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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffNeck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own in a few days and doesn't need medical care. To help relieve discomfort, try these self-care tips:
- Ice. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to your neck for 15 minutes three or more times a day.
- Heat. Taking a hot shower or bath can help relax strained muscles.
- Stretching. Stretch your neck muscles by turning your neck gently from side to side and up and down.
- Massage. Rubbing the sore places in your neck can help relieve muscle spasms.
- Good posture. Practice good posture, especially if you sit at a computer all day. Keep your back supported, and make sure that your computer monitor is at eye level.
Schedule an office visit
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Neck pain that is getting worse in spite of self-care
- Neck pain that persists after several weeks of self-care
- Neck pain that radiates down your arms or legs
- A loss of control of your bowels or bladder
Seek emergency medical care
Call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you have severe neck pain that's associated with:
- Traumatic injury. Examples include car collisions, diving accidents or falls.
- Muscle weakness. Weakness in an arm or leg or trouble walking may be a sign of a more serious problem.
- High fever. If you have severe neck pain with a high fever, you might have meningitis, an infection of the membrane covering your spinal cord and brain.
- Neck pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00231. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Isaac Z, et al. Patient information: Neck pain. http:www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Rindfleisch JA. Neck pain. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208022216-3/1020371207/1494/111.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50068-5_3310. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Isaac Z. Evaluation of the patient with neck pain and cervical spine disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- What a pain in the neck! American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/pain/necktips.htm. Accessed July 2, 2010.
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