Neck Pain (pain/discomfort that can occur in the back, side or front of the neck)
|
Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Neck injury with loss of movement/function in arms, legs, bowel or bladder
- Stiff neck plus any one of the following: severe headache, fever, vision changes, (blurring, flashing lights, light sensitivity) nausea/vomiting, change in color or mental state
- Chest pain that moves to the neck/jaw with or without any of the following: breathing problems, cool sweaty skin, change in color or mental state
- Severe neck pain with movement or numbness, tingling in arms
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
|
 |
|
|
| Neck pain may be a symptom of stress and emotional tension
Sleeping in an awkward position often causes neck pain
Neck pain may last from several days to several weeks and is affected by movement and position
Other causes of neck pain include meningitis, thyroiditis, arthritis and cervical disc problems |
|
Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Neck pain caused by sudden movement with or without dizziness, headache, difficulty walking or nausea
- Fever, pain in front of neck, difficulty swallowing
- Fever, neck pain, swollen glands, muscle aches and sore throat
- Stiffness, tenderness that worsens with movement
- Symptoms continue after 3-5 days of self-management
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
|
 |
|
Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain, if no reasons to the contrary
- Wear a soft collar to support the neck and limit movement
- Rest neck by placing a rolled towel at the base of the neck
- Apply ice pack or moist heat to relieve pain
- Avoid poor posture and positions that strain the neck
- Start neck-strengthening exercises after pain subsides as recommended by your Health Care Provider
- Sleep on your back
|
