Neck Pain

Loss of strength in your neck, or in one or both of your arms or legs

Numbness in one or both of your arms or legs

Fever

Night sweats

Headache

Tiredness or confusion

Chest discomfort or feeling like you can't catch your breath

Pain that happens or gets worse when you exercise

Problems with swallowing

Muscle strain or ligament sprains

Muscle spasms

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) Arthritis is a group of diseases that makes your joints hurt, swell up, and turn red. There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In osteoarthritis... read more (when the protective tissue at the ends of bones wears away)

Cervical spondylosis Cervical Spondylosis Cervical spondylosis is degeneration of the bones in the neck (vertebrae) and the disks between them, putting pressure on (compressing) the spinal cord in the neck. Osteoarthritis is the most... read more (wear and tear on your vertebrae and disks, which is common as you age)

Torn or herniated (bulging) disk in your spine (the disk presses against the nerve root and causes pain)

All-over body pain (such as occurs in fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes you to have pain and tenderness all over your body, extreme tiredness, and sleep problems. You may have pain, stiffness, or achiness throughout your body... read more ) may also affect the neck

A tear in the lining of the neck artery (dissection)

Meningitis Introduction to Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges (subarachnoid space). Meningitis can be... read more

A spinal tumor Spinal Tumors A spinal tumor is a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) growth in or around the spinal cord. People may have weak muscles, lose sensation in particular areas of the body, or become... read more

Infection

X-rays Plain X-Rays A plain x-ray is an imaging test that takes a picture of the inside of your body. It uses a low dose of x-ray radiation. X-rays show body parts according to how dense (solid) they are. Doctors... read more

CT scan Computed Tomography A CT scan uses a large machine shaped like a large donut to take x-rays from many angles. A computer then takes the x-rays and creates many detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Each... read more

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is a test that uses a machine with a powerful magnet to make pictures of the inside of your body. A computer records changes in the magnetic field around your body. The computer then uses... read more

Electromyography and nerve conduction studies Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies Your brain tells your muscles what to do by sending electrical signals to them. The signals travel down your spinal cord and then through different nerves to your muscles. EMG and nerve conduction... read more

Treat the cause of your neck pain

Suggest you take pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or an NSAID

Apply heat or cold to the painful area—cold is best during the first 2 days after an injury, then use heat

Have you avoid activities that cause your neck pain

Have you do physical therapy Physical Therapy (PT) Physical therapy, a component of rehabilitation, involves exercising and manipulating the body with an emphasis on the back, upper arms, and legs. It can improve joint and muscle function, helping... read more , which includes stretching and strengthening exercises

Exercise, including muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises

Keep your back straight when standing and sitting

Sleep on your back or side with your head supported, but not raised

Don't stand or sit for long periods