Neck pain

• strain and spasm of the neck muscles
  • most common cause
  • neck pain in the morning may be the result of sleeping habits

• influenza
  • suspected when the neck pain is associated with fever , muscle aches , and a headache

• arthritis
• neck injury which causes a "pinched nerve"
  • When this is the cause of neck pain, the pain may extend down the arm, or there may be numbness or tingling sensations in the arm or hand.
  • This pain maybe only on one side, and neck stiffness is not significant.

• infection
• mononucleosis
• German measles
• in rare cases, cancer

Note: There may be other causes of neck pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for neck pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Neck pain that results from sleeping habits may be helped by sleeping on a firm surface without a pillow.

Warmth may be useful in relieving spasms and pain. Heat may be applied with hot showers, hot compresses, or a heating pad.

Over-the-counter pain medications will help relieve pain and inflammation.

Neck pain may be slow to improve and may take several weeks to completely go away, so be patient.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• the pain does not lessen in a week.
• the pain is associated with fever and headache , or the neck is so stiff that the chin cannot touch the chest.
• the pain travels down one arm, or if there is numbness or tingling in the arm.
• there are painful or swollen glands in the neck that do not clear up in a few days.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your neck pain in detail may include:

• location
  • Is it in the front part of neck?
  • Is it on the side?
  • Are both sides the same (symmetrical)?
  • Is it in the back of the neck?

• associated complaints
  • Did neck pain occur prior to the onset of brain/nervous system losses ( weakness , loss of speech, etc.)?
  • Can the chin be bent forward and touch the chest?

• time pattern
  • When did the pain first develop?
  • Is it there all the time or does it come and go?
  • If it comes and goes, is there a pattern to the occurrences?
  • Is it getting worse?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there neck weakness?
  • Is there neck stiffness ?
  • Is there a neck lump ?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• X-rays of the neck
• CT scan of the neck
• blood tests such as CBC or blood differential
• cerebrospinal fluid analysis

Intervention:
A muscle relaxant may be prescribed and possibly a more powerful pain reliever . Prescription drugs are not necessarily better than over-the-counter medications. The doctor may prescribe a neck collar or, if there is nerve damage, refer to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for consultation.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to neck pain to your personal medical record.