Neck pain is common, especially in older adults. Many of the causes of low back pain can also cause neck pain. Damage to your bones, muscles, or ligaments (short, tough bands of tissue that hold your bones together at a joint) can cause neck pain. Damage to your nerves or spinal cord can also cause neck pain.
Most neck pain is caused by sprains and strains—this pain gets better on its own
If you have neck pain and have lost strength or feeling, see a doctor right away
When should I see a doctor for my neck pain?
See your doctor right away if you have neck pain and any of these warning signs:
Loss of strength in your neck, or in one or both of your arms or legs
Numbness in one or both of your arms or legs
Fever
Night sweats
Headache
Tiredness or confusion
Chest discomfort or feeling like you can't catch your breath
Pain that happens or gets worse when you exercise
Problems with swallowing
See your doctor within a day
If you have neck pain without warning signs, you can wait a few days or call your doctor to talk about how soon you should be seen.
What causes neck pain?
The most common cause of neck pain is:
Muscle strain or ligament sprains
Other common causes include:
Muscle spasms
Osteoarthritis (when the protective tissue at the ends of bones wears away)
Cervical spondylosis (wear and tear on your vertebrae and disks, which is common as you age)
Torn or herniated (bulging) disk in your spine (the disk presses against the nerve root and causes pain)
All-over body pain (such as occurs in fibromyalgia) may also affect the neck
Less common causes that are serious:
A tear in the lining of the neck artery (dissection)
Infection
What will happen at my doctor visit?
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and health history and do a physical exam.
Usually, no tests are needed. In certain cases, doctors may do:
How do doctors treat neck pain?
Doctors will:
Treat the cause of your neck pain
Apply heat or cold to the painful area—cold is best during the first 2 days after an injury, then use heat
Have you avoid activities that cause your neck pain
Have you do physical therapy, which includes stretching and strengthening exercises
How can I prevent neck pain?
Exercise, including muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises
Keep your back straight when standing and sitting
Sleep on your back or side with your head supported, but not raised
Don't stand or sit for long periods
