What is neck pain?

Neck pain may be caused by many different factors. These include soft tissue injuries, infection, and spine or joint dysfunction. Because the neck is relatively unprotected, it is more vulnerable to these kinds of injuries. For many people the pain dissipates over time or can be controlled by pain medication, but for others more serious intervention is required. Treatments for severe and persistent neck pain include steroid and trigger point injections, nerve blocks, joint mobilization, prolotherapy, electrical stimulation, and physical therapy.

When should you seek medical care?

If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately. Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.

If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is

• Continuous and persistent
  
• Severe
  
• Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs
  
• Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness
  
  

How is a cause of my pain determined?

The cause of in individual's pain is determined through a careful history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Serious causes of neck pain should be ruled out depending on the patient's signs and symptoms. Diagnostic testing usually consists of radiographic imaging such as plain x-rays, MRI scans, quantitative sensory testing, and targeted diagnostic nerve blocks. A combination of tests is often required.

What information is important to tell my physician about my pain?

It is important for the patient to give a complete history of their pain. In particular, is important to note the location, quality, intensity, and duration of the pain, aggravating factors, whether or not the pain radiates, things that may have caused the pain, the amount of time that one experiences pain during the day or week. Other symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, fever, and weight loss should also be mentioned. It is also important that patients make available x-ray studies, notes of prior treatments, a history of serious illnesses, and pain as it relates to the workplace. It is also important to let your physician know if you have any litigation pending in regards to your neck pain.