Complications and Risks of neck pain

Most neck pain settles without lasting harm. But in some cases it leads to problems, especially when nerves or the spinal cord are involved.

Chronic pain

Pain lasting more than 3 months can become a long-term problem, affecting sleep, mood and work.

Pinched nerve (radiculopathy)

Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand. Most improve with treatment, but some need injections or surgery.

Spinal cord compression (myelopathy)

Pressure on the cord from wear, a disc or a tumour can cause clumsy hands, trouble walking, balance problems and loss of bladder or bowel control. It needs urgent specialist care.

Headaches

Neck problems can cause cervicogenic headaches and worsen tension headaches.

Reduced movement

Stiffness and poor range of neck motion that limit daily activity and driving.

Emotional effects

Anxiety, low mood and poor sleep are common with long-lasting pain.

Complications of treatment

• NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems
• Muscle relaxants cause drowsiness
• Forceful neck manipulation by untrained people can injure arteries and cause stroke or damage to the spinal cord

Serious underlying causes

Infection, fracture, tumour or inflammatory disease may show up as neck pain with fever, weight loss or night pain.

Reducing the risk

Treat acute pain early, keep moving, fix posture and seek care for red flags.

Emergency (112 or 102)

Weakness in the limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, neck pain after injury, fever with stiff neck, or chest pain.

Remember

Early advice and exercise prevent most long-term problems.