Neck Pain
Pain of the neck (cervical spine) can last a few hours (acute) or persist, refusing to let up. Sometimes it is accompanied by shooting pain in the arm.
What Causes Neck Pain?
- Overuse of neck muscles (typically caused by hunching over a steering wheel or computer for long periods of time)
- Degenerating neck joint muscles
- Herniated disks
- Injuries such as whiplash
- Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Pinched nerves
- Tumors (though these are rare)
- Infections
- Congenital malformations
What Are the Different Kinds of Neck Pain?
- Pain that radiates down your arm
- Pain that is a dull ache
- Pain that occurs when you move your neck in a certain way
When Should You Seek Help?
Seek emergency care immediately if the pain:
- Follows a trauma such as a car accident
- Is accompanied by shooting pain down your arm or by headaches, numbness, tingling or arm weakness
With less serious pain, try self-care techniques (described below) and schedule an appointment with your physician if these fail to produce relief.
How Is Neck Pain Evaluated?
Keep a pain diary of your symptoms to show your physicians. Write down:
- The day, time and duration of pain
- Pain location
- Pain intensity, rating it from one to 10 (10 is "excruciating")
- What you were doing before or during the pain onset
- Physical activities that you participate in - most especially if you have recently started something new
- Medications you take regularly
Your physician will conduct a physical exam to assess neck mobility and nerve and muscle function, and may order X-rays, MRI, CT, myelography or EMG, to evaluate bone damage and nerve dysfunction.
How Is Neck Pain Treated?
Self-Care
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve), as directed.
- Rest.
- Alternate heat and cold: Apply ice (wrapped in a towel, not directly on skin) to your neck for 20 minutes, several times each day. In between, apply heat int eh form of a hot water bottle, warm compress or warm shower.
- Massage your neck to stimulate blood flow to the affected area.
- Try gentle stretches, such as slowly rolling your neck side to side.
- Use OTC topical anesthetic creams containing menthol or camphor, which can be soothing.
If pain doesn't improve after two weeks, your physician may prescribe:
Non-surgical options:
Surgical options:
Surgery is rarely needed for neck pain. It is usually only indicated for nerve root or spinal cord compression or herniated disks.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).