What are the signs of neck problems?
Neck symptoms are symptoms that lead to pain or discomfort in the neck, not including the throat. Such symptoms mainly affect the nerves, muscles, immune system (including the lymph nodes), and skin of the neck.
Neck symptoms can arise from many causes. Some of the most common are injury to the neck, muscle strain, or tension, often caused by poor posture. Neck symptoms may also result from infection or inflammation. A variety of other conditions or disorders, most of which are rare, can also result in neck pain and discomfort.
For mild neck pain related to tension or muscle aches, over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs may help alleviate neck symptoms. Stretching, massage, hot or cold compresses, and improving posture may also improve mild neck discomfort.
In more serious cases, medical intervention may be required to treat the cause of your neck symptoms. If your neck symptoms are related to infection or minor injury, medical treatment will generally resolve symptoms.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for symptoms of spinal cord injury, such as the inability to move your neck, limbs, fingers or toes. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have fever, headache, and a stiff neck, or if you experience difficulty breathing, as these may be signs of meningitis, an infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord.
If your neck symptoms are persistent or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care. Seek medical care if you experience any numbness or tingling, appear to have symptoms related to an injury, or if neck pain is interfering with your sleep and daily activities.
