Neck pain is a common complaint.
Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
- Pain that's often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Decreased ability to move your head
- Headache
When to see a doctor
Most neck pain improves gradually with home treatment. If not, see your doctor. Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.
Contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe
- Persists for several days without relief
- Spreads down arms or legs
- Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling
Causes
Neck pain causes include:
- Muscle strains.
- Worn joints.
- Nerve compression.
- Injuries.
- Diseases.
Diagnosis
Your doctor might order imaging tests to get a better picture of the cause of your neck pain. Examples include:
- X-rays.
- CT scan.
- MRI.
Blood tests can sometimes provide evidence of inflammatory or infectious conditions that might be causing or contributing to your neck pain.
If your doctor suspects your neck pain might be related to a pinched nerve, he or she might suggest an Electromyography.
Treatment
The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond well to self-care within two or three weeks.
If neck pain persists, your doctor might recommend other treatments.
Physical therapy is also effective and a soft neck collar if needed (only for a short time).
Steroid injections may sometimes be prescribed. Very rarely, but in some clinical cases, surgical intervention is required.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581
