NECK PAIN: WHAT INCREASES YOUR RISK
Neck Pain
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What Increases Your Risk
Risk factors for neck pain that you cannot control include:
Age. People older than 50 are more likely to have breakdown (degeneration) of discs or joints, as well as bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck (cervical spondylosis).
Recent injury or history of injury. A common injury to the neck is whiplash caused by a car accident.
Conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues of the neck and back, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a narrowing of the spinal canal (cervical spinal stenosis), or a severely curved spine (scoliosis).
A history of having headaches.
Risk factors that you can control include:
Awkward positions that put stress on the neck.
Stress and poor posture, at home or at work.
Heavy physical work.
Boredom at or unhappiness with work.
Depression.
Obesity.
Smoking.
Drug abuse.
Poor physical condition and lack of exercise
When To Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have been injured and you have:
Severe neck injury, such as an injury caused by a: Serious car accident. Fall from a height of 15 ft or more.
Major sports-related injury. Direct blow to the head or neck. High-energy strike on top of the head.
Penetrating injury, such as a stab or gunshot wound. Signs of a spinal cord injury, such as: Weakness or inability to move the arms or legs.
Continuous numbness of one or both arms or legs.
Loss of bowel or bladder control.
Neck pain that occurs with chest pain and other symptoms of a heart attack. These include:
Chest pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest.
Chest pain that occurs with:
Sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting.
Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, or jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
A fast or irregular pulse.
Call your health professional immediately if you have:
A stiff neck and/or severe headache, fever, vomiting, confusion, and/or difficulty staying awake or alert.
Neck pain and severe arm pain.
Neck pain and suddenly developing numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both of your arms.
Severe neck pain following an injury.
Severe neck pain with no known cause.
A new weakness in your arms and legs.
A new loss of bladder or bowel control.
Call your health professional today if you have:
Severe restriction of neck movements.
Neck pain or stiffness after starting a new medication.
Constant numbness or tingling in one arm or hand.
Constant weakness in one arm.
Moderate pain following an injury.
Noticed that arm weakness, numbness, or tingling has become worse since you were evaluated by your health professional.
Noticed that your ongoing (chronic) pain is getting worse.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Most neck pain does not require medical care. In general, pain relief and neck movement should improve after a couple of days of home treatment that includes:
Limiting activities that increase neck pain.
Taking nonprescription pain relievers and using ice to reduce pain.
Doing gentle exercises to keep the neck flexible.
If you have severe neck pain that has not gone away after 1 or 2 days and you are unable to do your normal daily activities, call your health professional.
Who To See
Health professionals who can evaluate and treat neck pain include:
Emergency medicine doctors.
Primary care providers. This includes:
Internists.
Family medicine doctors.
Nurse practitioners.
Physician assistants.
If your neck pain is severe or long-lasting, health professionals who can treat you include:
Physical therapists.
Orthopedists.
Rheumatologists.
Neurologists.
Osteopathic doctors.
Physiatrists.
Alternative health professionals who can provide care include:
Acupuncturists.
Certified massage therapists.
Chiropractors.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
