Symptoms of neck pain

Neck pain can feel different depending on the cause. It may be local to the neck or spread to the shoulders, arms or head.

Common symptoms

• Dull, aching or sharp pain in the neck
• Stiffness and difficulty turning the head
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Pain that gets worse with certain positions, such as looking down or driving
• Tender spots in the neck and shoulder muscles
• Headache starting at the back of the head (tension-type headache)

Symptoms of nerve involvement

• Pain, tingling or numbness spreading down one arm or into the fingers
• Weakness in the arm or hand, or trouble gripping
• Shooting pain on neck movement or coughing

Less common symptoms

• Dizziness with certain neck movements
• Pain in the upper back or between the shoulder blades
• Clicking or grinding sounds, which are often harmless

See a doctor if

• Pain lasts more than 1 to 2 weeks without improvement
• Pain is severe or keeps you awake at night
• There is numbness or weakness in the arm
• There is unexplained weight loss or fever

Go to an emergency (112 or 102) if

• Neck pain follows an injury or fall
• There is weakness in both arms or legs, trouble walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control
• Neck pain comes with fever, severe headache and stiff neck, or a rash
• There is chest pain, sweating or breathlessness
• A sudden severe headache with neck pain

Ayurvedic view

Stiffness and pain in the neck are described as Manyastambha. This is interpretive.

Remember

Pain spreading to the arm, weakness or any red flag needs a doctor.