Neck Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Neck pain with chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• Neck pain that began after an injury to the head: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older or Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Puncture Wounds.

Yes

Do you have a stiff neck with signs of a serious illness?

Yes

Do you have neck pain with arm pain?

Yes

Do you have neck pain with numbness or tingling in one or both arms?

Yes

Do you have neck pain with weakness in one or both arms?

Yes

Did your neck pain start after a recent injury?

Yes

Do you have neck pain with no known injury?

Yes

Do you have swelling in your neck?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Back pain: Go to the topic Back Problems and Injuries.
• Shoulder pain: Go to the topic Shoulder Problems and Injuries.
• Headache: Go to the topic Headaches.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	August 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer