Neck Problems and Injuries
Neck Problems and InjuriesSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewMost people will have a minor
neck problem at one time or another. Our body movements usually do not cause
problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and
tear, overuse, or injury. Neck problems and injuries most commonly occur during
sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or projects around the
home. Neck pain may feel like a "kink," stiffness, or severe pain.
Pain may spread to the shoulders, upper back, or arms, or it may cause a
headache. Neck movement may be limited, usually more to one side than the
other. Neck pain refers to pain anywhere from the area at the base of the skull
into the shoulders. The neck includes: - The bones and joints of the cervical spine (vertebrae of the neck).
- The
discs that separate the cervical vertebrae and absorb
shock as you move.
- The muscles and
ligaments in the neck that hold the cervical spine
together.
Neck pain may be caused by an injury to one or more of these
areas, or it may have another cause. Home treatment will often help relieve
neck pain caused by minor injuries. Activities that may cause neck painNeck pain is
often caused by a strain or spasm of the neck muscles or inflammation of the
neck joints. Examples of common activities that may cause this type of minor
injury include: - Holding your head in a forward posture or odd
position while working, watching TV, or reading.
- Sleeping on a
pillow that is too high or too flat or that doesn't support your head, or sleeping on
your stomach with your neck twisted or bent.
- Spending long periods
of time resting your forehead on your upright fist or arm ("thinker's
pose").
- Stress. Tension may make the muscles that run from the back
of the head across the back of the shoulder (trapezius muscle) feel tight and
painful.
- Work or exercise that uses your upper body and
arms.
Sudden (acute) injuriesMinor neck injuries may
result from tripping, falling a short distance, or excessive twisting of the
spine. Severe neck injuries may result from whiplash in a car accident, falls
from significant heights, direct blows to the back or the top of the head,
sports-related injuries, a penetrating injury such as a stab wound, or external
pressure applied to the neck, such as
strangulation. Pain from an injury may be
sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury.
Acute injuries include: - An injury to the ligaments or muscles in the
neck, such as a
sprain or
strain. When neck pain is caused by muscle strain, you
may have aches and stiffness that spread to your upper arm, shoulder, or upper
back. Shooting pain that spreads down the arm into the hand and fingers can be
a symptom of a pinched nerve (nerve root compression). Shooting pain is more
serious if it occurs in both arms or both hands rather than just one arm or one
hand.
- A fracture or dislocation of the spine. This can cause a
spinal cord injury that may lead to permanent paralysis. It is important to
use correct first aid to immobilize and transport the injured person correctly to reduce the risk of
permanent paralysis.
- A torn or
ruptured disc. If the tear is large enough, the jellylike material inside the
disc may leak out (herniate) and press against a nerve or the spinal cord
(central disc herniation). You may have a headache, feel dizzy or sick to your
stomach, or have pain in your shoulder or down your arm.
Emergency care is required for a neck injury that causes
damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include loss of
movement or feeling, numbness, tingling, difficulty controlling the muscles of
the arms or legs, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Conditions that may cause neck problemsNeck problems
may not be related to an injury. - Arthritis or
damage to the discs of the neck can cause a pinched nerve. Neck pain caused by
a pinched nerve generally affects one side of the neck and the arm on that
side. Other symptoms may develop, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in
the arm or hand.
- Meningitis is a serious viral or
bacterial illness that causes inflammation around the tissues of the brain and
spinal cord. Symptoms come on quickly and include severe headache, stiff neck,
fever, and sometimes vomiting. The neck stiffness makes it hard or impossible
to touch the chin to the chest.
- The
flu, which usually is not serious, can cause symptoms
similar to meningitis. When neck pain is caused by flu, the neck and the rest
of the body tend to ache all over, but severe neck stiffness is
absent.
- Neck pain that occurs with chest pain may be caused by a
serious problem with the heart, such as a
heart attack.
- Stress and tension may make
the muscles that run from the back of the head across the back of the shoulder
(trapezius muscle) feel tight and painful. You may not be able to move your
head without pain.
- Torticollis is caused by severe muscle
contraction on one side of the neck, causing the head to be tilted to one side.
The chin is usually rotated toward the opposite side of the neck. Torticollis
may be present at birth (congenital) or caused by injury or disease.
TreatmentTreatment for a neck problem or injury may
include first aid measures, physical therapy, manipulative therapy (such as
chiropractic or osteopathic), medicine, and in some cases surgery. Treatment
depends on: - The location, type, and severity of the
injury.
- Your age, health condition, and activities (such as work,
sports, or hobbies).
Check your symptoms to decide if and when
you should see a doctor. Check Your SymptomsDo you have a neck injury or other neck problem? Yes Neck problem or injury How old are you? Less than 5 years Less than 5 years 5 years or older 5 years or older Have you had surgery on your neck in the past month? Yes Neck surgery in the past month No Neck surgery in the past month Have you had a major trauma in the past 2 to 3 hours? Yes Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours No Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours Do you have any numbness, tingling, or weakness or any moderate to severe pain that started after the trauma? Yes Symptoms after major trauma No Symptoms after major trauma Have you had a neck injury in the past month? Yes Neck injury in the past month No Neck injury in the past month Are you having trouble moving your neck or either arm normally? Yes Difficulty moving neck or arm No Difficulty moving neck or arm Are you able to move your arm or hand? Yes Able to move arm or hand No Unable to move arm or hand Have you had trouble moving your neck or arm for more than 2 days? Yes Difficulty moving neck or arm for more than 2 days No Difficulty moving neck or arm for more than 2 days Do you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands? Weakness is being unable to use the arm or hand normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but this is not the same as weakness. Yes Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or hands No Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or hands Did the numbness and weakness start right after the injury? Yes Numbness and weakness began immediately after injury No Numbness and weakness began immediately after injury Have the symptoms lasted for more than an hour? Yes Numbness, tingling, or weakness for more than 1 hour No Numbness, tingling, or weakness for more than 1 hour Do you have a deep wound in your head or neck? This is more than a minor cut. This type of injury usually is caused by an object going through all the layers of skin to the tissue beneath. Yes Deep wound to head or neck No Deep wound to head or neck Has sudden, severe weakness or severe numbness affected the whole arm or the whole hand? Weakness is being unable to use the arm or hand normally, no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same as weakness. Yes Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole arm or hand No Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole arm or hand Do you have trouble moving your neck? Yes Difficulty moving neck Is it very hard to move or somewhat hard to move? "Very hard" means you can't move it at all in any direction without causing severe pain. "Somewhat hard" means you can move it at least a little, though you may have some pain when you do it. Very hard Very hard to move Somewhat hard Somewhat hard to move How long have you had trouble moving your neck? Less than 2 days Difficulty moving neck for less than 2 days 2 days to 2 weeks Difficulty moving neck for 2 days to 2 weeks More than 2 weeks Difficulty moving neck for more than 2 week Has the loss of movement been: Getting worse? Difficulty moving is getting worse Staying about the same (not better or worse)? Difficulty moving is unchanged Getting better? Difficulty moving is improving Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)? Yes Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose No Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose Would you describe the breathing problem as severe, moderate, or mild? Severe Severe difficulty breathing Moderate Moderate difficulty breathing Mild Mild difficulty breathing Is your ability to breathe quickly getting worse? Yes Breathing problems are quickly worsening No Breathing problems are quickly worsening Do you have any swelling or a lump in your neck? Yes Swelling or lump in neck No Swelling or lump in neck Is it quickly getting worse? Yes Lump or swelling in neck is rapidly increasing No Lump or swelling in neck is rapidly increasing Are you hoarse or having trouble swallowing? Yes Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness No Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine? 5 to 10: Moderate to severe pain Moderate to severe pain 1 to 4: Mild pain Mild pain Has the pain: Gotten worse? Pain is increasing Stayed about the same (not better or worse)? Pain is unchanged Gotten better? Pain is improving Do you have any neck pain? How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine? 8 to 10: Severe pain Severe pain 5 to 7: Moderate pain Moderate pain 1 to 4: Mild pain Mild pain How long has the pain lasted? Less than 2 full days (48 hours) Pain less than 2 days 2 days to 2 weeks Pain 2 days to 2 weeks More than 2 weeks Pain more than 2 weeks Has the pain: Gotten worse? Pain is getting worse Stayed about the same (not better or worse)? Pain is unchanged Gotten better? Pain is getting better Do you think that the neck problem may have been caused by abuse? Yes Neck problem may have been caused by abuse No Neck problem may have been caused by abuse Do you think you may have a fever? Yes Symptoms of serious illness No Symptoms of serious illness How long have you had neck symptoms? Less than 1 week Symptoms for less than 1 week 1 to 2 weeks Symptoms for 1 to 2 weeks More than 2 weeks Symptoms for more than 2 weeks Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind
of care you may need. These include: - Your age. Babies and older
adults tend to get sicker quicker.
- Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart
disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care
sooner.
- Medicines you take. Certain
medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them
worse.
- Recent health events, such as surgery
or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them
more serious.
- Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug
use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home TreatmentYou have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be
able to take care of this problem at home. - Try home treatment to relieve the
symptoms.
- Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any
concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect).
You may need care sooner.
Pain in children under 3 years It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in. - Severe pain (8 to 10): The
pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries
constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or
grimace.
- Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is
very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds
when you try to comfort him or her.
- Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds
when you try to comfort him or her.
Pain in children 3 years and older - Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain
is so bad that the child can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep,
and can't do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe
pain for more than a few hours.
- Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child's normal activities and
sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
- Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain,
but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.
Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example: - You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
- It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).
Severe trouble breathing means:
- You cannot talk at all.
- You have to
work very hard to breathe.
- You feel like you can't get enough
air.
- You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.
Moderate trouble breathing means: - It's hard to talk in full
sentences.
- It's hard to breathe with activity.
Mild trouble breathing means: - You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
- It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.
Severe trouble breathing means: - The child cannot eat or talk because he or she is
breathing so hard.
- The child's nostrils are flaring and the belly
is moving in and out with every breath.
- The child seems to be
tiring out.
- The child seems very sleepy or confused.
Moderate trouble breathing means: - The child is breathing a lot faster than
usual.
- The child has to take breaks from eating or talking to
breathe.
- The nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times
when the child breathes.
Mild trouble breathing means: - The child is breathing a little faster than usual.
- The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk.
Pain in adults and older children - Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain
is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and
can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
- Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your
normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days.
Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's
there.
- Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain,
but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.
Major trauma is any event that can
cause very serious injury, such as: - A fall from more than
10 ft (3.1 m) [more than
5 ft (1.5 m) for children under
2 years and adults over 65].
- A car crash in which any vehicle
involved was going more than
20 miles (32 km) per
hour.
- Any event that causes severe bleeding that you cannot
control.
- Any event forceful enough to badly break a large bone (like an arm bone or leg bone).
Symptoms of serious illness may
include: - A severe headache.
- A stiff
neck.
- Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less
alert.
- Extreme fatigue (to the point where it's hard for you to
function).
- Shaking chills.
Symptoms of a heart attack may
include: - Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of
breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a
strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both
shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden
weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely it is that
you're having a heart attack. Chest pain or pressure is the most common
symptom, but some people, especially women, may not notice it as much as other
symptoms. You may not have chest pain at all but instead have shortness of breath, nausea, or a strange feeling in your chest or other areas. Call 911 NowBased on your answers, you need
emergency care. Call911or other emergency services now. Seek Care NowBased on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. - Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and
arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have
one, seek care in the next hour.
- You do not need to call an
ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving
yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area
where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.
Call 911 NowBased on your answers, you need
emergency care. Call911or other emergency services now. Do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to the person's life, such as
a fire. If you have to move the person, keep the head and neck supported and in
a straight line at all times. If the person has had a diving accident and is
still in the water, float the person face up in the water. Seek Care TodayBased on your answers, you may need care soon. The
problem probably will not get better without medical care. - Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms
and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't
have one, seek care today.
- If it is evening, watch the symptoms and
seek care in the morning.
- If the symptoms get worse, seek care
sooner.
Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical
care. - Make an appointment to see your doctor in the
next 1 to 2 weeks.
- If appropriate, try home treatment while you
are waiting for the appointment.
- If symptoms get worse or you have
any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Call 911 NowBased on your answers, you need
emergency care. Call911or other emergency services now. After you call
911 , the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength (325 mg) or 2
to 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself. Postoperative Problems Home TreatmentHome treatment may help relieve
pain, swelling, and stiffness related to a neck problem. - There isn't strong evidence that heat or ice helps. But you can try using them to see if they help you.
- Try using a heating pad on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Try a warm shower in place of one session. You can also buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours.
- You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and
encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes
pain.
- Continue with your usual daily
activities unless you have severe neck and back pain. Modify or avoid any
activity that makes your pain worse.
- Practice good
posture. Avoid slouching or a head-forward
posture.
- When sleeping, place a small support pillow under your
neck, not under your head.
- When the pain begins to get better,
start doing
neck exercises. Do each exercise twice a day, 5 times
each, and gradually increase to 10 times each. Do not do any exercises that
cause pain.
- If tension is contributing to your neck pain,
massage may be helpful.
Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood
supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic
Quitting Smoking. Medicine you can buy without a prescription| Try a nonprescription
medicine to help treat your fever or pain: |
|---|
Talk to your child's doctor before switching back and
forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two
medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine. | Safety tips| Be sure to follow these
safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: |
|---|
- Carefully read and follow all directions
on the medicine bottle and box.
- Do not take more than the
recommended dose.
- Do not take a medicine if you have had an
allergic reaction to it in the past.
- If
you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take
it.
- If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other
than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.
| Other home treatment may help for problems that are
related to neck pain, such as: Symptoms to watch for during home treatmentCall your doctor if any of the following occur during home
treatment: - New or increased weakness or numbness in your
arms develops.
- Pain becomes severe or lasts longer than 2
weeks.
- Symptoms do not improve.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
PreventionTo help prevent neck pain caused by posture or body mechanics: - Avoid slouching or a head-forward posture. Sit straight in
your chair with your lower back supported, feet flat on the floor, and
shoulders relaxed. Don't sit for long periods without getting up or
changing positions. Take short breaks several times an hour to
stretch your neck muscles.
- If you work at a computer, adjust the monitor so the top of
the screen is at eye level. Use a document holder that puts your work at the
same level as the screen. For more information, see the topic
Office Ergonomics.
- If you use the telephone a lot, use a headset or
speaker phone. Don't cradle the phone on your shoulder.
- Adjust the seat of your car to a more upright position that supports
your head and lower back. Make sure that you are not reaching for the steering
wheel while driving. Your arms should be in a slightly flexed, comfortable
position.
- Use proper
lifting techniques. Lift with your knees, not your back.
- Make sure children and teenagers use school bags and backpacks correctly.
To help prevent neck pain caused by your sleep habits: - Use a pillow that keeps your neck straight. Special neck support pillows called cervical pillows or rolls may
relieve neck stress. You can also fold a towel lengthwise into a pad that is
4 in. (10 cm) wide, wrap it
around your neck, and pin it in position for good support.
- Don't sleep on your stomach with your neck twisted or
bent.
- If you read in bed, prop up the book so you aren't using
your arms to hold it up and bending your neck forward. Consider using a
wedge-shaped pillow to support your arms and keep your neck in a neutral
position.
Other prevention tips: Preparing For Your AppointmentTo prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your
doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the
following questions: - What are your main symptoms?
- How long
have you had your symptoms?
- If you were injured, how and when did
the injury occur? How was it treated?
- What were you doing at the
time the neck pain started?
- Have you recently been in a fight or
been slapped, punched, or strangled?
- Have you had any injuries in
the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the
previous injury?
- If you have chronic neck pain, has the pain
changed significantly?
- Do you have numbness or weakness in your
arms or legs?
- What activities related to sports, work, or your
lifestyle make your symptoms better or worse?
- Do you think that
activities related to your job or hobbies caused your
symptoms?
- What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they
help?
- What nonprescription medicines have you taken? Did they
help?
- Do you have any
health risks?
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Current as ofMarch 20, 2017 Current as of:
March 20, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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