Neck pain
Alternative names:
pain in the neck; sore neck
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 health care 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 at your health care provider's office:
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
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: 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.
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