Neck pain can be a nuisance, especially when it interferes with daily activities. But it can also signal a serious problem. If your neck pain is severe or does not improve after a few days, schedule an appointment with your neck pain doctors.
In general, mild neck pain is caused by poor posture, straining during exercise, or a slip-and-fall accident. It is often relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; applying heat or ice to the area and gentle neck exercises. A primary care physician and, for more serious problems, a neck specialist such as a neurosurgeon may be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Some neck pain is not just a symptom of an injury or condition, but is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness and nausea. This could be a sign of meningitis, which is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes around your brain and spinal cord. This illness can lead to numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, as well as weakness in your muscles.
Severe neck injuries such as whiplash and herniated disks may require immediate medical attention. The most common signs and symptoms of these injuries include stiffness, soreness or aching in your neck, head or shoulders; a sharp, stabbing or shooting sensations in your neck; numbness, tingling or weakness in your shoulders, arms or hands; inability to turn your head; or loss of muscle strength in the affected areas.
A physical exam and a review of your medical history will be performed by your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and when they began, how long they last, where in your neck you feel them and whether it is more intense on one side of your neck. He or she will then check how you move your neck and may gently press on the supporting muscles to look for tenderness.
An X-ray or CT scan may be used to help identify the cause of your neck pain. A computed tomography scan shows bones, spinal discs and nerves, and can be useful in determining if bone spurs are causing the neck pain. An MRI is a more detailed examination of the neck muscles, bones and discs, and can show inflammation or other problems. Electrodiagnostic tests can help determine the source of the pain by measuring how your nerves respond to physical stimulation.
Your doctor will probably order blood tests to help determine if an infection or other illness is causing your neck pain. A CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, chemistry and markers of inflammation can be helpful in identifying these conditions. These tests can also be used to rule out other causes of your neck pain, such as rheumatological illnesses or cancers. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend other diagnostic procedures.