECG, and a Doppler ultrasound imaging done. Neck pain could sometimes be a sign of heart attack also.

Other possibility is if associated with cold, body pain, weakness, it might just be flu like illness.

However, to be on the safe side it would be best for him to consult a physician who will examine him and do the relevant tests as deemed necessary.

Hope I have answered your query.

Do get back to me for further clarifications.

Try to get him to gradually quit smoking.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)
we have tried a lot to make him quit smoking but he never understands, he is addicted to it, so blood test wld help in finding the problems and dr any way to stop his smoking
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
yes, he would require certain investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Strong family support and motivation should help your father to quit smoking.One thing to do is gradually reduce smoking the number of cigarettes. If this week 10, then next week 8 and gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. After consulting his treating physician other measures might be the use of nicotine patches, which helps to quit smoking.

He would require investigations as mentioned in my earlier reply.

Hope this information was helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 969 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Neck And Calf Area?

Brief Answer: Evaluation is needed by physician. Detailed Answer: Hi there. Thanks for writing in. Since your father does smoke cigarettes and that too if he is a chronic smoker, it could affect the blood vessels and the heart. Cramps in the calf or intermittent claudicating pain might be due to peripheral vascular disease caused by smoking. It might be a good idea to get blood investigations, cholesterol levels, ECG, and a Doppler ultrasound imaging done. Neck pain could sometimes be a sign of heart attack also. Other possibility is if associated with cold, body pain, weakness, it might just be flu like illness. However, to be on the safe side it would be best for him to consult a physician who will examine him and do the relevant tests as deemed necessary. Hope I have answered your query. Do get back to me for further clarifications. Try to get him to gradually quit smoking. Have a great day. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan