Neck Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have neck pain with no known injury?

See significance of neck pain without a known injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have new severe neck pain?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have ongoing (chronic) pain that is getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that has not improved after 2 days of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have mild pain that has not improved after 1 week of home treatment?

Yes

Have you had neck pain for 2 weeks or longer?

Yes

Have you had a stiff neck that causes mild pain with movement for 1 week or longer?

Yes

Have you had a stiff neck that keeps you from moving your neck normally for 1 week or longer?

Yes

Have you had a stiff neck without other symptoms for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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