All About Neck Pain
The neck—or cervical spine—is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles. It has the important job of providing support and mobility for the head, but sometimes it can become painful.
Several problems cause pain in the neck. Irritation along nerve pathways in the neck can cause shoulder, head, arm, and hand pain. Additionally, irritation of the spinal cord can cause pain in the legs and other areas below the neck.
Neck pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks, but pain that persists for months could signal an underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary for the best results.
Neck Pain Range of Symptoms
Neck pain can range from being minor and easily ignored to excruciating and interfering with daily activities, such as the ability to dress, concentrate, or sleep. Sometimes neck pain can lead to a stiff neck and reduced range of motion.
The duration of neck pain is commonly classified as follows:
- Acute. Pain that lasts less than 4 weeks.
- Subacute. Pain that lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic. Pain that lasts 3 or more months.
Neck pain may be sharp and located in one spot, or it might feel less intense but spread across a broader region. Sometimes the pain gets referred up to the head or accompanies a headache. Other times it can be accompanied by muscle spasms in the neck, upper back, or around the shoulder blade. Less commonly, shock-like pain or tingling may radiate down into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.
The Course of Neck Pain
Neck pain is common among adults, but it can occur at any age. In 3 months, about 15% of U.S. adults have neck pain that lasts at least one full day. Neck pain can develop suddenly, such as from an injury, or it may develop slowly over time, such as from years of poor posture or wear and tear.
The pain can be alleviated with self-care, such as rest, icing the area, or improving posture. Sometimes medical treatments are needed, such as medication, physical therapy, or injection therapy. If nonsurgical treatments are not helping, surgical options may be considered. Before deciding on surgery, the surgeon must answer all of the patient’s questions. The procedure’s potential risks, benefits, and possible alternatives must be carefully explained.
A doctor should be consulted if pain persists or continues to interfere with routine activities, such as sleeping through the night.
When Neck Pain Is Serious
Some signs and symptoms associated with neck pain could indicate the health of a nerve root or the spinal cord is at risk, or perhaps there is an underlying disease or infection. These “red flag” signs and symptoms may include fever or chills, pain or tingling that radiates into the arm(s) or leg(s), problems with balance or coordination, or other troublesome signs. A doctor must be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Severe neck pain from a trauma, such as a hard fall or car crash, needs emergency care.