Neck Pain – Causes and Treatments

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.

Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In many cases, it’s due to poor posture or overuse. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash.

Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. In some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require a doctor’s care. If you have neck pain that continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of neck pain

Neck pain or stiffness can happen for a variety of reasons.

Muscle tension and strain

This is usually due to activities and behaviors such as:

• poor posture
• working at a desk for too long without changing position
• sleeping with your neck in a bad position
• jerking the neck during exercise

Injury

The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their normal range. If the neck bones, or cervical vertebrae, are fractured, the spinal cord may also be damaged. Neck injury due to sudden jerking of the head is commonly called “whiplash.”

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack, but it often presents with other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:

• shortness of breath
• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• arm or jaw pain

If your neck hurts and you have other symptoms of heart attack, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In people who have meningitis, a fever and a headache often occur with a stiff neck. Meningitis can be fatal and is a medical emergency. If you have the symptoms of meningitis, seek help immediately.

Other causes

Other causes include the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling of the joints, and bone spurs. When these occur in the neck area, neck pain can result.
• Osteoporosis weakens bones and can lead to small fractures. This condition often happens in hands or knees, but it can also occur in the neck.
• Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the neck and shoulder region.
• As you age, the cervical discs can degenerate. This is known as spondylosis or osteoarthritis of the neck. This can narrow the space between the vertebrae and adds stress to your joints.
• When a disc protrudes, as from a trauma or injury, it may add pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots. This is called a herniated cervical disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc.
• Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots as it exits the vertebrae. This can be due to long-term inflammation caused by arthritis or other conditions.

In rare instances, neck stiffness or pain occurs due to:

• congenital abnormalities
• infections
• abscesses
• tumors
• cancer of the spine

When to see your doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a week, consult with your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have:

• severe neck pain without apparent cause
• a lump in your neck
• a fever
• a headache
• swollen glands
• nausea
• vomiting
• trouble swallowing or breathing
• weakness
• numbness
• tingling
• pain that radiates down your arms or legs
• an inability to move your arms or hands
• an inability to touch your chin to your chest
• bladder or bowel dysfunction

If you’ve been in an accident or fall and your neck hurts, seek medical care immediately.

How neck pain is treated

You doctor will perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history. Be prepared to tell your doctor about the specifics of your symptoms. You should also let them know about all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements you’ve been taking. Even if it doesn’t seem related, you should let your doctor know about any recent injuries or accidents you’ve had.

Treatment for neck pain depends on the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough history and physical exam by your doctor, you may also need one or more of the following imaging studies and tests to help your doctor determine the cause of your neck pain:

• blood tests
• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• electromyography, which allows your doctor to check the health of your muscles and the nerves that control your muscles
• a lumbar puncture, or a spinal tap

Depending on the results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.

Treatment for neck pain may include:

• ice and heat therapy
• exercise, stretching, and physical therapy
• pain medication
• corticosteroid injections
• muscle relaxants
• a neck collar
• traction
• antibiotics if you have an infection
• hospital treatment if a condition such as meningitis or heart attack is the cause
• surgery, which is rarely necessary

Alternative therapies include:

• acupuncture
• chiropractic
• massage
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Make sure you’re seeing a licensed professional when using these methods.

How to ease neck pain at home